-
Recently Written
- Journey Into Laos
- More Cowboy Boots from Thailand
- Boots from Tony’s Leather on Suriwong Road Bangkok, Thailand
- Mardi Gras - Mobile, Alabama
- Bali - A review of a recent trip to the island
- Artini 2 Cottages - Bali, Indonesia - A review of the hotel
- Diving in the Solomon Islands aboard the live aboard ship, Bilikiki
- Kumala Pantai Hotel - Legian Kuta Beach, Bali
- Ichiban Japanese Cuisine - new sushi restaurant in Foley, Alabama
- Tsukiji Fish Market in Tokyo, Japan
-
Categories
-
Archives
Travelocity Saves You on Flights, Hotels, Car Rentals, Cruises and More
Diving in the Solomon Islands aboard the live aboard ship, Bilikiki
Have you been dreaming of a place where you could dive where the water was clear and there was lots of reef life and the boat crew was really glad to assist you? I have been dreaming of such a place, a tropical place. Somewhere different, somewhere out of the ordinary, somewhere exotic and I decided on the Solomon Islands. To be specific a dive trip on the Bilikiki. It was a trip where everything I had been dreaming of came true. The water was clear, the reef was teaming with life and the boat crew made you feel like long lost friends. I have been diving where the water has been clearer but visibility was still good and sometimes clear water means dead water. The water here was teaming with life. All sorts of reef life, clown fish, anemones, firefish gobies, clown triggerfish, and sharks are just a few of the different species that I saw. The most spectacular dive site was Barracuda point where we dove with a school of Barracuda that was well over a 1000 strong. The school would twist and turn in some sort of underwater ballet and they were fine if you wanted to join in. Though they seemed to be exerting no effort in the current, I found myself tiring after swimming awhile. Other exciting dives included soft corals in almost every color, pygmy seahorses, robust pipefish, and rays. Then after your wonderful dives the crew would pick you up in a tinny and bring you back to the boat.
The crew just seemed to always know where you would surface and there was rarely a wait once you surfaced. Monty and Michelle were the dive masters aboard the Bilikiki and they were always eager to assist and educate you about the dive site before diving and answer questions after the dive. They were also great about finding different creatures during the dive and showing you what they found. The crew was always friendly and helpful. And just as important as great dive sites, the meals were great. There was plenty to eat and a good variety of options.
The Bilikiki also offers village excursions where you shop for local cravings and traditional jewelry. Three were offered on the trip I took. The cravings were beautiful and it was interesting to meet the Solomon Island people.
So if you’re dreaming of great diving, mild weather and first class service, take a dive trip aboard the Bilikiki - you won’t be disappointed!
For more information and for more awesome dive photography check out John and Kim Estes’ website at http://www.estesart.com