We met Kym (“Dive Guadalcanal”) when she volunteered to install the mooring for Simon’s Nature Reserve. Back then she invited us to visit her at Papatura (a private island at the northern end of Santa Isabel), where she and her parents run a resort. Sailboats are welcome to anchor in front of the resort, but make sure to ask for a good spot, before you drop the hook so you don’t end up anchoring in coral! The anchorage is free, but yachties are expected to pay 100 SBD per person custom fee to the chief (for the whole duration of their visit) or they can make some other contribution for the village (which is actually located on the main land).
The resort is small, with only a handful of beautiful bungalows in traditional style. When we got there, they were doing some maintenance, so we were the only guests and got to hang out with Kym and her daughter and cousin, who were visiting at the time.
We took some time off from jobs and boat chores and played tourists, doing long walks on the trails that criss-cross the lush forest, going for sundowners and dinner ashore. After the algae-overgrown reefs further south along Isabel we were pleasantly surprised when we jumped into the water: pristine reefs with wonderful biodiversity, plenty of fish and the biggest fans we’ve ever seen!
We ended up spending much more time than planned as it’s hard to leave such a pretty spot with so much to do and a calm, comfy anchorage. Before we left we stocked up on fresh veg and fruit from the village ladies who come to the resort almost daily. Thanks a lot, Kym, for your hospitality, we had a great time 
