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Dive Review of Bilikiki in
Solomon Islands

Bilikiki, Nov, 2007,

by Madeline & Dale Treadway, Ne, USA (Reviewer Reviewer 4 reports). Report 3779.

No photos available at this time

Ratings and Overall Comments 1 (worst) - 5 (best):

Accommodations 5 stars Food 5 stars
Service and Attitude 5 stars Environmental Sensitivity N/A
Dive Operation 5 stars Shore Diving 1 stars
Snorkeling N/A
Value for $$ N/A
Beginners 4 stars
Advanced 5 stars
Comments 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

Reporter and Travel

Dive Experience 251-500 dives
Where else diving Palau, Thailand, Bali-Komoda, Lembeh Strait, Caribbean, Bonaire, Belize
Closest Airport Getting There

Dive Conditions

Weather sunny, cloudy Seas calm
Water Temp 84-86°F / 29-30°C Wetsuit Thickness 3
Water Visibility 50-100 Ft/ 15-30 M

Dive Policy

Dive own profile yes
Enforced diving restrictions No Diving after drinking
Liveaboard? yes Nitrox Available? N/A

What I Saw

Sharks Lots Mantas None
Dolphins None Whale Sharks None
Turtles 1 or 2 Whales None
Corals 5 stars Tropical Fish 5 stars
Small Critters 5 stars Large Fish 2 stars
Large Pelagics 2 stars

Underwater Photography 1 (worst) - 5 (best):

Subject Matter 5 stars Boat Facilities 5 stars
Overall rating for UWP's 5 stars Shore Facilities N/A
UW Photo Comments Big Rinse Tank & Table for Cameras, Nice Charge Room, Crew assist & care in handling.
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Bilikiki Cruises is a long running, well regarded operator running superb live-aboard diving in the remote and beautiful Solomon Islands.
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Note: The information here was reported by the author above, but has NOT been reviewed nor edited by Undercurrent prior to posting on our website. Please report any major problems by writing to us and referencing the report number above.

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