This will be REEF's second Field Survey to the the Solomon Islands, which comprise 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 study published in the scientific journal, Nature. The Solomon Islands were designated as a location where coral reefs are flourishing against the odds despite environmental pressure. This land-based trip to Uepi Island Resort will feature plenty of opportunities for diving Marovo Lagoon, the longest saltwater lagoon in the world. With its many complex terrestrial and marine habitats, the diversity of Marovo Lagoon is outstanding. 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!
Trip Type: Fish Survey - click here to learn more!
Pricing: $3,335 per diver based on double occupancy. Due to the resort capacity, single occupancy may be avilable upon request on a first-come, first-served basis and is subject to availability. Please inquire with REEF Trips if you are interested in single occupancy.
Accommodations: Upei Island Resort has several accommodation options. Rooms will be allocated by Uepi Island Resort based on bedding requests and availability. If a specific room type or single occupancy is requested, upgrade rates will apply. Room options available include: 4 beachfront bungalows (1 king or 2 twin beds), 2 garden bungalows (1 king or 2 twin beds), 2 units (1 king or 2 twin beds), and 2 guest rooms (one has a king bed, and one has 2 twin beds.) All rooms have private bathrooms with ambient temperature showers and toilet facilities. More information about accommodation options can be viewed here.
Diving: The trip package includes three dives per day from Oct. 31-Nov. 6, and two dives on the final day of the trip, Nov 7, for a total of 23 dives. All diving is done via boat, although there is some great snorkeling available from shore. Please note that nitrox is not available at this destination. Due to the remote nature of this destination, proof of dive evacuation insurance is required. Average water temperature is approximately 85 degrees F.
Price Includes: This trip includes 9 nights of accommodation, 23 total dives, all meals, round-trip airport transfers from Seghe, taxes, tanks and weights.
REEF Program Fee: A REEF Program Fee of $350 per diver will be added to each package to cover the cost of the group leader, seminar and REEF survey materials.
Additional Fees: Some dive locations not on Uepi Island reefs incur a custom fee ranging from $4-$15 AUD. Uepi Island Resort has negotiated these fees with local reef owners, and the fees are designed to recognize local ownership and customs.Custom fees will be added at Uepi depending on the sites dived. Mandatory dive evacuation insurance is not included, but is a requirement for all divers on this trip.
Travel 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.
About the Trip Leader: Amy Lee is REEF's Trips Program and Communications Manager. She organizes REEF's annual schedule of worldwide citizen science dive trips, and also oversees REEF's communications and seasonal fundraising campaigns. She a member of REEF's Advanced Assessment Team in the Tropical Western Atlantic region, and has also surveyed in the Central Indo-Pacific, Tropical Eastern Pacific, California, and Northeast US and Canada.
How to Sign Up: To reserve your space on this trip or find out more, e-mail us at trips@REEF.org, or call us at 305-588-5869. If booking greater than 180 days prior to trip departure, a $1,000 deposit will be collected at the time of booking. If booking within 180 days of departure, the deposit and any other corresponding payments will be due at the time of booking. Visit our Trip Policies page for more information on deposit and payment schedules
How to Get There: Participants should make arrangements to fly into Seghe Airport (EGM) in the Solomon Islands, arriving on Oct. 30 and departing on Nov. 8. There are several options for how to get to Seghe. Many guests travel via Brisbane, Australia or Nadi, Fiji. You may also fly through Honiara, the capital of the Solomon Islands. The Solomon Islands Tourism webpage has a helpful travel section linked here. Additionally, Uepi Island Resort may be able to assist with Solomon Airlines flights as the schedule becomes available. Please contact REEF Trips if you have any questions about arranging travel. REEF is not able to book air travel. All participants are responsible for booking their own flights.
Transfers: Upon arrival in Seghe, participants will be met by a Uepi Island Resort staff person and be transferred via boat across the Marovo Lagoon to Uepi Island.