Description:

Tetepare Island is located in the Western Province of the Solomon Islands, south of New Georgia and to the west of Marovo Lagoon.

The island is fringed with coral reefs and covered in dense rainforest. It is the largest uninhabited island in the Southern hemisphere and the largest conservation area in the Solomon Islands. There is a ranger station here and an eco-lodge, but no facilities onshore. There are some villages on nearby Rendova island where you may be able to find some basic provisions.

The conservation efforts here are successfully run by the Tetepare Descendants Association and a team of rangers. The area is known for spectacular snorkeling, birdwatching, and hiking.

There is a small fee to be paid upon arrival.

Cruisers Highlights:

You may explore the area independently or the rangers will take you for a guided hike. If there is a research project going on, such as turtle nest monitoring, you may be able to join in. There are a few good anchorages to choose from.

See the Tetepare Visitors Guide for more info on the park.

Entrance Notes or Cautions:

The entrance to the pass into the lagoon is at the extreme SW end of the island, in front of the lodge/field station, and is not always easy to find. It can be seen on google earth or you can circle at the entrance and the rangers may come and assist.

Upon entry, keep the marker to your right. The channel is narrow but deep and clear. You will pass between two large bommies and get to to a shallow (10m) sandy patch where the small anchorage is.

Since 2003, Tetepare has been a marine protected area (MPA) and permanent “no-take” area. A “no-take” area is defined as an area where all extractive activities are banned including fishing, hunting, logging, mining, drilling, shell collecting and collecting of archaeological artifacts.

This closed area runs from the western tip of the island on Mbo Point (8º 42.22′ S 157º 26.36′ E) to the eastern edge of Soe Island along the southern weather coast (8º 43.62’ S, 154º 47.34’ E). The protected area also includes the land area from the low watermark to 500m inland.

Positions:

08⁰43.187’S, 157⁰26.125’E (pass entrance)

08⁰43.227’S, 157⁰26.398’E (anchorage in front of lodge)

08⁰42.408’S, 157⁰26.904’E (anchorage Waugh Bay)

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