Nggela Islands

The Nggela islands, also called the Florida group, lie north of Guadalcanal across Iron Bottom Sound, two large islands and many smaller ones separated by narrow passages and surrounded by reef. Villages sit along the shores and canoes are the main transport. The reef here is in better condition than around the main island and a few small village-run lodges take visitors. The water between them and Guadalcanal is deep and open, which is why crossings are weather-dependent despite the short distance.

What you actually see

• The narrow passages - the channels cutting between the main islands.
• The reef - coral in better condition than nearer the capital.
• The village shores - settlements strung along the coasts.
• The canoe traffic - the main way of moving between islands.

When to go

May to October is the drier season and calmest. The wet season from November brings squalls and rough crossings. Boats from Honiara run most days in good weather.

Honest expectations

Accommodation is basic village lodges with no power in places. Getting around depends on arranging boats locally. The crossing from Honiara is open water and rough at times.

Nearby

Tulagi is in the group, and Honiara is south.