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Dive Review of Bilikiki Cruises in
Solomon Islands/Various Islands

Bilikiki Cruises, Dec, 2010,

by Douglas C. Spencer, CA, US (Reviewer Reviewer 5 reports). Report 5876.

No photos available at this time

Ratings and Overall Comments 1 (worst) - 5 (best):

Accommodations 4 stars Food 5 stars
Service and Attitude 5 stars Environmental Sensitivity 4 stars
Dive Operation 5 stars Shore Diving N/A
Snorkeling 3 stars
Value for $$ 5 stars
Beginners 3 stars
Advanced 5 stars
Comments I am a long time, but strictly recreational diver. I limit myself to 1-2 trips a year. This was only my second live aboard. I limit myself to 3 dives per day. It was arranged by well known dive master and host Sonia Goggle. I met Sonia 5 years ago during my 1st live aboard in Fiji aboard the Nai. Just as I was looking around for a trip I recieved an unexpected email from her. Timing is everything. Take my comments as an inexperienced live aboard person.

1) Sonia put the trip together and she was her usual upbeat and warm self. She usually guides trips in the Red Sea/Fiji/Solomons. She worked hard to make sure her customers were comfortable and had a fun. She and the Dive Masters made the trip for me.
2) The boat dive masters were a couple named Sam and Kellie. They were funny, helpful, intelligent and great underwater guides. Kellie went on every single night dive which I found amazing. They both work extremely hard to accomodate everyone. They were very social and gracious during meal times.
3) The food was unbelievable (I need to loose the 5lbs I gained). The last night was lobster, steak and champagne. I like to eat and fouund it 'crazy good.'
4) The boat was full of photographers and everyone seemed fine with all of the facilities. The charging room was upstairs.
5) The boat looks exactly like it does online. It was built in 1989, but reapirs and upkeep show it has been much loved. Nothing fancy, but very comfortable.
6) The crew of 8 work very, very hard. The tinnies always followed the divers regardless of direction. They are masterful at spotting bubbles.
7) Saw black tip/grey sharks at least one dive per day. Some spots were super healthy and the reefs looked to be in great condition. Not huge pelagics, but enough to keep you interested.
8) NO OTHER DIVE BOATS OR DIVERS IN ANY OF THE AREAS WE DIVED!
9) A couple of divers did 5 dives a day.
10) People paddle out in canoes every day to sell you fruits and vegatables. Village visits are a blast and there is lots of local crafts/jewelry to buy. Watching Kellie negotiate prices was amazing from an economic perspective. These natives are the 'real deal.'
11) Small stuff is everywhere and frankly is a photographers dream. 12) The bang for the buck/Value for a 2 week trip was amazing and I am greatful I had the opportunity
13) Solomons is a poor country and Honiara needs a bit of love. I stayed at the Heritage Park for a day to decompress and my opnion is that it was the best place in town.
14) Owners Rick/Jane are very civil/acomodating/honest.
15) I am very glad I went. Have fun!
Websites Bilikiki Cruises   

Reporter and Travel

Dive Experience 501-1000 dives
Where else diving Carribean/South America/Central America/Polynesia
Closest Airport Getting There

Dive Conditions

Weather sunny, windy, rainy Seas calm, currents, no currents
Water Temp 83-76°F / 28-24°C Wetsuit Thickness
Water Visibility 50-100 Ft/ 15-30 M

Dive Policy

Dive own profile yes
Enforced diving restrictions No restrictions
Liveaboard? yes Nitrox Available? yes

What I Saw

Sharks Lots Mantas 1 or 2
Dolphins None Whale Sharks None
Turtles > 2 Whales None
Corals 4 stars Tropical Fish 3 stars
Small Critters 5 stars Large Fish 4 stars
Large Pelagics 4 stars

Underwater Photography 1 (worst) - 5 (best):

Subject Matter 4 stars Boat Facilities 5 stars
Overall rating for UWP's N/A Shore Facilities N/A
UW Photo Comments I did not bring a camera, however everyone else did and all seemed satisfied
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Note: The information here was reported by the author above, but has NOT been reviewed nor edited by Undercurrent prior to posting on our website. Please report any major problems by writing to us and referencing the report number above.

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