Best of the Solomon Islands Snorkel Adventure-Bilikiki liveaboard plus Uepi Eco-Resort June 2-15, 2024

The Solomon Islands are unlike any other islands in the South Pacific. They remain surprisingly (and wonderfully) undeveloped and un-touristy. There are so few areas in the world where you can get off the beaten path and snorkel clean, pristine reefs without crowds.
Picture dense jungles with tropical birds flying overhead, well-kept traditional villages, aquamarine lagoons with vibrant coral reefs AND no one else around!
The Solomon’s are truly a unique and awesome destination both on land and in the water.

The nutrient rich waters support an abundance of marine life. Besides a remarkable variety of reef fish, we will have a good opportunity to see a variety of sharks, large schools of jacks, mantas, dolphins, turtles, barracuda, cuttlefish, octopus, and anemonefish AND healthy reefs with colorful hard and soft coral.
I’ve traveled through the Solomon’s half a dozen times. Based on my experiences on different boats and resorts I’ve designed the perfect combination for the most exceptional snorkeling in the region.
This expedition includes eight nights on the highly respected Bilikiki and five nights at Uepi. Uepi is a relaxed and intimate resort perched on the edge of the longest lagoon in the world.

June 2-June 10, 2024
We’ll begin our expedition with eight nights on the venerable Bilikiki liveaboard. Our days will be spent snorkeling reefs and visits to welcoming traditional villages. The Bilikiki isn’t fancy, in fact she is a converted cargo boat but the Bilikiki consistently wins travel awards for providing unique voyages with a lot of heart. The Bilikiki has been sailings these waters since 1989. It’s a privilege to travel with the dedicated crew who have established a strong relationship with the islanders. The experienced crew are keen to share their knowledge and bring us to the most protected and stunning reefs.

The Bilikiki has 10 air-conditioned cabins. Eight cabins have a double bed and an upper single. Two cabins have side by side single beds.  All cabins have a private shower, toilet and hand basin. There are no windows in the cabins but the cabins are well-lit.
The meals are plentiful, healthy and delicious! It was so good several of us asked for a “Bilikiki cookbook” at the end of our journey. Dietary requests can easily be accommodated.

During our eight days we will experience the best snorkeling the islands have to offer. There are 3 main island groups that we’ll be exploring: The Florida’s, Russell’s and Marovo Lagoon in New Georgia. We will have time for 2-3 snorkels a day. Our day to day itinerary will be dependent on current sea and wind conditions. Flexibility will allow us to have the best possible experience. We will be positioned to snorkel in the best place at the best time.
One of most unique aspects of travel throughout the Solomon’s is the ability to interact with locals living a traditional life on remote islands. The Bilikiki supports the local economies by purchasing fresh fruit and vegetables during our journey.

Some of the highlights in the different island groups include:
Maravagi Bay in the Florida islands is very diverse bay with hard coral areas packed with tropical fish, sandy areas which are great for crocodile fish, shrimp gobies and the occasional cuttlefish, an area of seagrass where juvenile batfish and trumpet fish hang out plus a small wreck in the shallows.
If the current is suitable, we’ll snorkel “Devils Highway” which is famous for manta rays.
A night snorkel may be possible here to look for squids, octopus and mantis shrimps in the sand.

Russell Islands –
Karumolun Island with gorgeous drop offs and a hard coral garden where we often see Bumphead parrot fish. We’ll have a very special cultural visit to the local village. We’ll be treated to a performance of traditional music and dance. We’ll meet the chief of the village who will be able to answer any questions we might have about their way of life.
We’ll snorkel White Beach which has many WW2 artefacts underwater. It also hosts a wide variety of macro life such as twin spot gobies, pipefish, jawfish and crocodile fish. It is also a great place to see archerfish. Last time I took a group here, we liked it so much we asked for second snorkel session here.
In the eastern Russell islands the reefs surrounding the uninhabited islands support some of the most healthy and colorful coral in the Solomon’s plus huge amounts of reef fish. The corals in this area come right up to within a few feet of the surface making it ideal for snorkeling. Oceanic triggerfish, schools of snapper, reef sharks, turtles, anemone fish all inhabit this area.

Mary Island-
 This uninhabited island has stunning hard coral reefs and schooling fish. Maori wrasse, jacks, barracuda, bump head parrotfish, sharks, giant clams can all be seen here. The tinnys (our skiff) will take us to different sites during the day while the Bilikiki stays in place.
We’ll have “open pool” time, when we can snorkel all day from the back of the boat.
This area also has a lot of parrots and hornbills.

Marovo Lagoon is the longest saltwater lagoon in the world. It encompasses 700 square km and is protected by a double barrier reef system. The lagoon features outstanding diversity and richness of life, both above and below the water.
Our explorations will include Karanjou Island which has amazing soft corals, huge fans, unicorn fish, snappers, barracuda and beautiful anemone fish. Kicha Island offers a magnificent snorkel outside the lagoon with stunning hard corals and abundant tropical fish. This area was declared a marine reserve by the local village and no fishing is allowed here.

Famous for its master wood carvers; we’ll have the opportunity to stop at several villages to see the beautiful and traditional carvings made out of a variety of hard woods and often intricately inlaid with opalescent shells. The villagers were rather shy but extremely welcoming. We will be invited to meet the islanders, visit their schools and churches and admire (and buy) carvings directly from the artists.

