A time-capsule archipelago where a listing cruise ship rusts in a jungle bay, WWII history lies scattered in the shallows, and tiny Tulagi — once the British colonial capital — slumbers in the Pacific heat.
All cruise ships tender — there is no pier capable of docking ocean-going vessels in the Florida Islands.
💡 Pro move: No ATMs exist on Tulagi. Exchange money on your ship or in Honiara before arrival. Small SBD notes are essential for local vendors and guides.
There are no cruise-ship piers in the Florida Islands — tendering is the only option.
| Cruise Line | Typical Berth / Arrival | Dock or Tender |
|---|---|---|
| Expedition ships (Silversea, Ponant, Heritage) | Tulagi Harbour anchorage📍 | Tendered |
| Occasional small/mid-size vessels | Purvis Bay anchorage📍 | Tendered |
Excursions here are raw and rewarding — shipwrecks, jungle-covered battlefield islands, and pristine reef snorkelling that few tourists ever reach.
The German expedition ship struck an uncharted reef in 2000 and was beached here, listing at 45°. Swim beside the rusting hull while village kids play on it — one of the Pacific's most surreal sights.
Find Roderick Bay tours →These twin islets were a fortified Japanese seaplane base stormed by US Marines on 7–9 August 1942. Battle-scarred concrete structures, bunkers and war debris remain ashore, while sunken Mavis flying boats, landing barges and aircraft parts lie in the surrounding shallows.
Find WWII history tours →Walk Tulagi's quiet main road, then hike to the ruins of the old British Commissioner's Residence on the ridge — the views over Ironbottom Sound and Guadalcanal are spectacular.
Find Tulagi walking tours →A scenic ride through the narrow mangrove-lined saltwater channel that separates Nggela Sule from Nggela Pile — feels like gliding through a prehistoric jungle with kingfishers overhead.
Find passage boat tours →Raiders Hotel's house reef begins just metres from shore — pristine coral gardens with abundant reef fish, accessible directly from the beach without a boat.
Find snorkelling tours →Tulagi is tiny — the whole island is walkable in under an hour, and most cruise visitors combine a quick town stroll with a boat excursion.
From the public jetty, walk the main road past local shops, the small market (buy a fresh coconut here), and colonial-era concrete ruins toward Raiders Hotel. Return along the waterfront.
🗺️ See full route in Maps →A steep but short track behind Tulagi town leads to the ruins of the old British Residency — concrete steps and foundations survive, and the 360° view over the harbour, Guadalcanal, and Ironbottom Sound is worth every step.
📍 Open in MapsClimate normals for Florida Islands, Central Province, Solomon Islands (2014–2023 averages). Pack for the month you sail — highs, lows, and how many rainy days to expect.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Rainy Days |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 84°F / 29°C | 78°F / 26°C | 27 |
| Feb | 84°F / 29°C | 78°F / 26°C | 26 |
| Mar | 84°F / 29°C | 78°F / 26°C | 28 |
| Apr | 84°F / 29°C | 78°F / 26°C | 28 |
| May | 84°F / 29°C | 78°F / 26°C | 25 |
| Jun | 84°F / 29°C | 78°F / 26°C | 22 |
| Jul | 83°F / 28°C | 78°F / 26°C | 21 |
| Aug | 83°F / 28°C | 78°F / 26°C | 22 |
| Sep | 84°F / 29°C | 78°F / 26°C | 21 |
| Oct | 84°F / 29°C | 78°F / 26°C | 25 |
| Nov | 84°F / 29°C | 78°F / 26°C | 27 |
| Dec | 84°F / 29°C | 78°F / 26°C | 29 |
Source: Open-Meteo ERA5 (10-yr daily averages)
Upcoming cruises that call at Florida Islands, Central Province, Solomon Islands. Dates, prices, and ports of call change — always confirm with the cruise line before booking.
Itineraries and prices change — always confirm with the cruise line before booking. Some links are affiliate links that may earn us a commission at no extra cost to you.