Olotsara Surf RetreatGuadalcanal, Solomon Islands

Exploration and surfing have always gone hand in hand.

Olotsara Retreat is a 65km adventure west of Honiara, the capital of the Solomon Islands. We say adventure because getting there is no cruise down a highway – expect bumpy roads, rickety bridges and only one sign – ‘turn for Olotsara’.

Once there, you’ll be escorted to one of five rustic bungalows, all with epic beach views. This or a tent on the beach, if that’s more your vibe.

While most surf in the Solomons is in the Western Province, there are more and more waves being discovered in Guadalcanal, too. A stay at Olotsara is a hark back to the 1970s and 1980s, when surfing was still in its relative infancy in the western world, and brand new waves were being discovered every year.

For what it’s worth, there are two main breaks Panukurutu, a right-hander, is about a fifteen-minute boat drive north of Olotsara. Nughu Kiki Tiaro is a break for the goofy footers and is a more exposed break south of Olotsara that attracts more South swell. They also offer board hire, and transport to and from the breaks by boat.

A trip to Olotsara is a great weekend adventure or the perfect add on to an extended trip out to the other provinces. You can get a bus from Honiara that will cost you $60.00 SBD (around $10 AUD) or drive yourself, and there are plans afoot for a shuttle bus.

get there

Solomon Airlines fly directly into Honiara, from Brisbane.

price guide

Bungalows: For a day, you can expect to pay around AU$80 per bungalow a night. Bungalows fit up to three people each.

Camping: If you are partial to roughing it or just want the best waterfront view available, you can opt to camp for AU$10 with tent hire included.

need to know

Boat Hire: Surf transfers are charged by both boat hire and fuel costs. To go for a surf, you will be charged per boat, not per person (max. 5 surfers). Fuel is charged whatever rate it is going at the time. Boat transfer is around AU$40 and fuel is around AU$30