Report 3rd September 2015 by Wade Fairley

A recommended anchorage when entering the Western Province from Honiara.

Peava lagoon on the South East corner of Gatokae Island, roughly 8˚ 47.342’ S 158˚ 14.208’ E

Entrance is 5m deep and about 15m wide. At the time of writing is marked with pole float with red reflector marking port side of the entrance. This may have changed if the float is washed away or has been changed. The passage is clearly visible to the eye in high sun.

Inside the lagoon good holding in 20m. Favour the north end slightly so as not to hinder and be disturbed by traffic that uses the entrance. Good protection from prevailing weather SE and NW  however during the austral summer months short but violent squalls from NE occur so leave some room with this in mind.

Peava is the village faces the lagoon. Very friendly village with a long history of visiting boats, though these days there are only a few each year. Welcome trade, particularly for fruit and vegetables but not pushy and in general leave boats in peace.

High-quality wood carvers. I met a Canadian boat who spent some weeks there and had the internal wood form (beams and pillars) on their boat handcrafted.

Wade Fairley