2015-12 Bilikiki, Solomons #9 with Island Explorations

  1. Galleries
  2. Land Photos
  3. Oceania
  4. Solomon Islands
  5. 2015-12 Bilikiki, Solomons #9 with Island Explorations
View Slideshow
  • Group & Luggage
    Group & Luggage
    Our luggage required a nice truck to deliver it to the boat.
    Airport Terminal, Henderson Field, Honiara, Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands, December 1, 2015
    2015-12-01#0016
    Larry L. Jackson
  • Barracuda Point
    Barracuda Point
    Also called Mary Island, this is an isolated location with very good dive sites.
    Mborokua Island, Solomon Islands, December 3, 2015
    2015-12-03#0023
    Larry L. Jackson
  • Sunset
    Sunset
    Nice sunset during nibbles time on the upper deck.
    Mborokua Island, Solomon Islands, December 3, 2015
    2015-12-03#0026
    Larry L. Jackson
  • Kicha Island
    Kicha Island
    Our first dive location in the New Georgia group of islands.
    New Georgia, Solomon Islands, December 4, 2015
    2015-12-04#0028
    Larry L. Jackson
  • Kicha Island
    Kicha Island
    New Georgia, Solomon Islands, December 4, 2015
    2015-12-04#0031
    Larry L. Jackson
  • Waves
    Waves
    Mbulo Island, New Georgia, Solomon Islands, December 4, 2015
    2015-12-04#0033
    Larry L. Jackson
  • Front Deck, MV Bilikiki
    Front Deck, MV Bilikiki
    Dining and relaxing area.
    Mbulo Island, New Georgia, Solomon Islands, December 4, 2015
    2015-12-04#0036
    Larry L. Jackson
  • After Dive Snacks
    After Dive Snacks
    These were provided after the 1st and 3rd dives every day much to this popcorn lover's delight.
    Mbulo Island, New Georgia, Solomon Islands, December 4, 2015
    2015-12-04#0039
    Larry L. Jackson
  • Dolphins
    Dolphins
    Dolphins came to ride the bow wave several times during the trip.
    Mbulo Island, New Georgia, Solomon Islands, December 4, 2015
    2015-12-04#0041
    Larry L. Jackson
  • Carvings
    Carvings
    Nearly 3 feet tall, this was an impressive carving.
    Paeva Village, Gatokae Island, Marovo Lagoon, New Georgia, Solomon Islands, December 4, 2015
    2015-12-04#0045
    Larry L. Jackson
  • Yellow-billed Lory
    Yellow-billed Lory
    Lorius chlorocercus - a pet of the village.
    Paeva Village, Gatokae Island, Marovo Lagoon, New Georgia, Solomon Islands, December 4, 2015
    2015-12-04#0050
    Larry L. Jackson
  • Children
    Children
    See us is entertainment for the villagers.
    Paeva Village, Gatokae Island, Marovo Lagoon, New Georgia, Solomon Islands, December 4, 2015
    2015-12-04#0054
    Larry L. Jackson
  • MV Bilikiki
    MV Bilikiki
    Our liveaboard dive boat.
    Paeva Village, Gatokae Island, Marovo Lagoon, New Georgia, Solomon Islands, December 4, 2015
    2015-12-04#0057
    Larry L. Jackson
  • Canoe Child
    Canoe Child
    Paddling around is second nature.
    Paeva Village, Gatokae Island, Marovo Lagoon, New Georgia, Solomon Islands, December 4, 2015
    2015-12-04#0059
    Larry L. Jackson
  • Carvings
    Carvings
    One carvers offering.
    Paeva Village, Gatokae Island, Marovo Lagoon, New Georgia, Solomon Islands, December 4, 2015
    2015-12-04#0060
    Larry L. Jackson
  • Small Island
    Small Island
    A bit of sand, mostly occupied by Coconut Trees.
    near Wickham Island, Marovo Lagoon, New Georgia, Solomon Islands, December 5, 2015
    2015-12-05#0065
    Larry L. Jackson
  • Wickham Island
    Wickham Island
    There are Orchids growing in this tree.
    Marovo Lagoon, New Georgia, Solomon Islands, December 5, 2015
    2015-12-05#0068
    Larry L. Jackson
  • Kayak Children
    Kayak Children
    Children with flowers headed to the greeting area.
    Talina Village, Marovo Lagoon, New Georgia, Solomon Islands, December 6, 2015
    2015-12-06#0076
    Larry L. Jackson
  • Canoe Family
    Canoe Family
    Bringing produce and flowers to the village.
    Talina Village, Marovo Lagoon, New Georgia, Solomon Islands, December 6, 2015
    2015-12-06#0077
    Larry L. Jackson
  • Canoe Boy
    Canoe Boy
    Talina Village, Marovo Lagoon, New Georgia, Solomon Islands, December 6, 2015
    2015-12-06#0083
    Larry L. Jackson
  • Daniela
    Daniela
    One of the managers and a couple of guests coming to the market.