Our voyage on the Bilikiki will end on June 10. I have made special arrangements to have the boat drop us at Uepi Eco Resort where we will spend the next four nights.

June 10-14, 2024 Uepi Eco Resort

Door to door service! The Bilikiki will drop us at Uepi Resort  in the morning.
We’ll spend the next four nights in this exceptional portion of the Marovo lagoon with time to relax, bird watch, kayak and snorkel to our hearts content in an area renowned for its dynamic and accessible snorkeling.
Uepi is located on a raised barrier reef island, covered in lush rainforest, outlined by fringing reef and sandy beach. Uepi Island is less than 2 miles long and 900 feet wide. The island is covered with tropical rainforest interspersed with walking tracks.
Our home for the next 5 days is a true slice of paradise surrounded by the turquoise-blue lagoon with stunningly diverse coral reefs, and prolific fish life.

This barefoot-casual resort is uniquely situated on a channel with an abundance of nutrients that brings in a fantastic assortment of marine life. A fringing reef extends along the ocean side of Uepi. Coral “gardens” are found at Uepi Point. Charapoana Passage is a deep passage allowing water movement to and from Marovo Lagoon and the open ocean called “The Slot” which is 6000 ft deep. This varied environment is home to diverse concentrations of marine-life ranging from stellar coral gardens with schools of fish to deep drop offs with pelagics.
From the moment you slip into the water you’ll enter a wonderland. The colorful reefs are covered with large gorgonian fans, vase sponges, nudibranchs, feather stars and anemones in hues of pinks and purples.

A school of diamond fish may greet you as you snorkel over to the reef to see fusiliers, angelfish, butterflyfish, anthias, bat fish and larger species like jacks, and patrolling reef sharks.

Right off the dock at sunset you might see the resident octopus hunting for its dinner.
Also located in this sweet spot of marine confluences is a Manta cleaning station in just 20 feet of water. This means up close and personal Manta viewing. One of my all-time favorite Manta interactions happened here.

The foot path that meanders through the resort is graced by beautiful flowers and plants. During your walks you may encounter a monitor lizard and see a flock of parrots, or hornbills overhead.
The bungalows at Uepi are dotted along the beach or tucked into an orchid garden setting.
The bungalows are fan cooled and very comfortable. Each has a small kitchen where you can help yourself to coffee /tea and snacks and there is a small fridge to keep your water cold.
All rooms have private bathroom with ambient (i.e. not hot) temperature showers and toilet facilities.
Bathrooms are supplied with a range of natural plant/mineral based toiletries; hand wash, body wash, shampoo and conditioner made from 100% biodegradable and are based on organic, locally sourced ingredients, so no need to pack these items.
The open-sided lounge is the meeting area for meals and also a great place to enjoy a sunset drink and conversation. Meals are included and are made from fresh local seafood and organically grown fruits and vegetables. Dietary requests can be accommodated.

June 14, 2024
Today we transfer from Uepi Resort to Seghe airport and fly back to Honiara, where we will overnight. Hotel TBA

June 15, 2024
Departure day from Honiara. Solomon Air/Fiji Airways flies out of Honiara to Nadi at 2:20pm. This flight connects to onward flights to SFO and LAX.

This departure is currently sold out. Email Wendy@SnorkelingEtc.com to be waitlisted. 

TRIP PRICING:
En-suite cabin on the Bilikiki/Beach Suite at Uepi  $8400 per person
En-suite cabin on the Bilikiki/2 Bedroom Beach House at Uepi  $8200 per person
En-suite cabin on the Bilikiki/2 Bedroom Beach House at Uepi (triple occupancy) $7900 per person 
For more information contact Wendy@Snorkelingetc.com 

What an amazing trip that was. I adored every moment of boat and island bliss. I adored Uepi. There was beauty everywhere. The snorkeling was amazing and the bird watching was fantastic. It seems that everyday we saw something wondrous.  I adored everything wonderful thing that we did. I’m still in a state of awe. 
-Tam Markham 

Price Includes:
~June 2, 2024, arrival transfers from airport to the Bilikiki.
~June 2-10, 2024, eight nights on the Bilikiki, all meals, snacks, tea, coffee, drinking water.
~Snorkel excursions and village visits guided by the Bilikiki crew.
~Port fees and taxes.
~June 10-14, 2024 four nights at Uepi Resort, all meals, tea, coffee, drinking water.
~unlimited beach snorkeling and three boat snorkels (extra excursions can be organized for a reasonable fee).
~ one boat excursion per person to the manta cleaning station.
~June 14, 2024- boat transfer from Uepi to Seghe.
~June 14, 2024 One way domestic airfare from Seghe to Honiara
~June 14-15, 2024 one night hotel in Honiara
~June 15, 2024, transfer from hotel to airport

Price Excludes:
~International Airfare.
~Any additional overnights in Honiara due to flight schedules.
~Gratuities.
~Soft drinks and alcoholic beverages.
~Items of a personal nature.
~Trip cancellation insurance, essential.
 
This is an unique and wonderful snorkel expedition. I hope you have the opportunity to join me.
Please contact me with any questions or to request an application.
Happy Snorkeling!

 

 

 

 

Wendy Simon/CEO and Snorkel Addict.
Snorkeling Etc. Inc.
831-254-5001
Wendy@SnorkelingEtc.com