Dive Review of
Bilikiki in
Solomon Islands

Palau, Thailand, Bali-Komoda, Lembeh Strait, Caribbean, Bonaire, Belize

Dive Conditions

No Diving after drinking  

Big Rinse Tank & Table for Cameras, Nice Charge Room, Crew assist &
care in handling.   

Overall Rating

Imagine scenery everywhere like travel postcards. Shades of water in green
& blue & islands of palm & coconut trees. White sand beaches
with locals of all ages going about the daily activities in tree dug out
canoes. Many come to the Bilikiki to sell their fresh fish, fruits &
vegetables. Change it to "Eat,Sleep,Dive,& wonderful
Scenery".

The Bilikiki has large ensuite cabins with lots of storage room & lots
of hot water in showers. Dive deck is comfortable with crew handling all
gear & cameras. Salon & Dining areas are nice with plenty of room
to relax when not diving.  This loveaboard is the cleanest of the 8 we have
been on with no odors or smells.  The ride is very stable when enroute with
wonderful views from sheltered anchorages.

The routine is breakfast, dive, morning snack, dive, lunch, afternoon
snack, dive, cocktail time, dinner & then night dive.  Fresh pineapple
& other fruit every meal. Two entrees & salads very lunch &
dinner with delightful deserts after dinner. During the week we have fresh
fish, beef, pork, chicken, pizza & pasta.  Food presentation was
excellent. Popcorn & either cookies or cake for snacks.  Special food
arrangements were accommodated.

Can't say enough good about Michelle, Monty & the Bilikiki Boys. They
were engaged to pamper you & be of service but not in your face.  Monty
is a good story teller.

Once underwater you know why you make the long trip.  Diving was a mix of
wall, pinnacle, cave, wreck, muck & drift diving. Healthy reefs were
the rule. Sites had 5 different kinds of anemonefish including the real
Nemo. There were pipe fish, nudibranchs, tons of lion fish,
cuttlefish,scorpion fish, and to many gobies, blennies and tropicals to
mention. On the larger side were crocodile fish, morays, barracuda, sharks
and schools of jacks & other fish. Timmies rides were short with quick
pick ups.  Diving doesn't get easier.

During the 14 days we visited two local villages.  Great opportunity to
purchase wood cravings & woven items. I was able to add to my mask
collection.  Bring your camera as the children & people are friendly
& don't mind photos. We dove & visited the Florida, Russell,
Georgia & Mary's Island groups which are all part of the Solomon
Islands.

The blemishes that might have concern for some are in my opinion only
minor.  It takes about 34 hours and a few connections to get there.  It
also takes a few American dollars.  The solon has only fans(no a/c) &
therefore in mid-afternoon if you are not in the water, it can be hot.
Michelle & Monty are the only dive masters and one is always in the
water.  But on a full cruise that's a 20 to 1 ratio so they can't point out
stuff for everyone. There is no head on the dive deck so one must go to
their cabin. 

Our new dive friends were all wonderful making the 14 day cruise go by to
fast but leaving many great memories.  Anyone wanted a slideshow or having
questions e-mail trdwy@tconl.com 

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