Marovo Lagoon is the largest saltwater lagoon in the world. It is on the New Georgia Islands, which are part of the Western Province of the Solomon Islands. Marovo Lagoon is the largest saltwater lagoon in the world. It is located in the New Georgia Islands, north of Vangunu Island, at 8.48°S 158.07°E. There are many islands in the lagoon, some of which are inhabited. The people live mainly by subsistence agriculture and fishing and speak the Marovo language. The lagoon is a popular destination for diving. Western Province is perhaps the most visited region of the Solomons. It is home to many Melanesian and some I-Kiribati (settlers from the Gilbert Islands in the 1950's and 60's) tribes who appreciate and welcome visitors. The main two languages are Marovo and Roviana, although there are many other languages spoken, too.
The province has as its centerpiece the largest double barrier lagoon in the world, Marovo Lagoon, nominated for World Heritage Listing. Literally thousands of islands scatter the lagoon, from tiny coral islets on the fringing reef to massive 1600m volcanic islands (some are still active and can be visited such as Simbo and the undersea volcanoes near Ngattokae such as Kavachi ). Inside the lagoon, the islands are surrounded by spectacular coral formations and white sand beach, the lagoon waters shimmering in every shade of blue, turquoise and jade green. Rightly so, the region is a world renowned scuba dive location, with not only the natural wonders to marvel at, but WW2 ships and aircraft, too. There are internationally accredited dive companies and schools in several centres including Gizo, Munda and Uepi Island Resort. Gizo, the capital, is a quiet peaceful town, but has all the facilities needed by visitors, such as banks (ANZ, NBSI), luxury hotels, guesthouses and backpacker accommodation, bars, restaurants, custom dancing and arts available (the region is famous for its carvings such as ebony marine carvings inlaid with nautilus shell). A splendid market, sports fishing boat hire and even surfing areas, all accessible from Honiara via Solomon Airlines which flies twice a day, and Pacific Airlink which also has several weekly flights. There are numerous airfields serviced by both companies scattered around Marovo Lagoon. Local guides are available for historical and cultural tours and bush walks to tambu sites.
The Western Province was an area feared for head hunting in the 19th Century. The use of human heads or skulls was central in the burial customs and death beliefs of many of the Marovo Lagoon islands' people. Frequent raiding took place between islands in search of heads which were used in many rituals including burials and the launching of new Tomoko (war canoes). Raids extended not only within Marovo Lagoon, but also as far as Guadalcanal and Isabel, where the southern coast became so depopulated and terrorised that the remaining population were reduced to building and find shelter in tree forts. Prior to about 1850 the situation had calmed down for a long time during the so called "Great Peace"; however, the arrival of Europeans with iron axes to trade quickly destabilised the region leading to renewed raiding. Of all the Western Province, Roviana was the most feared for head hunting. War canoes carried carved figureheads called nguzu nguzu on their prows in the shape of a dog with either a skull or a dove in it's paws depending on the ill or goodwill of the mission.
Uepi Island Resort situated on the magnificent Marovo Lagoon. Uepi enjoys an international reputation for world class scuba diving & snorkeling, romantic honeymoons, exciting cultural & nature tours, 'Get-A-Way' relaxation & genuine Pacific Island hospitality. The kayak expeditions commence in the outstanding environment of the Marovo Lagoon; about 90 kms long & 6 kms wide, bounded on one side by a tropical barrier reef & on the other by two mountainous islands. The tours may extend to Nono Lagoon or outer ocean areas. KAYAK SOLOMONS expedition paddlers travel the lagoon, experience its great reefs, beaches, islands & forests, meeting the friendly Marovo people & learning about their culture. The Solomon Islands: " The Islands Lost in Time" are often described as "the Last Frontier of the Pacific". Reputedly the longest lagoon in the southern hemisphere (if not the world); nominated for World Heritage listing; described by James A Michener as "the eighth wonder of the world". A barrier reef island, covered in rainforest, defined by fringing reef and sandy beach; flanked by the warm waters of the lagoon on one side, and the oceanic depths (6000ft/2000m) of "The Slot", a deep marine abyss, on the other. A relaxed and intimate resort, providing the chance to experience the natural wonder and culture of this authentic and exciting part of the Pacific.
