Gizo Island, capital of Solomon’s Western Province and the country’s second biggest city, has a rich history that encompasses the story of the Solomon Islands. It was originally inhabited by Melanesian tribes, including a tribe of headhunters who were wiped out when the rest of the island’s tribes united to defeat them. Gizo was also an important trading hub due to its strategic location and natural harbor. In the late 19th century, the island attracted European missionaries and traders, which significantly influenced the local culture and society. During World War II, Gizo was occupied by Japanese forces and later became a site of conflict between Allied forces and the Japanese, leading to significant changes in the Pacific Theater. Today, Gizo Island is known not only for being one of the Solomon Islands’ most beautiful destinations, but also for its cultural heritage, with remnants of its colonial past and traditional practices still visible in the local way of life.

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 – Gizo: 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 8am and arriving in beautiful Gizo Island at 9:35am. 
• Transfer to hotel the Gizo Hotel.

Afternoon

• Enjoy a delightful lunch near the hotel before embarking on an exciting exploration of Gizo town with a private driver. Your journey will take you to notable highlights such St. Peter’s the Apostle Catholic Cathedral, the Prison Gate on the east side of Gizo, and the Dive Gizo Gift Shop. After, you will drive along the west side of the island, take in the picturesque views while passing through villages like New Manda, Titiana, Nikunau, Paelonge, Vorivori, and Bimbolo. Finally, arrive at the beautiful Saeragi Village, where you can stroll through the local community and unwind with a refreshing swim or snorkel at the pristine beach.
• Dinner and drinks in Gizo Town.
• Overnight in Gizo Island.

Saturday 9 August – Gizo Island

Morning

• Breakfast at hotel.
• Today we head out for some of the most amazing and unique snorkeling and diving in the world (price is inclusive of snorkeling, but if you wish to scuba dive please see the tour exclusions list for costs). The experience begins after lunch on Njari Island, starting just 20 meters from the shore, providing easy access for both snorkelers and divers alike. Our first stop is Grand Central Station, known as Gizo’s ultimate destination for underwater adventure. Located at the northwestern tip of the Gizo Islands where oceanic currents converge, creating a diverse marine ecosystem where you’ll encounter a variety of species, including sharks, trevally, and batfish, making it an ideal spot for divers and snorkelers of all skill levels—no deep diving is required to witness the incredible activity. This site boasts the second highest fish count in the world, with over 270 different species documented in a single dive

Afternoon

• Your Gizo underwater adventure continues to Toa Maru, one of the South Pacific’s most renowned diveable WWII shipwrecks. This relatively intact Japanese transport ship, measuring approximately 140 meters (450 feet) in length, rests on its starboard side after running aground due to damage from an American attack. The dive begins at a manageable depth of 7 meters and gradually descends to 37 meters. The vessel is full of fascinating artifacts, including sake bottles, medical supplies, office equipment, and ammunition, all of which were left aboard before it could be unloaded. Larger items such as bombs, a motorbike, and a Type 21 tank can also be found. For more experienced divers, YPT can arrange guided tours are available to explore various accessible rooms within the wreck, including the workshop, crew quarters, and dining area. The wreck is frequently visited by marine life such as turtles and rays, and the extensive coral garden on the surface provides a beautiful spot to relax during a safety stop after your exploration.
• Early evening return to hotel for a freshen up before going for dinner and farewell drinks in Gizo.
• Overnight in Gizo.

Sunday 10 August – Gizo – Honiara 

Morning

• Breakfast in hotel
• Head to the airport to catch the 8:25am flight to Honiara, arriving at 10:00am
• GROUP A MEMBERS: Tour concludes upon your return to Honiara. YPT can assist you with your post-tour accommodation arrangements in Honiara.

Afternoon

• GROUP B: Transfer to hotel and 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 (+ $100)
• Scuba diving excursion (+ $150)
• Lunches, dinners & drinks
• Personal expenses
• Tips for local guides