Solomon Islands Country

Introduction
Island traditions and underwater wonders. Those lured to the Solomons by the promise of extraordinary natural features will not be disappointed: the islands have a well-deserved reputation as possibly the world's best destination for scuba divers, snorkellers, fishing freaks, increasingly, surfers.
Getting There
The weather, in terms of heat, humidity and cyclones, is at its most hospitable in the second half of the year. Light breezes and calm waters should be the order of the day at this time. Luckily, June to August is a time of public holidays and festivals as well. Seven of the country's nine provinces have their annual holiday at this time, and the Queen's Birthday and Independence Day - the best times to see traditional dancing - are in June and July respectively. The surfing season runs from October to April. There are no real high and low seasons in the Solomons but at Christmas, Easter and other major holidays, hotels and transport can fill up, and you'll need to book your accommodation ahead if you're in a town during one of the cultural shows.

Getting there and away
The international airport, Henderson, is 11 km (7 mi) east of Honiara. It is tiny, but has car rental and foreign exchange facilities. Work should be completed by now on a major upgrade of the airport, funded by the Japanese government. This will quadruple airport capacity. The paucity of direct flights to the Solomons contributes to the trickle of tourists, however regular flights depart from Brisbane, Australia (three flights a week) and a handful of South Pacific neighbours. Round-the-World travellers from Europe, North America and Asia can pick up regional passes - check with your travel agent. There is a 40.00 departure tax. It is also possible to arrive by sea if you've got a bit more time on your hands. Cruise ships occasionally visit Honiara, but thumbing a lift on a yacht from the US West Coast or Australia's north east is also possible (and considerably cheaper). It is possible (though thoroughly illegal) to travel from southern Bougainville in Papua New Guinea by boat into the Solomons' Western Province. Locals routinely travel between the Solomons' Shortland Islands and Bougainville.

Getting around
Island-hopping by air is a great way to get around. Planes fly at about 2000m (6500 ft), so the views are fabulous. Solomon Airlines services over 20 airfields in all provinces. The flights vary in price from 53.00 to 178.00, depending on the distance, and both airlines have a 16kg (35lbs) baggage limit. Sea travel is the mainstay of islander trade and transport, but can also be unpredictable; timetables are rare. In addition to the larger, passenger-oriented vessels, copra and cargo boats nearly always have room for passengers. Shipping fares vary, so shop around. Car hire is only possible in Honiara, and it's expensive. Taxi hire is a better option for a short stay. In Honiara you'll also find minibuses, which are cheap, frequent (in daylight hours) and reliable.

Visa:
In theory, visitors planning to stay less than three months don't require entry visas. In practice, seek advice from your nearest Solomon embassy if you are now, or have ever been, a member of a communist country, or if you're from the Indian subcontinent, Nauru or Kiribati. Visitor's permits can be extended for a further three months for a fee.

Destination Facts
Capital: Honiara
Prime Minister: Derek Sikua
Governor-General: Nathaniel Waena
Queen: Elizabeth II
Government: parliamentary democracy
Time zone: GMT +11
Area: 1350000
Population: 538000
Languages: English is the official language; Solomon Islands Pijin and 74 indigenous languages are also spoken. Christian (96%)
Currency: Solomon Islands Dollar (S$ or SBD)
Country Dialing Code: 677

Weather
The Solomons is the third-largest archipelago in the South Pacific. Volcanic activity and earthquakes are common. The dry season falls from May to early December. Cyclones can blow between January and April. Daytime coastal temperatures vary from 21 ° to 32 ° C (70-90 ° F).