    Talina Village, Marovo Lagoon, New Georgia, Solomon Islands, December 6, 2015
    2015-12-06#0085
    Larry L. Jackson
  • Dendrobium goldfinchii
    Dendrobium goldfinchii
    Orchid
    Talina Village, Marovo Lagoon, New Georgia, Solomon Islands, December 6, 2015
    2015-12-06#0086
    Larry L. Jackson
  • Greeting Children
    Greeting Children
    Happy, a bit shy, but excited to greet visitors to their market.
    Talina Village, Marovo Lagoon, New Georgia, Solomon Islands, December 6, 2015
    2015-12-06#0087
    Larry L. Jackson
  • MV Bilikiki
    MV Bilikiki
    A regular water stop.
    Talina Village, Marovo Lagoon, New Georgia, Solomon Islands, December 6, 2015
    2015-12-06#0096
    Larry L. Jackson
  • Big Canoe
    Big Canoe
    Escorting us out a short distance.
    Talina Village, Marovo Lagoon, New Georgia, Solomon Islands, December 6, 2015
    2015-12-06#0099
    Larry L. Jackson
  • Battery Charging
    Battery Charging
    MV Bilikiki, Marovo Lagoon, New Georgia, Solomon Islands, December 6, 2015
    2015-12-06#0103
    Larry L. Jackson
  • 6 pm Nibbles
    6 pm Nibbles
    MV Bilikiki, Mborokua Island, Solomon Islands, December 7, 2015
    2015-12-07#0107
    Larry L. Jackson
  • Divers
    Divers
    Arriving for a village visit.
    Karumalun, Russell Islands, Solomon Islands, December 8, 2015
    2015-12-08#0115
    Larry L. Jackson
  • Greeters
    Greeters
    Children ready to present leis to us.
    Karumalun, Russell Islands, Solomon Islands, December 8, 2015
    2015-12-08#0120
    Larry L. Jackson
  • Village Headman
    Village Headman
    Welcoming us to the village.
    Karumalun, Russell Islands, Solomon Islands, December 8, 2015
    2015-12-08#0121
    Larry L. Jackson
  • Male Performers
    Male Performers
    Preparing to dance and chant.
    Karumalun, Russell Islands, Solomon Islands, December 8, 2015
    2015-12-08#0127
    Larry L. Jackson
  • Children
    Children
    Watching the adults entertain us.
    Karumalun, Russell Islands, Solomon Islands, December 8, 2015
    2015-12-08#0133
    Larry L. Jackson
  • Female Performers
    Female Performers
    Like the men, the women performed several dances.
    Karumalun, Russell Islands, Solomon Islands, December 8, 2015
    2015-12-08#0135
    Larry L. Jackson
  • Village Tour
    Village Tour
    The Village Headman took us around the very clean village, describing village structures.
    Karumalun, Russell Islands, Solomon Islands, December 8, 2015
    2015-12-08#0140
    Larry L. Jackson
  • Village Tour
    Village Tour
    Each house has a small solar panel.
    Karumalun, Russell Islands, Solomon Islands, December 8, 2015
    2015-12-08#0143
    Larry L. Jackson
  • Village Tour
    Village Tour
    Palm fronds are the primary roof and wall covering. Shoes drying on the roof.
    Karumalun, Russell Islands, Solomon Islands, December 8, 2015
    2015-12-08#0146
    Larry L. Jackson
  • Village Tour
    Village Tour
    Framing for a new house.
    Karumalun, Russell Islands, Solomon Islands, December 8, 2015
    2015-12-08#0148
    Larry L. Jackson
  • Village Tour
    Village Tour
    Euphorbia, Ferns and Begonias.
    Karumalun, Russell Islands, Solomon Islands, December 8, 2015
    2015-12-08#0149
    Larry L. Jackson
  • Village
    Village
    Karumalun, Russell Islands, Solomon Islands, December 8, 2015
    2015-12-08#0156
    Larry L. Jackson
  • Child & Mother
    Child & Mother
    We brought simple gifts to the children and adults.
    White Beach, Russell Islands, Solomon Islands, December 8, 2015
    2015-12-08#0158
    Larry L. Jackson
  • Produce & Villagers
    Produce & Villagers
    Villagers bring fresh produce to sell at several locations during the trip.
    White Beach, Russell Islands, Solomon Islands, December 8, 2015
    2015-12-08#0160
    Larry L. Jackson
  • WW II Wreckage
    WW II Wreckage
    Site of a WW II airfield, discarded equipment is abundant underwater.
    White Beach, Russell Islands, Solomon Islands, December 8, 2015
    2015-12-08#0165
    Larry L. Jackson
  • Sunset
    Sunset
    The prettiest sunset of the trip.
    White Beach, Russell Islands, Solomon Islands, December 8, 2015
    2015-12-08#0176
    Larry L. Jackson
  • Villagers with Produce
    Villagers with Produce
    Another dive site in the Sunlight Channel.
