Things to do in Gizo
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snorkelling
There's no shortage of snorkelling spots on the lagoon, including Kennedy island, just off Fatboys. Take the shuttle to Fatboys, hire snorkelling gear at the resort and snorkel to your heart's content.
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Dive Gizo
At the time of writing, there was only one operational dive centre, Dive Gizo, at the western end of town (there's also a sales office beside the Gizo Hotel). A solid professional outfit, it's been run by Danny and Kerrie Kennedy since 1985. They also operate Dive Munda in Munda. They'll meet you at the airport or wharf and drive you to your digs.
You'll pay A$140 for a two-tank dive, including picnic (add an extra A$20 for gear rental). An open-water certification is A$630. We love their two-tank dive organisation; you spend your surface interval picnicking on a secluded island or having lunch at Fatboys, a winning formula.
Most dives are less than a 20-minute boat ride f…
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surfing
What's quite new to the Solomons is surfing, and we're not complaining. Here, you can be guaranteed almost virgin waves. There's excellent point surfing off Pailongge, on Ghizo's southern coast. The October-to-April swell rises to 2m or more. There's a great left-hander nearer Titiana village, with a long paddle out to the reef's edge, and a right at Pailongge. Dive Gizo employs a local surfer who's finding new breaks all the time. Bring your own boards.
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World Fish Centre
The only place that could qualify as a sight is World Fish Centre, on Nusatupe island (Gizo's airstrip). This clam farm and research centre run by a New Zealand couple accepts visitors. There's a small visitor centre with information on research programs. It's a good spot if you want to snorkel over giant clams of up to 1m long in the lagoon.
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Market
Apart from a few churches and a handful of mildly interesting memorials, there's little to see in Gizo. Go to the market and soak up the atmosphere. Villagers from neighbouring islands (and even from the Shortland Islands) arrive each morning by boat to occupy their little stands under the shade of tall trees.
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Solomon Watersport
Another dive shop, Solomon Watersport, had temporarily closed down when we visited. It normally operates from the Gizo Hotel. It's run by Hans Mergozzi, who also owns Sanbis Resort. Travellers should know about the bitter feud (but not take sides) between the two dive outfits Solomon Watersport and Dive Gizo.
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Nuzu Nuzu Restaurant
This is the most atmospheric spot to dine. The breezy open-air dining room is suitably exotic, with wood-carved posts, wooden tables and wicker seating. Food-wise it's a bit more conservative, with well-executed fish and meat dishes as well as daily specials. The Friday evening barbecue is popular.
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diving
Gizo has made a name for itself in diving, diving, diving (and maybe some snorkelling); it's a first-rate dive destination in the Pacific. Sure, it lost some of its appeal thanks to the 2007 tsunami and its impact on several high-profile sites, but you won't leave disappointed after visiting here.
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Lamasa
Blink and you'll miss it. That's how discreet Lamasa is, with its unobtrusive façade and inoffensive décor. It's nothing more than a few tables but it's hygienically kept and the fish 'n' chips are brilliant value. No alcohol. Too bad it's closed on weekends.
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PT 109
Named after John F Kennedy's WWII patrol boat that sank off Gizo, and situated in a great waterfront location, this place has relaxed vibes. A blackboard displays a few simple dishes, such as local fish or chicken. Sometimes it's open for dinner.
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Walking
If island life is making you a little claustrophobic, you can stretch your legs on a walk around Ghizo island. Walks of various durations (anything from one to 10 hours) can be tackled. Ask at Dive Gizo for more details.
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Gizo Nest Restaurant
Come here for a bellyful of chicken or beef dishes with a Chinese bent, or tuck into acceptable sandwiches that won't blow your budget. With its frilly curtains and naive murals, the décor is laughably naff.
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Bamboo
The best drinking dens include the bar at the Gizo Hotel. If you want to relive Saturday Night Fever island-style, try Bamboo, part of the Gizo Hotel, which also has a karaoke evening on Friday,
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