by Ocean Alliance.
The Solomon Islands are no doubt a magical place. With six major islands and around 900 smaller islands tucked away in the South Pacific, 900 miles South East from Papua New Guinea, the Solomon Islands are well known as the Pacific’s best kept secret.
This unspoiled paradise offers a variety of activities that appeal to all audiences, ranging from beach lovers to the adventurous mountain climbers to those looking for a romantic getaway. With never ending exotic beauty to explore, a unique blend of cultures, and a mesmerising history – you will never have a dull moment during your stay. This tropical oasis will leave you feeling as you are the first person to visit its crystal blue waters and clear white warm sand.
DAY ONE: Tulagi and Sasape
You will arrive on the island of Tulagi where you are immediately overcome with the feeling that you have gone back in time. The Islands untouched beauty and raw landscape welcome guests from the very first glance.
Occupied by the Japanese in 1942, Tulagi quickly became home to a fleet of PT boats and US Navy ships until 1943. During this time the Island of Tulagi formed part of Purvis Bay which was also hosting many of the WWII marine vessels.
You will commence your morning with a visit to Sasape, the Solomon Islands Premier International Shipyard established in September in 2012.
At the conclusion of your visit you’ll prepare for an afternoon of diving. The closest dive is twin tunnels outside of Tulagi – An atoll that comes up to about 13 metres with some vertical shafts that go down to 35 – 40 metres. The Western shaft has a small cave at the rear of the bottom end with painted crays inside. The top is rich with soft corals, mushroom coral, cuttlefish and crocodile fish.
DAY TWO: Florida Islands
Today we will continue our visit of the Florida Islands. Formerly known as the Nggela Islands, the group consists of fifty island in all. The largest being Nggela Sule, and second largest Nggela Pile. We first visit Tanavula Point area, which includes sheer drop offs teeming with red tooth triggerfish, lots of soft corals and gorgonians.
Crossing to Anuha, through the Mboli Passage, we will visit this stunning island which consists of beautiful sandy beaches, and features many spots for snorkelling along the seagrass patches looking for seahorses and coral bombes swarming with fish.
On our way there or back, it is strongly recommended to visit the must see Mboli Passage. Situated between Nggela Sule and Nggela Pile, it was used as a sheltered shortcut through the Group of Islands and as an easy passage to Malaita from Tulagi and now from Honiara. Good to note as well, Tulagi was the Protectorate’s capital from 1897 to 1942, and the surrounding islands were the commercial bases for large merchant companies.
DAY THREE: Karamolun Island
As we make our way to explore Karamolun Island, our aim here will be to get to know the local culture more intimately.
We start the day with a morning dive at a ridge that comes away from the point starting off in the shallows at 4 metres going down to 35 metres and then drops away to nothing. Sharks, Big eye jacks, and pelagic life off the point and excellent shallows.
In the afternoon we then make our way to the local villages.
Offering a stunning location right on the Coast, you will find the dwellings of the local inhabitants who welcome you with open arms. Traditional dances and rich family prides are part of their daily life and will be for one day part of yours.
DAY FOUR: Mborokua & Barracuda Point
On the 4th day we will arrive at Mborokua (Mary Island) and spend our time at Barracuda Point.
This is an impressive place for dive enthusiasts featuring a triangular underwater point that comes straight out from the rocks typically starting at about 4 metres with the end of the point at about 40 metres. Here you will witness an array of marine life starting with Schooling jacks at around 8 metres, sleeping white tip reef sharks in about 10 metres and the larger school of barracuda at around 40 metres.
In the shallows there are also the smaller animals to be discovered such as porcelain crabs and anemone fish with eggs.
DAY FIVE: Uepi Island & Marovo Lagoon
Today we’ll make our way to the most northernmost point of our trip – Uepi Island.
With an approximately 2.5km long and 600m wide coastline Uepi is the largest island in the world. Flanked by the warm water of the Marovo Lagoon and the oceanic depths (6000ft/2000m) of ”The Slot”, a deep marine abyss, on the other, this destination will catch everyone‘s breath.
The remote island is covered in impressive rainforest and offers a huge variety of diving hot spots to explore.
Surrounded by around 100 little islands, the inner lagoon has many complex terrestrial and marine habitats to offer.
The natural beauty and environment of Marovo Lagoon is absolutely outstanding and will be a memory for a lifetime.
DAY SIX: Paeva & Mbulo Island
We will spend our sixth day in Peava west of Mbulo Island.
As part of the cultural visit we will dive in the morning on one of the outlying islands and in the late morning go ashore to view the carvings that are masterfully produced by the locals. It is not compulsory to buy anything. It assists in bringing the village into an enterprising world which we are accustomed to.
The dive in the morning is on Mbulo Island – a wall that runs along towards the point with enormous amounts of Gorgonians and whips in all shapes, colours and sizes.
DAY SEVEN: Mane Island
We anchor in the bay with the stern of the vessel tied to the shore. Enjoying the ease of swimming off the back of the boat and water sports in amongst the surrounding Islands. There is a possible dive on the Eastern edge called Mirror Pond with a resident crocodile as a friendly reminder of the local inhabitants.
As this is our last day, we will make our way back to Honiara during the night time and will disembark in the morning.
Plan your experience on board the following superyachts in The Solomon Island:
SILENTWORLD and ANDA is available for charter through Ocean Alliance.
Please enquire or call Laurie Foulon for more information: +61 424 599 889
Media and PR enquiries: info@oceanalliance.com.au to find out more.
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