    Wreck of Ann, Russell Islands, Solomon Islands, December 9, 2015
    2015-12-09#0184
    Larry L. Jackson
  • Produce
    Produce
    Fresh Produce to be sold to the boat.
    Wreck of Ann, Russell Islands, Solomon Islands, December 9, 2015
    2015-12-09#0185
    Larry L. Jackson
  • Bruce & Crusty Nautilus shell
    Bruce & Crusty Nautilus shell
    Allonautilus scrobiculatus - Dr. Bruce Carlson holding the uncommon Crusty Nautilus shell.  The shells only surface when the animal dies.
    Wreck of Ann, Russell Islands, Solomon Islands, December 9, 2015
    2015-12-09#0187
    Larry L. Jackson
  • Villagers & Produce
    Villagers & Produce
    Wreck of Ann, Russell Islands, Solomon Islands, December 9, 2015
    2015-12-09#0191
    Larry L. Jackson
  • Children
    Children
    Wreck of Ann, Russell Islands, Solomon Islands, December 9, 2015
    2015-12-09#0192
    Larry L. Jackson
  • Sunset
    Sunset
    Another nice one.
    Lologhan Island, Russell Islands, Solomon Islands, December 9, 2015
    2015-12-09#0205
    Larry L. Jackson
  • Star Fruit
    Star Fruit
    Maravagi, Mangalonga Island, Florida Islands, Solomon Islands, December 10, 2015
    2015-12-10#0208
    Larry L. Jackson
  • Shipwreck
    Shipwreck
    Maravagi, Mangalonga Island, Florida Islands, Solomon Islands, December 10, 2015
    2015-12-10#0209
    Larry L. Jackson
  • Dive Briefing
    Dive Briefing
    Each dive was preceded with a through briefing describing the site and creatures.
    Maravagi, Mangalonga Island, Florida Islands, Solomon Islands, December 10, 2015
    2015-12-10#0210
    Larry L. Jackson
  • Dive Schedule
    Dive Schedule
    Each day had a schedule of 5 potential dives.
    Maravagi, Mangalonga Island, Florida Islands, Solomon Islands, December 10, 2015
    2015-12-10#0211
    Larry L. Jackson
  • Maravagi Resort
    Maravagi Resort
    A land-based dive resort.
    Mangalonga Island, Florida Islands, Solomon Islands, December 10, 2015
    2015-12-10#0212
    Larry L. Jackson
  • Devil's Highway
    Devil's Highway
    Manta Rays are often seen in the strait during peak tidal flow.
    Maravagi, Mangalonga Island, Florida Islands, Solomon Islands, December 10, 2015
    2015-12-10#0216
    Larry L. Jackson
  • Sunset
    Sunset
    Maravagi, Mangalonga Island, Florida Islands, Solomon Islands, December 10, 2015
    2015-12-10#0218
    Larry L. Jackson
  • Drying Dive Gear
    Drying Dive Gear
    The crew did a great job of washing, hanging out our dive gear to dry in preparation for packing.
    Boromoli Village, Florida Islands, Solomon Islands, December 11, 2015
    2015-12-11#0225
    Larry L. Jackson
  • Popcorn Toss
    Popcorn Toss
    Tossing popcorn bags (in biodegradable bags) has become a regular practice here.
    Boromoli Village, Florida Islands, Solomon Islands, December 11, 2015
    2015-12-11#0227
    Larry L. Jackson
  • Popcorn Toss
    Popcorn Toss
    Villagers watching the Popcorn Toss.
    Boromoli Village, Florida Islands, Solomon Islands, December 11, 2015
    2015-12-11#0229
    Larry L. Jackson
  • Champagne Toast
    Champagne Toast
    The managers toasted us, we toasted the crew and managers.
    Mboli Passage, Florida Islands, Solomon Islands, December 11, 2015
    2015-12-11#0233
    Larry L. Jackson
  • Group Photo
    Group Photo
    Mboli Passage, Florida Islands, Solomon Islands, December 11, 2015
    2015-12-11#0238
    Larry L. Jackson
  • Crew Photo
    Crew Photo
    Crew with managers, Daniela and Chaba.
    Mboli Passage, Florida Islands, Solomon Islands, December 11, 2015
    2015-12-11#0247
    Larry L. Jackson
  • Sunset Photo
    Sunset Photo
    Mboli Passage is very narrow, but very calm and scenic.
    Mboli Passage, Florida Islands, Solomon Islands, December 11, 2015
    2015-12-11#0250
    Larry L. Jackson
  • Sunset Photo
    Sunset Photo
    Looking East at sunset.
    Mboli Passage, Florida Islands, Solomon Islands, December 11, 2015
    2015-12-11#0256
    Larry L. Jackson
  • Island Ferry-freighter
    Island Ferry-freighter
    We woke up at the dock to finish packing.  This ship was just arriving.
    Honiara, Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands, December 12, 2015
    2015-12-12#0258
    Larry L. Jackson