Wildlife - Animals in the Solomon Islands
The Solomon Islands are ideal for wildlife lovers. With so many animals above and below the water, we have a wildlife adventure to suit everyone.
Underwater residents
We have an amazing underwater world for you to discover in the Solomons. The water is crystal clear and the landscape is some of the most diverse in the world. Some of the residents you might find if you are snorkelling, diving, canoeing or just enjoying our islands are:
- Pygmy seahorses
- Black snapper
- Sailfish
- Leatherback, loggerhead and green turtles
- Grey, black tip, white tip and silvertip reef sharks
- Giant trevally
- Manta rays
- Spotted eagle rays
- Tuna
- Barracuda
- Bumphead parrotfish
- Nudibranchs
- Green moray eels
If you happen to be in Choiseul Province near Rob Roy Island or Taro Island, you may be lucky enough to see the endangered dugong. Choiseul Province is also an important breeding ground for the loggerhead turtle.
In recent years, the critically endangered Hawksbill turtles in the Solomons were discovered to be biofluorescent displaying hues of red and green. If you would like to see these amazing turtles, Munda is the perfect base and we have daily flights from Honiara.
Birds
There are more than 70 birds that are endemic to the Solomon Islands and you can choose to go on your own discovery tour or join a birding tour. Birds are abundant in the Solomons because of the traditional way of life most Solomon Islanders live and the lack of tourists. The Central Province area of the Solomons is where you might see the ultramarine kingfisher, Solomons cockatoo or the midget flowerpecker.
Further south on the island of Rennell you might see the Rennell fantail, the beautiful Rennell Shrikebill and many other birds that can only be found on this island. Santa Isabel has some of the most spectacular birds in the Solomons such as the Solomons Frogmouth and the Fearful Owl.
There are so many unique birds to the Solomons that it is impossible to name them all. You will see large flocks of parrots, pigeons and of course our famous frigate bird, otherwise known as Belama.
Other Animals
The Solomons are also home to fifteen bat species including 3 critically endangered fruit bats: Bougainville monkey-faced bat, Guadalcanal monkey-faced bat and the montane monkey-faced bat. We also have many frog and lizard species.
Tours and Activities
Birdwatching in Gizo
For those twitchers wanting to find species of birds only seen in the Solomon Island arrangements can be made. You will visit Ghizo Island and its surrounding areas and discover its endemic species.
Go West Tours
Based at Agnes Gateway Hotel, Go West offers fully guided half and full day tours throughout the area. Off the beaten track adventures, cultural experiences, historical site visits, fishing and charter trips. You can also design your own experience.
Rainforest Walks in Suavanao
There are many walks to take all with something special on offer such as waterfalls, rock pools and wildlife galore. The walks can vary in difficulty and it is advised to have a moderate amount of fitness to take on the challenge.
Birdwatching in Kirakira
Makira Island is home to the most endemic species in the Solomon Islands. Trails around Kirakira are easily accessible for most. A long and steep trek to the Hauta Conservation area and inland mountains, staying in nearby villages on the way, will delight serious birders with species such as the Makira Thrush, Makira Leaf Warbler, Shade Warbler, Whiteheaded Fruit Dove.
Birdwatching in Fera
Fera is the perfect starting point for birdwatchers, before they make the trip up the hills to seek out the Black-faced Pitta, Fearful Owl or Solomons Frogmouth. Other species that can be seen include the Imitator Goshawk, Sanford’s Sea-eagle, Woodford Rail, Solomon Boobook and Myzomela. Read more at the link.
Wildlife on Rennell Island
A nature paradise and home to several endemic species, including the Rennell Starling, the Bare-eyed White-eye, the Rennell Shrikebill and the Rennell Fantail. The province also has 730 insect species, an endemic orchid near Lake Tegano, two endemic species of Pandanus, the Rennell flying fox and an endemic lake sea snake.
Attractions
Arnavon Islands
Located between Isabel and Choiseul Province, these four small islands are home to the largest rookery of the critically endangered Hawksbill turtles in the South Pacific. The Arnavon Community Marine Conservation Area was established to protect the remaining Hawksbill turtle population. Learn more about the turtles, swim, snorkel, relax or take a cultural tour.
Tetepare Island
Tetepare Island is the largest uninhabited island in the South Pacific covering approximately 118 square kilometres. Tetepare has untouched rainforest, gorgeous coral reefs, captivating cultural sites and unique wildlife. Swim or snorkel in Tetepare’s beautiful lagoons, walk in the rainforest, bird watch, relax on the beaches or visit cultural sites from the island’s renowned head hunting days. The accommodation is in traditional Melanesian leaf houses and set either on the edge of the rainforest or shores of the lagoon.
Arnavon Island
An eventful 1-2 hour boat ride through open seas and strong currents from Kagau will take you to Arnavon Island where you can experience the world reknown Arnavons Community Marine Conservation Area (ACMCA) which covers 40,000 acres, three small uninhabited islands, flourishing reefs, fish-filled lagoons and beaches that are home to thousands of egg-bearing turtles. All bookings are to be done through the Nature Conservacy office in Honiara. The best time to visit Arnavon Island is the turtle nesting season in June, July, and August.