I have been spending much time in Munda, Western Province, Solomon Islands and I would like to provide an update for Noonsite.

Noro is now the preferred port of entry into the Western Province, Solomons, as Gizo has been experiencing reports of theft, and the Immigration officer is extremely uncooperative and is rarely available. Munda is close to Noro and is situated in the picturesque Roviana Lagoon.

Munda is a small pleasant town on New Georgia Island. It has several grocery stores, a BSP bank with ATM, Telecom office, and a police station. There is a fruit and vegetable market most days, the busiest day being Friday. There are daily flights to Honiara. Yachts can clear in nearby at Noro. Fuel is available at several waterfront vendors.

A good anchorage can be found in front of Agnes Gateway Hotel in 8-10 meters, sandy mud, good holding. The hotel management welcomes yachts, has a restaurant and bar, and 24hr security. I have stayed several months and never had any problem with things going missing from my boat. No reports of theft from other yachts either.

There is exceptional diving in the area with pelagic wall dives and WW2 wrecks. Dive Munda operates out of Agnes Gateway Hotel. They have a special Yachtie rate and do pick-ups from yachts. They also offer broadband wifi to divers.

www.mundadive.com

There are no detailed charts for Roviana Lagoon, but Dirk Selling’s guide has good mud maps for getting around. At the time of writing, most of the reef markers were in place, but it is recommended to keep a good watch in good visibility.

Andrew

SY Yawana