After a couple of short warm up trips, Bilikiki has returned from her first 10 day trip. Australians and Americans joined us to rediscover the beauty of the Solomon Islands. It was our first long trip in 2½ years and it was great to finally be back diving!
We started our trip in the Florida Islands where the dives were very fishy and the coral reefs were breathing life! In the Russells, Leru Cut was spectacular! Right timing, right light! Our guests, photographers and non photographers, fell in love with the world famous site! Mirror Pond, Rainbow Reef and Karumolun Point, amongst other spots, were simply delightful! Mary Island was unbeatable with schools of barracudas, big eye jacks, 17 baby sharks hanging out at Barracuda Point, turtles, anemone fish, flame angelfishes, crocodile fish and, for macro lovers, tons of blennies, shrimps and orangutang crabs! The underwater volcano, Kavachi, was awake so we had a booming soundtrack too!
Diving again in the largest salt water lagoon in the world, Marovo Lagoon, was thrilling. Along with all of its schools of fish everywhere (including rainbow runners, bumphead parrot fish, midnight snappers, barracudas, oceanic triggerfish) there was the stunningly beautiful hard coral formations. Mbulo Caves were a highlight for many and, as always, breathtaking. Kicha... was at its best too!
The carving markets were a big success! Our guests went on a shopping spree and the local carvers were super happy! The village visit for traditional dancing and singing was incredible as well! It was so good to be back visiting the people of the Solomons and they were very happy to see us back too!
Our guests also really enjoyed the floating markets and our sunset snack time, everyday with a beautiful and different sky! And the cherry on top of this great trip was to be able to dive with several manta rays at Devil's Highway!!! So much fun!
Thank you so much everyone for joining us for this first trip, it has been amazing! We wish you safe travels home and hope to see you again soon.
A big, big thanks to all the Bilikiki crew who, as always, did a magnificent job taking care of our guests.

 

Below photos thanks to Robert Widman & Mario Montoya.