
Gizo Town. Photo:
MY Meduse Crew
|

Kennedy Island. Photo: MY
Meduse Crew
|
About
Gizo
Gizo is the third largest town in the Solomon Islands with a population of approximately 5000,
and serves as the provincial centre to the Western
Province. It is situated on the island of Ghizo (different spelling, same pronunciation). With
the appearance of a shanty town, the main street which was sealed at the end off 2009,
runs along the waterfront lined with small stores
and an open air market. Views in most directions
show palm tree studded islands ringed by coral
reef and clear waters. In 2011 the new Gizo hospital was opened.
For those
with an interest in history, Kerrie and Danny
have researched the local WWII war history
in Washington, USA, and have information on well
known subjects, such as John F. Kennedy and
the PT109.
Diving highlights are the intact Japanese transport
Toa Maru, three WWII
aircraft, unlimited wall diving,
coral gardens and exciting drift dives for the
more experienced divers. Bush walks to WWII
land sites,
village tours and bird watching excursions can
be arranged.
We assisted the Institute
for Exploration headed by Dr
Robert Ballard and National
Geographic in their successful search for the remains of PT109 in 2002 .
The people of the Western Province produce famous
carvings from various woods and stone. Woven bags,
baskets and mats are also ancient village arts and
are available for purchase. Adventure Sports shop
has a good selection of carvings and baskets.
General stores line the main street of Gizo and
supply a wide range of goods and foods. The daily
markets provide fruit and vegetables and fresh fish.

Map of the Solomon Islands |
Gizo offers a number of restaurants, with the standard
fare being fresh seafood and fruit.
Gizo is serviced by multiple daily flights to and
from Honiara. The flight takes about one to one and a half
hours (often stopping at Seghe and Munda en-route). Solomon Airlines has upgraded to a Dash 8 on the schedule which has solved baggage issues that previously disrupted divers. Check out www.flysolomons.com to see whats available and book online .The airport is on Nusatupe Island was upgraded in 2013 .
For those arriving by ship, the new Government wharf holds more than one vessel. Most ships travelling out West depart Honiara on Sundays and return on Monday or Tuesday early. return on Solomon rlines
Click
here to view an enlarged map of Solomon Islands.
Also: Have a look at the photos
from previous the Gizo Yacht Regattas |