The Solomon Islands are one of the most intact and biologically rich oceanic archipelagos on Earth. In fact, the region was identified as a “Bright Spot” in a recent scientific study. The Solomon Islands were designated as a location where coral reefs are flourishing against the odds despite environmental pressure. On our last REEF Trip trip aboard the Bilikiki in 2017, REEF surveyors in the Solomon Islands documented 786 species over 10 days, and we will try to increase that number on this trip!
Project Focus: This purpose of this trip is to conduct fish surveys to support REEF's Volunteer Fish Survey Project. Click here to learn more about participating in fish surveys on a REEF Field Survey Trip!
Best Suited For: Divers or snorkelers. Nearly every dive site has amazing things to see in the shallows and the conditions and tender setup make snorkeling access very easy.
Accommodations: The Bilikiki has 10 deluxe cabins, eight with a double bed and single bunk and two with twin single beds and no bunk (cabins #1 & 2). All cabins are air conditioned and have their own en-suite bathroom. There is a large sundeck, comfortable lounge and camera area and spacious dive deck.
Diving: There will be 3-4 dives daily. Most of the dives are done using our tenders (called "tinnies" in the Solomons) which offer a shuttle back and forth to the dive site picking up guests where they surface, and bringing them back to the boat. Dive temperatures average between 80-86 degrees Fahrenheit year-round. Nitrox is available for $20 per dive day. DAN or equivalent evacuation insurance is mandatory. Divers will be required to present proof of dive certification and dive insurance onboard.
Pricing, Inclusions, and Other Fees
$6,300 per person based on double occupancy.
Your Package Includes: The trip package includes 10 nights of accommodation, all diving, all meals and snacks, airport or local hotel transfers (within 3 days of trip dates) tanks, and weights.
REEF Program Fee: A REEF Program Fee of $350 will be added to each package to cover the cost of the group leader, seminar, and REEF survey materials. The REEF Program Fee applies to all divers and any attendee age 18 or older.
Additional Fees - Not Included: All flights and associated travel to and from Honiara, tax of $25 per person per night, bar drinks, Nitrox. Gratuities for the dive crew are not included in the trip package and are at each individual's discretion.
Registration
To reserve your space, email trips@REEF.org or call 305-588-5869. A $1,000 per person deposit will be due to confirm your reservation. Visit our Trip Policies page for more information on deposit and payment schedules.
Solomon Islands Travel Info
Insurance: Travel insurance is not included. REEF strongly recommends that each participant purchase adequate dive travel insurance to protect you from unforeseen circumstances. REEF partners with both DiveAssure and DAN to offer travel insurance packages specifically for divers. REEF will receive a portion of the proceeds from travel insurance purchases when you click on the following affiliate links for DiveAssure or DAN.
How to Get There: The charter will start and end in Honiara, the capital of the Solomon Islands and location of the international airport. Those traveling from North America will likely transit through Nadi, Fiji, or Brisbane, Australia. This page has some information about options for getting to Honiara. Boarding time will be on May 6 at 4pm. Disembarkation is aroud 8am on May 16. The Bilikiki's departures are designed to work with the incoming and outgoing flights so in general overnights in Honiara are not required. Please note that not every flight from all ports of entry will arrive and depart on the scheduled charter dates, so depending on when you choose to fly, overnights may be required.
Transfers: Transfers to/from the boat and airport/hotel are included in the cost of the trip. Participants arriving on the day of boarding will be met by Bilikiki representatives at the airport for transfer to the boat. Those on an earlier flight may transfer to a nearby hotel until boarding. On the last day, participants typically have a few hours to explore town prior to being transferred back to the airport.
Passports, Documentation and Visas: Passports are required for entry to the Solomon Islands and a free visitor’s permit will be issued on arrival for nationals of the United States, most Commonwealth and most European nations. A return or onward ticket is required and passports must be valid for 6 months after your departure from the Solomon Islands. Please consult the appropriate consulate for specific visa requirements for entry into the Solomon Islands.
COVID-19 Considerations: It is the participant's responsibility to ensure that they understand and comply with all local requirements (for entry and visit as a tourist) of the host destination, and for exit and entry requirements for their home country. Be prepared for your plans to change. Be sure your travel insurance covers COVID-related issues. No travel is risk-free during the COVID-19 pandemic. Countries may further restrict travel or bring in new rules at short notice, for example, due to a new COVID-19 variant. Please be aware that REEF is not a travel agent. We are doing our best to interpret the information provided by our trip vendor and the host country’s government COVID-19 webpages. We encourage everyone to do their own research, interpretation, and due diligence. Please see REEF’s COVID-19 Considerations and Vaccine Policies section in our REEF Field Survey Trips Policies page for more information.