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 | Sunrise | Sunset |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 84°F / 29°C | 78°F / 26°C | 27 | 6:10 AM | 6:46 PM |
| Feb | 84°F / 29°C | 78°F / 26°C | 26 | 6:21 AM | 6:44 PM |
| Mar | 84°F / 29°C | 78°F / 26°C | 28 | 6:23 AM | 6:32 PM |
| Apr | 84°F / 29°C | 78°F / 26°C | 28 | 6:22 AM | 6:16 PM |
| May | 84°F / 29°C | 78°F / 26°C | 25 | 6:24 AM | 6:06 PM |
| Jun | 84°F / 29°C | 78°F / 26°C | 22 | 6:32 AM | 6:07 PM |
| Jul | 83°F / 28°C | 78°F / 26°C | 21 | 6:36 AM | 6:14 PM |
| Aug | 83°F / 28°C | 78°F / 26°C | 22 | 6:29 AM | 6:18 PM |
| Sep | 84°F / 29°C | 78°F / 26°C | 21 | 6:13 AM | 6:15 PM |
| Oct | 84°F / 29°C | 78°F / 26°C | 25 | 5:56 AM | 6:13 PM |
| Nov | 84°F / 29°C | 78°F / 26°C | 27 | 5:48 AM | 6:19 PM |
| Dec | 84°F / 29°C | 78°F / 26°C | 29 | 5:55 AM | 6:33 PM |
Source: Open-Meteo ERA5 (10-yr daily averages)
Transport options from the pier — taxis, shuttles, transit passes, and whether ride-share apps work here.
Ships anchor in Roderick Bay and tender passengers ashore. No independent dock — all arrivals are via ship tender or Zodiac.
Outboard-powered dinghies are the primary inter-island transport. Negotiate fares before boarding; no meters or fixed prices.
The MS World Discoverer shipwreck and beach areas near Roderick Bay are walkable from the tender landing. Seek permission from local landowners before wandering onto private land.
Most cruise lines offer organized excursions covering WWII sites, village visits, and snorkeling. Strongly recommended given limited independent transport options.
Small charter boats can be arranged locally for trips to nearby villages, reefs, or the Tulagi area. Advance arrangements through tour operators like Tulagi Tours & Travel are advisable.
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.