In August 1942, the U.S.mounted its first major amphibious landing of World War II at Guadalcanal, using the innovative landing craft built by Higgins Industries in New Orleans.By seizing a strategic airfield site on the island, the U.S.halted Japanese efforts to disrupt supply routes to Australia and New Zealand. The invasion ignited a ferocious struggle marked by seven major naval battles, numerous clashes ashore and almost continuous air combat.

For six long months, U.S. forces fought to hold the island. In the end, the U.S. and her allies took the first vital step in driving the Japanese back in the Pacific theater.

In the midst of the South Pacific, the Solomon Islands is part of the coral triangle and home to some of the best, least visited dive sites in the world. An amazing diversity of marine life and memorable experiencesare a short flight from Australia.The marine biodiversity is stunning with WWII history of the wrecks leaving divers to wonder about years gone by.

The M/VBilikiki has run live-aboard trips in the Solomon Islands for 25+ years.

Geographically, the Solomon Islands, a Melanesian nationnortheast of Australia, stretches between Papua New Guinea to the west and Vanuatu to the southeast. Made up of 922 islands, 350 of which are inhabited, the Solomon Islands were formed by volcanic and earthquake activity. The islands are largely untouched by tourism with virtually no pressure onthe various underwater environments. Many gorgeous dive sites are pristine.

The major dive areas are *Guadalcanal,*Tulagi,*Munda, and *SouthMarovo Lagoon.

Munda and South Marovo Lagoon feature beautiful reefs, sheer walls, muck diving and sites that attract a number of pelagics. While most of the reefs begin just offshore, the wrecks might require a swim or short boat ride. There is something for everyone in this South Pacific nation.

 

“I have been on many Bilikiki trips over the past 8+ years and I will keep going back again and again. I’ve dived in more than 15 countries and have been on dozens of liveaboards but this is definitely my favorite. The diving is amazing and I love how diverse it is. There are sharks and schooling barracuda and big stuff but also beautiful soft corals and amazing macro life- Pygmy seahorses, ghost pipefish, nudibranchs, etc. Wall dives, cave dives, drift dives, night dives – all are top notch. Unlike many other places, there is almost no pollution and we will likely be the only vessel at dive sites. The Bilikiki is very comfortable. Thecrew are skilled and always helpful. Food is delicious- I’m a vegetarian and I always feel well looked after. Icannot recommend the Bilikiki highly enough!"Joanna O'Shea

The Bilikiki is a Live-aboard dive vessel with 10 deluxe cabins, AC throughout, immense sun decks, large lounge areas and a fully stocked bar. She was designed for the South Pacific and 

is one of the reasons guests constantly rate her as one of the most spacious and comfortable dive vessels in the world.From theBilikiki, we dive the main 3 island groups: *Florida Island, *Russel Island and *Marovo Lagoon. Thecrew of 11 well-trained, friendly, attentive, professional staff and 2 managers ensure your dive vacation is nothing short of perfection.

All trips depart and return via Honiara, the capital of the Solomon Islands. 

The Bilikiki is the best choice for diving in the Solomon Islands.

Required Extras: Diver Insurance (DAN), Travel Insurance, $25 Visa upon entry

Canceling 120-96 days before departure is subject to a $250 fee.

Canceling inside 95 days of departure forfeits airline ticket, deposit and payments made; all contingent upon our reselling of your reservation. Any refund may also be subject to a fee of $250 and payments of any non-refundable fees imposed by the tour company, dive operator or other contractor.

Diver Accident Insurance is REQUIRED for this trip! If you do not have this yet go to DAN.org to sign up and use code 030400

We also HIGHLY recommend travel insurance. Two companies to consider are Allianz Travel or World Nomads

Don't get left out to dry on your trip! All travelers receive a free Saturday afternoon SCUBA in our pool to test out yourself and your gear beforehand. We recommend doing this at least a month prior to the trip to insure time to get anything serviced if need be in time.