Sensational Solomon Islands Snorkel Adventure November 5-15, 2025

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 Solomons 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.

November 5-15, 2025 
Upon arrival in Honiara, you’ll be met and transferred to the venerable Bilikiki liveaboard. After you have a chance to settle in and have a shipboard briefing your adventure begins! Your next 10 days will be spent snorkeling pristine reefs and enjoying visits to welcoming villages.

The Bilikiki isn’t fancy, in fact she is a converted cargo boat, but the Bilikiki consistently wins “best liveaboard” travel awards for providing such amazing journeys and their fantastic crew. The cruise directors are a lovely couple who take turns leading the snorkels. The boat crew are native Solomon Islanders who are eager to share their knowledge and show you the most protected and stunning reefs.
The Bilikiki has been sailings these waters since 1989. It’s truly a privilege to travel with this team who have established a strong relationship with the islanders. This trip has a lot of heart.

The Bilikiki has 10 comfortable, 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 also two deck showers with warm water.
Important to note, there are no windows in the cabins but the cabins are well-lit. The meals are plentiful, healthy and delicious!
The food 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 ten days on board, you’ll experience the best snorkeling the islands have to offer. There are 3 main island groups that we’ll be exploring: Florida’s, Russell’s and Marovo Lagoon in New Georgia.

The exact route will be determined based on prevailing wind and sea conditions.
Your capable captain and crew will monitor conditions daily and chart our route so we stay in protected areas with the best possible conditions for snorkeling.

A typical day will begin with breakfast and a two-three hour morning snorkel session.
You will return to the boat for lunch and a rest before a second afternoon snorkel session. There may be an opportunity for an occasional night snorkel. When possible, island visits and walks will be arranged. 
Independent snorkelers and underwater photographers will especially love the anchorages that offer “open pool”  At these locations the boat remains “parked” and you are able to indulge in blissful immersion to your heart’s content.

One of the 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 of the different island groups include:
Maravagi Bay in the Florida islands is a 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, you’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 it’s common to see Bumphead parrotfish. Here, you will have a special visit to the local village. You’ll be treated to a performance of traditional music and dance. You’ll meet the chief of the village who will be able to answer any questions we might have about their way of life.
“White Beach” 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. The last time I took a group here, we liked it so much we asked for second and third! snorkel sessions 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” (skiffs) will take you to different sites during the day while the Bilikiki stays in place.
This is an “open pool” day when you 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.
Your 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; you’ll have the opportunity to stop at several villages to see the beautiful and traditional carvings made out of a variety of hardwoods and often intricately inlaid with opalescent shells. The villagers were rather shy but extremely welcoming. You’ll be invited to meet the islanders and admire (or buy) carvings directly from the artists.

Your fantastic voyage through the Solomon Islands comes to an end on November 15th.
The crew from the Bilikiki will arrange your transportation to Honiara airport in time for your departing flight.

TRIP PRICING:
$7250 per person based on double occupancy 

Price Includes:
~November 5, 2025 Arrival transfers from airport to the Bilikiki.
~November 5-15, 2025  Ten nights on the Bilikiki, all meals, snacks, tea, coffee, drinking water. Lots of wonderment.
~Snorkel excursions and village visits.
~Port fees and taxes.

Price Excludes:
~International Airfare.
~Additional overnights in Honiara due to flight schedules.
~Gratuities.
~Soft drinks and alcoholic beverages.
~Items of a personal nature.
~Trip cancellation insurance, essential.

TRIP LEADERS: Carol May and Chris Wilkinson

Carol and Chris are recently retired science teachers. Their background in marine biology gives them a deep understanding and appreciation of the marine environment. They are certified marine mammal naturalists and have 20 years guiding and organizing multi-day outdoor expeditions.

They are passionate about snorkeling and adventure travel.  They look forward to returning to the Solomons, one of their favorite destinations. Since 2013, Chris and Carol traveled with Wendy and Snorkeling Etc over a dozen times. Snorkeling Etc travelers have had the privilege of having Chris and Carol as trip leaders on multiple trips throughout Indonesia.

Chris and Carol are avid and skilled photographers, especially when it comes to underwater photography. Carol’s photography has been recognized in several publications, including the journal of Wildlife photography. Chris is a devoted GoPro user with a special focus on pelagics. If you have an interest in photography their passion and skill will add an extra dimension to the trip.
They are excited to meet you and accompany you on this unforgettable adventure.
Chris and Carol live on Vancouver Island, Canada and enjoy their free time mountain biking and hiking with their two golden retrievers, Murphy and Addie.

We hope you can join this unique and incredible adventure.
For more information contact: carol.may@icloud.com or Wendy@Snorkelingetc.com 

Happy Snorkeling!

Exuberance in the Solomon Islands