Bilikiki is back in Honiara after a 10 day trip (Oct 7-Oct 17) of a different kind, this time we hosted a group of 19 enthusiastic snorkelers from the USA and Canada all traveling with Wendy Simon from Snorkeling Etc. It was a great opportunity for us scuba divers to look at the reefs from a different angle, especially with the warm and sunny weather.
Every day we snorkeled the reefs in two or three long sessions. The group was amazed by the stunning coral gardens of Mbulo and Karumolun, with their clouds of colorful reef fish everywhere. Swimming into Leru Cut with a banded sea crate hanging from the steep wall on the surface was certainly an "Indiana Jones" moment! We spotted a multitude of critters from cuttlefish to different nudibranchs and the blacktip sharks in Karanjou excited everyone. Our trip finished in the Floridas with a beautiful morning snorkel session at Maravagi with headshield slugs, pipefish, snake eels and juvenile golden spade fish. We saved the best for last though with an adrenaline filled experience with 8 manta rays feeding in the current at Devil's Highway - what a way to finish!
Our thanks go out to all our guests for having a fun visit with us here in the Solomons and to all the Bilikiki crew, many of whom joined us as snorkel guides and critter spotters during this trip. You all did great!
With best fishes,
Tina & Oli