We’ve just wrapped up a great 10-days trip onboard Emperor Bilikiki with a small group of returning guests from the US, Australia and UK. And… we couldn’t be more thrilled to share a few highlights from our unforgettable journey around the Central and the Western Province.
From the moment we set sail, the ocean greeted us with good conditions to explore this underwater paradise.
Over the course of the trip, we were treated to an incredible variety of marine life. Every dive felt like stepping into a vibrant aquarium, with countless reef fish weaving through the shallow reefs in dazzling color.
Some of the real crowd-pleasers included different elegant angelfish gliding gracefully past, while especially entertaining to observe was how the juvenile mimic surgeonfish tried to play at being a pearlscale angelfish. There were beautiful dartfish, nipping between coral heads and sand, and of course the mesmerizing schools of surgeonfish, unicornfish, fusiliers and rainbow runners sweeping by in shimmering unison.
One particularly magical moment came when nine dolphins joined us underwater. Yes, you read that right! Several of our lucky divers shared an encounter with these graceful creatures, and it’s safe to say that memory will be etched in our minds forever.
But the magic wasn’t only underwater. We were warmly welcomed by local communities, where we had the privilege of experiencing the vibrant culture of the Solomon Islands. The traditional carving markets were a favourite stop, with handcrafted pieces that told stories of history, heritage, and craftsmanship. All our guests got something to take back home from these beautiful markets.
The evenings onboard were peaceful and relaxed and we all shared our stories of the day with beautiful sunsets.
Another unforgettable moment was the visit to Karumolun Island, where the locals performed their live traditional singing and we enjoyed rich, soulful harmonies echoing over the water and wrapping us in the warmth of island hospitality. Those songs, sung under the bright sun and through a salty breeze, reminded us of the deep connection between these islands, their people, and the sea.
To our amazing guests, thank you for bringing such great energy and curiosity to this trip. It was really a pleasure to have you all back on board. And to the crew, a big thank you for your hard work, smiles, and dedication which made every moment smooth and full of joy.
Until we see you next time, happy bubbles
Pato & Fernando
