Munda, on the southwestern tip of New Georgia Island in the Solomon Islands’ Western Province, is a top spot for diving, history, and off-the-beaten-path travel. Located on Roviana Lagoon, it offers clear waters, coral reefs, WWII wrecks, and marine life like hammerheads and pygmy seahorses. Visitors can explore wartime relics, paddle through mangroves, and visit Skull Island, a traditional burial site.

Gizo, the capital of the Western Province and the Solomon Islands’ second-largest town, has a rich past and vibrant culture. Once home to Melanesian tribes and a key WWII site, it later became a colonial trade hub. Today, it’s known for its stunning beaches, traditional customs, and access to top dive spots and nearby islands.

This exciting tour extension gives you the rare chance to experience both of these remote, fascinating locations in one trip.

Once returning to Honiara, those joining us for our Papua New Guinea Mount Hagen Festival Tour & Bougainville Tour can join us all the way to Port Moresby or YPT can assist with your post-tour accommodation in Honiara. This tour can be done as a standalone, or as an extension to our Least Visited Countries tour.

Friday 8 August – Honiara – Munda: Least Visited Countries Extension Tour

Morning

• The Least Visited Countries tour concludes and the extension to Gizo island begins today.
• Transfer to airport and board flight departing at 7:30 AM flight and arriving in beautiful Munda Island at 9:05 AM.
• Transfer to hotel the Agnes Lodge Munda.

Afternoon

• After check-in, head out with your local, expert guide for a comprehensive tour of Munda Island and uncover the untouched battle sites of the Pacific War on this immersive WWII land tour through the jungles and ridges of Munda. Perfect for history buffs, explorers, and anyone looking to experience the rarely told stories of the Solomon Islands.
• *ALTERNATIVE ACTIVITY* YPT can arrange diving packages at an additional cost as an alternative activity to the island tour.
• First we’ll visit Japanese battery guns hidden in the jungle at Kindu, then walk through a wartime tunnel at Kokeqolo, and explore the strategic ridges of Horseshoe and Bartley – sites of fierce combat.
• Lunch stop in town.
• Next we’ll stop at Christmas Hill Cemetery and stand where Allied forces landed at Liajana Beach, and wrap up with an eye-opening visit to the Peter Joseph WWII Museum before returning to town.
• Dinner and overnight in Munda.

Saturday 9 August – Gizo Island

Morning

• Breakfast at the hotel.
• Early start to the day by hopping on a boat at Agnes Lodge, skimming across the waters amid Munda’s maze of islets. The ride itself is half the fun, with scenic lagoon cruising where you can even pause for a quick swim or snorkel in the clear water if the mood strikes.
• Your first stop is the legendary Skull Island, a tiny jungle-topped atoll located in Vona Vona Lagoon. Here, hidden under a thatched shelter, lies an eerie yet fascinating shrine of human skulls – trophy heads of long-ago Roviana chiefs from the region’s head hunting days.
• After checking out this mystical spot, we’ll climb back aboard and zoom off to the next adventure. Kennedy Island is up next – a palm-fringed speck with a huge history. It’s famously the very island where a young future US President John F. Kennedy and his crew swam ashore after their PT-109 patrol boat sank in WWII. Today there’s not a hint of strife here: you’ll beach the boat on powdery sand, walk in JFK’s footsteps, and then don your snorkel gear. The island is ringed by crystal-clear water full of colorful reef fish, coral gardens, and even the odd clownfish or two, making it a snorkeler’s dream.
• Back on the boat, you’ll cruise onward to Gizo Island and dock at Gizo Town, the capital of the Western Province. In Gizo you’ll have a chance to stretch your legs and explore: wander the small market where locals sell tropical fruits and handicrafts, chat with friendly vendors, or simply enjoy the slow pace of Solomon Islands life far from the bustle of Honiara.
• For lunch, savor fresh seafood at the iconic Gizo Hotel’s open-air restaurant (with an ice-cold lager and ocean views on the side).
• A short hop away is Imagination Island, a postcard-perfect private island resort just off Gizo. True to its name, Imagination Island feels like a dream – tiny, tranquil, and surrounded by a shallow coral reef buzzing with marine life. If you skipped lunch in town, the island’s little restaurant can whip up something delicious (perhaps coconut crab or catch-of-the-day) while you kick back and enjoy the sea breeze. Afterward, you might slip back into the water for one more snorkel session. Otherwise, take a stroll along the powdery sand, watch hermit crabs scuttle by, or curl up in a hammock under the coconut palms.
• With the sun beginning to lower, casting golden light over the lagoon, you’ll head back to Munda.
• Dinner and overnight in Munda.

Sunday 10 August – Gizo – Honiara 

Morning

• Breakfast in hotel
• 5:00 AM departure to catch the 6:30 AM flight to Honiara, arriving at 7:30 AM.
• Upon our arrival at the hotel, we’ll take the opportunity to unwind after a month on the road. This day will be dedicated to doing laundry, catching up on emails, and relaxing before we set off on our exciting adventure in Papua New Guinea.
• Overnight in Honiara. 

Monday 11 August – Honiara – Port Moresby 

• Breakfast in hotel
• Transfer to the airport to take the 11:40am flight to Port Moresby, arriving at 1:00pm.
• Overnight in Port Moresby 

Price inclusive of:

• Return airfare from Honiara to Gizo (Group A)
• Onward airfare and twin-share accomodation in Port Moresby (Group B)
• Twin-share room in hotel
• Snorkeling excursion
• Continental breakfasts
• YPT & local guides

Price exclusive of:

• International departure flight to onward destination
• Single supplement (Group A + $100, Group B +$200)
• Scuba diving excursion (+ $150)
• Lunches, dinners & drinks
• Personal expenses
• Tips for local guides