The Solomons' laid-back diving town in the far western islands
Gizo is the second-largest town in the Solomon Islands, a small waterfront settlement on Ghizo Island in the Western Province. It is best known as a base for some of the Pacific's finest wreck and reef diving, and as the jumping-off point for the tiny islet where a young John F. Kennedy swam ashore after his PT-109 was sunk in 1943.
The Western Solomons saw heavy fighting in the WWII Solomon Islands campaign, and the waters around Gizo are littered with wartime wrecks. In 2007 a magnitude-8.1 earthquake and tsunami struck the region, badly damaging Gizo and reshaping parts of its coastline; the town was rebuilt in the years after.
Best May–Oct · Wet/cyclone risk Nov–Apr — this reflects Solomon Islands's seasonal weather and crowds.
Visa on arrival (90 days, most passports). Entry rules depend on your nationality and change often — always confirm with the official Solomon Islands government or embassy before you travel.
Solomon Islands Dollar (SBD). You can convert USD to the live local rate right on this page.
English is the primary language in Solomon Islands.
Dial 999 for emergencies in Solomon Islands.
Tap water here is generally rated "Boil first". When unsure, choose sealed bottled or filtered water.
Type I. Bring a compatible adapter — you can build a full packing list for Gizo on this page.
Safety varies by neighbourhood and changes over time, so there's no one-word answer. The local emergency number is 999. Check SkyOSK's safety notes for Gizo and your government's current travel advisory before you go.