Russell Islands

The Russell Islands are a sparsely populated group of islands west of Guadalcanal. They are home to some of the Solomons’ best dive sites including Leru Cut and White Beach.

There are two main islands in the Russells, Pavuvu and Mbanika, both volcanic in origin. These are surrounded by numerous small islands  making the Russell Islands very picturesque and home to lots of great dive sites. There are still remnants of the US military bases that were here in WWII and even a couple of dive sites where old trucks, bullets and even bombs can be seen. White Beach is the most famous and a regular dive spot on Bilikiki trips.

Other great dives include the photogenic Leru Cut, a long, narrow open channel back into the island which is even more spectacular when the sun comes over and lights the whole place up with vivid beams of light. Mane Island is also home to Mirror Pond where there is interesting swim throughs and amazing coral gardens. 

Karumolun is a small island with a couple of great dives and a wonderful village visit. On nearly all Bilikiki trips we go to visit Karumolun to see their amazing singing, dancing and panpipe music. There is also the oppurtunity to look around this very traditional South Pacific village. It is a real highlight for a lot of guests!

The Russell Islands can only be reached easily by liveaboard and is a favourite area of Bilikiki Cruises. Join us on a trip to see this seldom visited area.

What our guests say

"The trip of a lifetime! Impeccable crew, perfect organization, beautiful landscapes under and above water, new friends, incredible wildlife. My eyes a... Read More"

Stephanie Loubat

"Just got back from a 10 day trip on Bilikiki with Tina and Oli. The whole Bilikiki team made our trip a memorable one, despite the temperamental weath... Read More"

Jonathan Rose

"I did my 1000th dive on my second trip on the Bilikiki. Last time was in 2005 and then I thought it was the best liveaboard I had been on. It still is... Read More"

Alex Davids

"Always a great time on the Bilikiki. Spectacular diving, excellent food and an amazing crew. One of the best laid out boats I've been diving on."

Mike Aitken

"I can't think of a better way to spend 12 days than on board Bilikiki. It is absolutely spectacular diving amongst healthy corals, colorful fishes, st... Read More"

Karen Doby

"Second time and still finding new sights to see! Wonderful trip well worth the effort....."

Reed Nescher

"Just really, really, really enjoyed our trip!!! We really fell in love with Pato and Fernando. They did an excellent job guiding us! The crew is as go... Read More"

Darlene Myers

"I have just returned from a 10 night stay on board the Bilikiki. It was my first trip on the Bilikiki however friends we were with have been 3 or 4 ti... Read More"

Pearl Corker

"If I could rate them 6 stars I would!!! Amazing boat, crew, food and diving."

Brett Lobwein

"I have been on many Bilikiki trips over the past eight years, and I will keep going back again and again. I’ve dived in more than 15 countries and h... Read More"

Joanna O'Shea

"I had an amazing 10 nights onboard the Bilikiki! The dive sites were so diverse and so beautiful, we had some amazing encounters with wildlife, the cr... Read More"

Lauren Thomas

"My bucket list trip. Outstanding crew and service. Superb diving. Stable and comfortable vessel and accommodations. The chefs do a marvellous job, eve... Read More"

Fred Catella

"Bilikiki is much more than a great dive boat with a fantastic crew sailing the remote Solomon Islands and discovering new and beautiful dive sites; it... Read More"

Thane Kreiner