Honiara to Munda aboard M/Y Pi · 21 – 28 September 2026. Eight days through the western Solomon Islands — the WWII history of Guadalcanal, the Leru Cut in the Russells, the largest double-barrier lagoon in the world at Marovo, and the wreck diving off Njari and Skull Island at Munda.
This leg of the Melanesia Traverse works west through the Solomon Islands, from Guadalcanal to the reef passages of the far west. It is a route of deep WWII history, sheltered diving and some of the finest artisanal carving in the Pacific.
The vessel is the way to reach it. Between the islands lie sheltered lagoons, wartime wrecks and villages seldom visited by sea — reached by tender, by dive and on foot, a new anchorage most days.
At its heart is Marovo, the largest double-barrier lagoon in the world, before the route closes at Munda among the atolls of the Roviana Lagoon and Skull Island.
Guests join at Honiara, on Guadalcanal, with its jet-capable airport. An early-morning tour of the Guadalcanal Memorial — 06:00 to 10:00, to beat the heat and the traffic — and, for those who want the hike, the Mataniko waterfall. West to the sheltered Russell Islands and the famous Leru Cut, a dive and snorkel through narrow caves.
West to Marovo — the largest double-barrier lagoon in the world, with arguably the best artisanal carving in the Pacific. A long passage day deeper through the lagoon system, then a beach BBQ and the diving off Njari, including the Toa Maru wreck. The leg closes at Munda: Skull Island, the Noro Passage and the atolls of the Roviana Lagoon, before guests disembark at Munda's jet-capable airport on 28 September.
~280 nautical miles west through the Solomon Islands. From Honiara on Guadalcanal, the route runs west through the Russell Islands to Marovo — the largest double-barrier lagoon in the world — and on through the western reef passages to Munda. Click any stop on the map to dive in.
Guests joining this leg board at Honiara, on Guadalcanal — a jet-capable airport makes it the changeover point, and the vessel provisions and takes fuel in parallel. Ashore, the Guadalcanal war memorial and, for those who want the hike, the Parngiju waterfall (a 3–4 hr round trip: early start, ~1 hr drive, hike to the falls, lunch up top). Deep US/WWII history here.
Very sheltered. The famous Leru Cut — a dive and snorkel through narrow caves — plus more WWII history and beautiful scenery.
The largest double-barrier lagoon in the world. Great diving — and phenomenal artwork: the wood carvers here are, in Ange's view, the best in the Pacific. Be prepared to spend, and bring local currency (SBD), not US dollars.
A flex day built into the route — a sheltered anchorage and a strong vessel position. Spend it exploring deeper into the Marovo system by skiff, or fold it into a second day at Njari. Decided on the water, to suit the conditions and the guests.
Njari is a privately owned, uninhabited island — superb for a beach setup and a better vessel position giving access to Gizo's dives. Two standouts: the Toa Maru shipwreck (brilliant, and worth a short snorkel too) and Grand Central Station, right off the beach at Njari. A park ranger is based here. From a short tender ashore we can run to Saeraghi Village and drive the coast road to Gizo Town — or use e-bikes if we can get them. Easily run as a two-day stay if the diving and beach warrant it.
We circle back toward Munda's jet-capable airport. Excellent sheltered anchorage at Noro; a wonderful tender ride through the Noro Passage, then a cruise toward Skull Island and the scatter of atolls around Munda. More time around the Roviana Lagoon — diving, the atolls and final shore visits — before guests disembark at Munda's jet-capable airport on Monday 28 September. The close of the Solomons leg.
Exploring the most remote corners of the Pacific carries a responsibility to the communities that host us. On this leg, community donations and supplies are carried aboard and delivered to the island communities we visit across the Solomons.
"Exploring the world's most remote corners comes with a responsibility. We have a duty to give back to the environments and communities that welcome us."
Rob McCallum · EYOS FounderEYOS has coordinated lasting initiatives across the region — including the installation of three 11,500-litre rainwater tanks for the communities of Iwa Island and Panapompom, delivered with Think Water Cairns and Bushmans Tanks.
"Water security, medical aid, and education for girls are fundamental for stability in these areas. For the low-lying islands of PNG and the Solomon Islands, which are disproportionately impacted by climate change, immediate support can make all the difference."
Angela Pennefather · EYOS Melanesian SpecialistGuests who wish to contribute are warmly welcome to speak with the expedition team.
Practical support travels with the vessel and is delivered to the communities that host us — clean-water filters for island households and kits for local women and schoolgirls.
Clean-water filters handed to island households.
Demonstrating the filters with a village community.
Days for Girls kits shared with local women and schoolgirls.
By the time this leg begins, Pi has worked north through Vanuatu and west along the Solomon chain. Guests joining here board at Honiara, on Guadalcanal, for the western Solomons — Marovo Lagoon and the reef passages out to Munda.
Vessel specifications and interior photography to follow on confirmation.
Born of two cultures: Australian and Papua New Guinean. A unique perspective on both Melanesian and European cultures that she openly shares with the visitors she guides. Fluent in neo-Melanesian languages with deep insight into broader Melanesian cultures. Born and raised in PNG, completed her higher education in Australia (Nursing; Sydney University). A qualified master chef; eight years on live-aboard dive boats and a further thirteen years on super yachts. Currently based in Queensland, Australia. Liaises with local chiefs and elders, negotiates reef and landing fees, sources supplies, and advises on security.
Born 1965, New Zealand. Grew up in Papua New Guinea. Fifty years of experience across Melanesia. Co-founded EYOS Expeditions in 2008. Led the Five Deeps Expedition — the first manned descent to the deepest point of all five oceans. Deepest-diving New Zealander at 10,925 m (Challenger Deep). Seven Titanic expeditions. Managed the design of RV Alucia. Licensed pilot, PADI Divemaster. Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society. Lincoln International Medal 2024; Aberystwyth Honorary Doctorate 2025; Explorers Club Citation of Merit 2020. Trustee, Nekton and Ocean Census.
This leg joins M/Y Pi at Honiara on 21 September 2026 and disembarks at Munda on 28 September. It is the western half of the Melanesia Traverse, which runs on to Papua New Guinea.