Overview
From the wonders of the Florida Islands to the flawless perfection of Marovo Lagoon, discover the best snorkeling in the Solomon Islands with Planet Snorkeling! This trip exclusively for snorkelers combines 6 nights on a liveaboard with 4 nights on Uepi Island, home to some of the best, least visited snorkeling spots in the world. This unique itinerary will allow us to visit varied snorkeling locations including shallow coral reefs, lagoons, shipwrecks, reef walls, and Manta cleaning stations.
Trip Highlights
- The Solomon Islands are the easternmost range of the Coral Triangle, one of the most secluded places on the planet. Their reefs are home to countless types of corals and reef fish species, as well as blacktip sharks, sea turtles and mantas.
- In total, this trip includes around 20 snorkeling sessions all over the archipelago, as well as a night snorkeling adventure. Most of visited locations will be flourishing coral reefs and steep walls where reef life thrives.
- Onboard the Bilikiki, fully chartered for our group, we will explore remote snorkeling locations in the Florida Islands, the Russel Islands and Mary Island. All cabins have private bathrooms and showers, with hot water and air conditioning.
- During the resort-based part of the trip, we will be staying at the edge of the Marovo Lagoon, the world’s longest lagoon. We will be the only guests at the Uepi Island Resort, and have exclusive access to the house reef. A manta cleaning station in just 20 feet of water is found near the resort.
Itinerary
Pick up at Honiara Airport and transfer to our hotel. Group dinner and night in Honiara.
Embarkation on the Bilikiki, start of our Snorkeling Liveaboard
During 5 full days, we will explore the Solomon Islands from the Bilikiki (2 to 3 snorkels per day). Our itinerary will include the Florida Islands, the Russel Islands, and Mary Island.
End of the Liveaboard. The Bilikiki will drop us off at Uepi Island Resort. Afternoon snorkeling on the house reef.
3 full days on Uepi Island, guided snorkeling in Marovo Lagoon area (2 locations per day)
Transfer to Seghe Airport and flight back to Honiara.
A shorter version of the trip (liveaboard only, 28 April to 5 May 2027, 8 days/7 nights) is also available. Contact us for more information.
Accommodation
This trip combines a 6-night liveaboard on the Bilikiki and a 4-night stay at Uepi Island Resort.
Bilikiki Liveaboard
During the 1st part of the trip (29 April to 5 May 2027), we will explore the Solomons on board the Bilikiki, an iconic liveaboard renowned as the region’s first full-service luxury dive vessel. All of the Bilikiki cabins are air-conditioned and have private bathrooms. Eight cabins have a double bed, and an upper single (cabins 3 to 9), and two cabins have twin beds (cabins 1 and 2) – same price.
Deck Map
You can view real-time availability and choose your cabin during the booking process.
Uepi Island Resort
During the 2nd part of the trip (5 to 9 May 2027), we will stay at Uepi Island Resort,
a remote hideaway in the Solomon Islands, perched between a calm lagoon and a vibrant outer reef. Two accommodation options are available: One Bedroom Beach House and Two Bedroom Beach House.
One Bedroom Beach House
These 45 m² bungalows have a king-sized bed, a walk-through robe, and an ensuite. A spacious outdoor area is equipped with hammocks and lounge chairs. Each bungalow is fan-cooled and has a private bathroom with an ambient temperature shower.
Two Bedroom Beach House
These spacious houses (85 m²) feature two private king rooms, each with walk through robe and ensuite. A spacious outdoor area is equipped with hammocks and lounge chairs. Each room is fan-cooled and has a private bathroom with an ambient temperature shower.
Pricing, Inclusions & Policies
En-suite cabin on the Bilikiki + Two Bedroom Beach Suite at Uepi Island: $7,290 USD per person
En-suite cabin on the Bilikiki + One Bedroom Beach Suite at Uepi Island: $7,490 USD per person
Liveaboard-only (En-suite cabin on the Bilikiki): $5,690 USD per person. If you’re interested in participating in the liveaboard only, please contact us, as this option can’t be booked online.
Prices are based on double occupancy.
Single occupancy supplement on the Bilikiki Liveaboard: +$2,460 USD per person.
