MV Bilikiki

Overview

The MV Bilikiki was the first full-service scuba diving liveaboard in the Solomons in 1989 and ever since, has been regularly rated as one of the best in the world. Her comfort, stability and size contribute to this title alongside the amazing crew who are the perfect balance of professional, friendly and passionate. Whilst she may not have all the bells and whistles of the newer liveaboards, she is a very special operation offering the highest standard of underwater experiences in one of the most pristine and remote destinations on the planet.  

In Depth

MV Bilikiki is 38m in length and 7m wide, with a hull that was built for the South Pacific seas, affording her great stability, space and comfort. There are 10 en-suite, air-conditioned staterooms all located on the lower deck, eight with double beds and a single bunk above, and two with twin single beds. The upper deck has a large sundeck with deck chairs whilst the salon, bar, coffee station and al fresco dining area can be found on the main deck. Food is always important for divers and the quality produced by the galley staff is excellent. Three large meals are served a day buffet style, with meal snacks always available in between.  

The Diving

The Nautilus Explorer was lengthened in 2018, now offering an improved and expanded dive deck alongside a large water-level platform. The dive deck offers plenty of space with dive benches as well as a central camera table for keen underwater photographers. Daily diving generally takes places from skiffs, taking divers to and from the dive sites seamlessly and making sure there is no hanging around at the surface.

Depending on the location, there are up to four dives a day allowing for guests to get in as much diving as possible. Nitrox is therefore offered for those certified and encouraged onboard, and the boat is rebreather friendly making her a winner for tech divers. Holding true the cornerstones of the company, the dive crew lead professional, safe and memorable underwater adventures at some of the most exciting dive sites on the planet. Courses are offer onboard as well as a complimentary underwater photography workshop for those interested, or indeed a Backscatter course going from zero to hero with a Photo Pro for those wanting to take the next step.  

Beyond the Reef

If guests can tear themselves away from the diving, there are two kayaks onboard to explore the lagoons as well as fishing, where the crew will gladly take out guests in the early morning or evening handling for tuna which can then be served as sashimi at dinner.  

MV Bilikiki has always strived to positively impact the areas it operates in and achieves this in a number of ways including enforcing environmentally-friendly diving practices to making sure the local people benefit from their operation. From the start, they have given seeds to the villagers and bought back the produce as well as running annual medical trips with the Loloma Foundation. Guests onboard will have the chance to visit the local villages at least once per trip and are always encouraged to bring things such as school supplies or footballs.