Explore the Solomon Islands

Conducted Group Tour aboard M/V Bilikiki
  December 9-19, 2023  

Welcome to the Solomon Islands -- Solomon Islands is a nation located in the southwest Pacific, 1,500 miles (2,400 km) west of Fiji and 1,200 miles (2,000 km) northeast of Australia. Air travelers can reach Honiara, the capital of Solomon Islands, and the home port for the Bilikiki, via Nadi, Fiji; Brisbane, Australia or Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea. It was the site of many famous WWII naval battles, such as the Guadalcanal Campaign. The Solomon Islands are also where President John F. Kennedy, as a young naval officer, experienced his PT-109 disaster.

M/V Bilikiki -- MV Bilikiki is 125 ft long, with a 24 foot beam. This ship is large and stable, designed for South Pacific conditions. It offers a spacious sundeck, plenty of covered areas, and air-conditioned accommodations. Bilikiki has 10 guest cabins with a full double bed below and a single above. All cabins have private showers and toilets. Bilikiki is not a luxury ship, but she is a superb diving platform operated by the absolute experts in Solomon Sea diving.

The Diving -- The walls, reefs, pinnacles and coral gardens of Solomon Islands support an amazing variety and quantity of sea creatures. The varieties of fish are staggering. Within a few yards of each other, individually or in schools can be seen anemone fish, angel fish, butterfly fish, humphead parrot fish and other reef dwellers while just a short distance away schools of barracuda, big-eye trevally and other pelagics cruise in the blue waters. Popular with underwater photographers and those with a keen eye for the small and unusual critters are offered on "muck dives." The amount and variety of sealife is astounding. Mantis shrimp, ghost pipefish, and pygmy seahorses are only a few examples of what you may find. In addition to the marine life, you will have the opportunity to experience some of the best WWII wreck diving. These historic wrecks are also covered in marine life, offering exceptional diving and underwater photography opportunities.

Tour Guide Jesse Cancelmo -- In addition to the expert services of the Bilikiki's highly experienced Captain, crew and dive guides, you will enjoy the services of a special and highly-trusted friend of Island Dreams. Jesse Cancelmo is a scuba instructor, a technical diver, and a published, professional underwater photographer. Jesse will be there to smooth the way and help to guarantee you a superlative and safe diving holiday.

SOLD OUT -- Sorry, this trip is now fully subscribed. But change happens. If you wish to be on the waitlist, please let us know. 1-800-346-6116, or email Tina@divetrip.com. We are here to serve you.

Solomon Islands Group Dive Tour M/V Bilikiki   *   December 9-19, 2023
Itinerary	Cruise Dates	Pricing	Deluxe Stateroom Price per person, double occupancy
10-night Cruise Tour Leader Jesse Cancelmo	December 9-19, 2023	Cruise price	$6450 One male twin-share is available
		Solomon Islands Lodging Tax	$ 250
		Nitrox	$ 180
Pricing -- All rates are per person, based on twin-share in a double occupancy cabin, quoted in U.S. dollars and subject to change. Island Dreams will do its best to accommodate single travelers willing to share a cabin with a same-gender roommate. Rates Include -- Airport or hotel transfers in Honiara, onboard accommodation, meals and snacks, unlimited diving, weights and belt, tanks and air fills. Cabins -- M/V Bilikiki has ten double occupancy guest cabins, each with ensuite toilet and shower. Each cabin has a double bed below and single bed above. All accommodations are air-conditioned. Here you may view the M/V Bilikiki Deck Plan NITROX Option -- Nitrox fills may be added to the 10-night cruise at the cost of $180 per diver. Mandatory Evacuation Insurance -- Divers Alert Network (DAN) or equivalent diver insurance is mandatory. Rates do not include: International airfare to Honiara, the capital city of the Solomon Islands, Solomon Islands Lodging Tax of $25/person/night, gratuities to guides and crew, bar drinks, purchases at the boutique, Nitrox fills, dive gear equipment rentals, and all other expenses of a personal nature. What about Malaria? -- Be advised that malaria does exist throughout the Solomon Islands. At Island Dreams, we are travel specialists, not medical professionals. We do not prescribe drugs, nor are we trained to give medical advice. That said, we strongly suggest that all short-term visitors to the Solomon Islands take malaria prophylaxis. You are advised to contact a physician with knowledge of malaria prevention, to obtain a prescription for a preventative drug such as Malarone. For a better understanding of the situation, you may begin here: www.malarone.com.

Air Travel to Honiara -- Most North American travelers fly from Los Angeles through Brisbane, Australia, or Nadi Fiji. There are also flights from Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea. SOLOMON AIRLINES is the international carrier connecting Honiara, the capital city of the Solomon Islands, to Fiji and Australia. In addition FIJI AIRWAYS (formerly Air Pacific) provides weekly service to and from Nadi, Fiji, and AIR NIUGINI provides service to PNG. VIRGIN AIRLINES also has twice weekly flights between Brisbane and Honiara. Flights are limited, one of the reasons the diving is still so pristine. Bilikiki departures coincide with flight schedules so that unwanted overnights are minimized, although depending on your choice of carrier in some instances an overnight may be required. Airfare to Honiara, and any hotel overnights, are at the guest's expense. Should you require it, Island Dreams stands ready to assist you with air travel information and flight reservations.

Solomon Islands Photo Gallery -- Underwater Images

Solomon Islands Photo Gallery -- Topside Photos

Additional Information -- A great deal of additional data about this tour may be found here: M/V Bilikiki -- FAQ