Transport
The Solomons has very limited transport infrastructure. We do our best to make these transport connections work but delays are always a possibility and 'the journey is the destination' is a good phrase to keep in mind.
We make use of a range of interisland ships, vehicles for the very few roads, and outboard motor boats for access to the surf and moving between areas where there are no roads.
To get to the surf zone we travel on public inter island ships. Generally we take the slow boat across which is an overnight journey on your first night in the Solomons. Its an adventure in itself that takes 8-10 hours at sea in a large timber ship. We sleep on mats under a canopy and will get to know the locals and see how they travel. At dawn we will be greeted by sunrise behind our destination island and our road transport waiting at the wharf. On the return trip we usually go on a double decker fast boat which takes about 3 hours in comfortable bus like seats in an air conditioned cabin.
To get up to the surf zone of the island we travel in our own 4WD or buses. The journey takes 3 to 5 hours and is very scenic and a good time to brief you on rural life and the cultural norms and history of villages in the Solomons. We usually stop at a beautiful river along the way for lunch and a swim.
Once we are in the bay and the lagoon we have our own outboard motor boat/s for daily transfers to the surf and other excursions. These boats and our local knowledge of each area is essential to get to the outer reefs and find the best waves available. To get between the three stops on a typical tour we also travel by outboard motor boat.
Dugout canoes are available at each location for fishing or just cruising around.