Trip Highlights
Snorkel pristine shallow reefs of hard and soft corals, including a location with the second highest reef fish biodiversity in the world (after Raja Ampat, Indonesia).
Visit ultra-remote parts of the Solomon Islands including Tetepare – the largest uninhabited island in the South Pacific – and Marovo Lagoon, the world’s largest enclosed reef lagoon.
About This Trip
- Snorkel pristine shallow reefs of hard and soft corals, including a location with the second highest reef fish biodiversity in the world (after Raja Ampat, Indonesia).
- Our Solomon Islands liveaboard expedition supports whale and dolphin survey efforts, and we may see the little-known Omura's whale, first discovered in 2004.
- Visit ultra-remote parts of the Solomon Islands including Tetepare – the largest uninhabited island in the South Pacific – and Marovo Lagoon, the world’s largest enclosed reef lagoon.
Join us as we explore this unique jewel of the South Pacific, guided by naturalists and a cetacean expert with years of experience in the region. You’ll get to enjoy two to three snorkeling excursions a day, complemented by intriguing cultural experiences, and jungle hikes on uninhabited islands. We will spend long sessions each day exploring the stupendous coral reefs—some of the most under-appreciated and unique in the entire Pacific. High fish and invertebrate variation allow for diverse wildlife sightings including nudibranchs, pipefish, mantis shrimp, rays, sea turtles, and sharks.
During transits between snorkeling we will look for cetaceans, guided by our on board expert. Many tropical cetacean species are present here including shortfin pilot whales, pygmy killer whales, sperm whales, dwarf sperm whales, and many dolphin species. In past years we have also seen beaked whales. In particular, we'll be on the lookout for blue whales, which may use these waters as a mating and/or breeding ground, as well as Omura’s whale, a tropical baleen whale species unknown to science before 2004 (and first described from the Solomon Islands). If deemed appropriate, you may also have the chance to snorkel with whales — an unforgettable experience.
Beyond our focus on nature, our itinerary allows for occasional stops to visit the islands and isolated local villages along our route, an enriching cultural experience. This special itinerary was created in collaboration with Planet Deep.
Read our trip leaders' reports from past Solomon Islands liveaboard trips:
- Exploring Remote Corners of the Coral Triangle with Planet Deep
- An Unexplored Corner of the Coral Triangle: The Solomon Islands
- Solomon Islands by Liveaboard: Whale Survey Report
Notes on Trip Costs
Trip prices do not include airfare. Extra hotel nights pre and post trip are not included. Special deposit amounts and payment dates are in effect for this expedition ($2,000/person deposit upon registration; $2,000/person second deposit due by Jan 2024; final balance due by Oct 2024). Limited single accommodations are available by request only, but we are happy to pair solo travelers with a roommate. This expedition has special terms and conditions.
Conservation Impact
Founded in 1969, Oceanic Society is America’s oldest nonprofit organization dedicated to ocean conservation. As pioneers of “eco travel,” our expeditions directly support our mission. They not only positively impact our travelers, but also the people, places, and wildlife we go to see, and Oceanic Society's earnings are invested back into our global ocean conservation programs. In addition, for every booking, we fund the removal of 200 lbs of trash from the marine environment through our Traveler Plastic Pollution Offset Program.
Itinerary
For a detailed itinerary, please email expeditions@oceanicsociety.org
Ship
MV Bilikiki
In 1989 MV Bilikiki sailed as the first full service liveaboard dive vessel in the Solomon Islands. She is a large, stable, comfortable vessel and consistently rated one of the best liveaboard ships in the world. MV Bilikiki has 10 deluxe cabins, eight…
Naturalist(s)
Your expedition will be led by one or more of the following expert naturalist guides:
Trip Extensions
Pre or post trip extensions in Fiji to snorkel in Beqa or off-the-beaten-track culture experience in Nadi are available, please contact our travel team for more information.