Cost Includes
- Your guides and all snorkeling activities throughout the trip
- 7 day/6 night liveaboard on the Bilikiki from 29 April to 5 May 2027
- 4 nights at Uepi Island Resort from 5 to 9 May 2027, and 1 night in Honiara on 28 April 2027
- All meals, afternoon snacks, drinking water, tea and coffee throughout the trip
- Village tours during the Bilikiki Liveaboard
- All transportation and transfers from/to Honiara Airport, including the flight from Seghe to Honiara
- Starlink Internet connection on the Bilikiki and WiFi Internet connection at the Uepi Island Resort (only in the Main House)
- Marine Park & Port Fees and local taxes
- A gift from Planet Snorkeling Expeditions
Cost Excludes
- International air tickets from your home to Honiara
- Snorkeling equipment and wetsuit
- Alcoholic beverages and soft drinks
- Trip insurance
- Tips and gratuities
Payment Plan (per person) :
| Payment | Amount & Due Date |
|---|---|
| Initial deposit* | USD 850 – Due at booking (confirmation) |
| Interim payment | USD 1,000 – Due on 26 July 2026 |
| Balance payment | Balance – Due on 28 January 2027 |
Cancellation policy (per person) :
| Time | Cancellation Fee |
|---|---|
| ≥ D-365 | Deposit converted into a credit note valid 24 months (non-cash refundable). Interim and/or balance paid in advance refundable less USD 150 per person. |
| D-364 to Interim Payment Due Date | Forfeiture of the deposit (non-refundable). Interim and/or balance paid in advance refundable less USD 150 per person (financial/processing fees). |
| Interim Payment Due Date to D-90 | Cancellation fee = deposit + interim payment (non-refundable). If cancellation occurs after the Interim Payment Due Date, the interim payment remains due whether already paid or not. |
| D-90 to D-60 | Cancellation fee = 75% of the Total Trip Price (maximum refund 25%). |
| D-59 to D-0 | Cancellation fee = 100% of the Total Trip Price (no refund). |
Your Tour Leader for This Departure
This trip will be led by Guillaume, co-founder of Planet Snorkeling Expeditions. A self-taught marine enthusiast, he has spent years exploring ocean life and sharing his passion for shallow marine ecosystems. Having already led around 15 Planet Snorkeling trips, Guillaume is especially passionate about scorpionfish and critters and enjoys helping guests identify the many species encountered along the way.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Solomon Islands offer some of the most pristine and least-visited snorkeling destinations in the world. Throughout this journey, you can expect an incredible variety of underwater environments, from endless shallow coral reefs teeming with reef fish to historic World War II wrecks lying in just a few feet of water. The region is also known for its manta ray cleaning stations, healthy shark populations, large schools of snappers and barracuda, and fascinating seagrass habitats.
During the Bilikiki liveaboard, we typically enjoy 2 to 3 guided snorkeling sessions per day, with each session lasting between 1 and 2 hours, depending on the site and conditions. We also plan to include a few memorable sunset and night snorkeling sessions, offering the opportunity to observe marine life that only emerges after dark.
For most snorkeling sessions, you’ll enter the water directly from one of the two dedicated tenders, allowing us to access the best parts of each site comfortably and safely. Occasionally, entries may be made directly from the mother ship when appropriate.
During the Uepi Island Resort portion of the trip, we organize two guided boat snorkels per day to explore nearby reefs, including the famous manta ray cleaning station located just a short boat ride from the resort. In addition, you’ll enjoy unlimited access to Uepi’s exceptional house reef, widely regarded as one of the finest shore snorkeling sites in the Solomon Islands. You are free to snorkel there whenever conditions are suitable, whether independently or with other members of the group.
Throughout the trip, all snorkeling activities are guided by your Planet Snorkeling Tour Leader together with the experienced local snorkeling guides from the Bilikiki during the liveaboard and Uepi Island during the resort stay. Our guides are there to maximize wildlife encounters, help identify marine species, point out marine life, and ensure everyone enjoys a safe and rewarding experience in the water.
No specific fitness level is required. This trip is suitable for anyone comfortable in the water, confident using snorkeling equipment, and able to snorkel unassisted.
During our trips, you can snorkel at your own pace, and if you feel tired at any point, you can always return to the boat.
Please note, however, that this trip involves boarding or disembarking from small boats and dinghies, and exiting the water using ladders. If you have mobility concerns or specific questions, feel free to email us in advance, and we’ll be happy to provide more details.
Absolutely, a shorter version of the tour (liveaboard only) is also available, from 5690$/pers. If you’re interested, please contact us, as this option can’t be booked online.
The liveaboard-only option includes:
- Your guides and all snorkeling activities throughout the trip
- 7 day/6 night liveaboard on the Bilikiki from 29 April to 5 May 2027
- 1 night in Honiara on 28 April 2027
- All meals, afternoon snacks, drinking water, tea and coffee throughout the trip
- Village tours during the Bilikiki Liveaboard
- All transportation and transfers from/to Honiara Airport, including the flight from Seghe to Honiara
- Starlink Internet connection on the Bilikiki
- Marine Park & Port Fees and local taxes
The Bilikiki liveaboard will take us on a one-way journey from Honiara to Uepi Island, allowing us to explore several of the Solomon Islands’ remote reef systems along the way.
Navigation will take place between islands and snorkeling areas, with a combination of shorter transfers during the day and longer passages when moving between regions. Some navigation may also take place in the evening or overnight so that we can wake up close to the next day’s snorkeling sites and make the most of our time in the water.
Sea conditions in the Solomon Islands are often comfortable, particularly within the more sheltered channels and island groups, but the vessel may occasionally cross more exposed stretches of water. Some movement should therefore be expected, and guests who are prone to seasickness should bring their preferred medication and take it preventively when appropriate.
Water temperatures in the Solomon Islands remain consistently warm throughout the year and generally range between 82°F and 86°F/28°C and 30°C.
Yes. Internet access is available throughout the trip, although the type of connection differs between the liveaboard and the resort.
During the Bilikiki liveaboard, guests have access to a complimentary Starlink satellite internet connection, while at Uepi Island Resort, complimentary Wi-Fi is available only in the Main House.
Connection speeds can vary depending on location and the number of users online. To ensure everyone enjoys a good experience, participants are kindly asked to use streaming services and large downloads responsibly.
