Mysteries of a Paradise Lost

First exploratory kayak expedition to the world's largest, uninhabited tropical island

On the fringe of the remote Solomons archipelago lies a vast forgotten island, cloaked in ancient rainforest and encircled by sparkling beaches and coral reefs. Legend has it that the gods turned against the aborginal inhabitants and they deserted the island 150 years ago. Since then it has been all but forgotten and it is now shrouded in myth and mystery. In 2000, with the help of local people, Dag scouted this area and was mesmerized by the wild beauty of the island, the mysterious dark rivers emerging from its cool jungles and the diversity of species in its canopy and the surrounding waters.

Dag and Maria plan to return to the Solomons this coming winter to assist descendants of the original inhabitants in their efforts to resist foreign logging interests that threaten this pristine tropical wilderness. Part of their effort will be to help establish a sustainable ecotourism venture.

During their stay there, they will be running the first exploratory sea kayaking expedition to this island with naturalists and a select group of adventurers accompanied.

Check out Dag and Maria's adventures in the Solomons in their books A Boat in our Baggage and Jungle Islands.