Making the most of Gizo
Use these notes to shape a realistic day ashore, then confirm any time-sensitive information for the date of your call.
Arriving at the port
Passengers go ashore here by tender.
With about 6,000 residents, Gizo is the capital of the Solomon Islands’ Western Province and the country's second-largest town. Kennedy Island is a short boat ride away and is linked to the PT-109 story, when former US President John Kennedy, then a lieutenant, swam for his life after a Japanese destroyer rammed his patrol boat.
Getting around
There is no public transport, leaving taxis as the only way to travel within town (20-30 SBD).
Specialist full-day diving tours explore WWII wrecks and reefs said to have some of the world's highest fish counts. Other options include WWII-site tours, bird watching, snorkelling, surf drops, game fishing and village tours.
Money
The local currency is the Solomon Islands Dollar (SBD). Notes come in SI$5, SI$10, SI$20, SI$50 and SI$100 denominations; coins include 10, 20 and 50 cents, plus SI$1 and SI$2. Local bank branches offer currency exchange.