Essential Info

Getting There

All Bilikiki charters start and end in Honiara, the capital city, so there’s no need for pesky domestic flights or lengthy internal connections.

Our charter dates coincide nicely with the (current!) airline schedules, so there should be no need to overnight in Honiara before or after the trip. If you must overnight in Honiara, the hotel options are somewhat limited.

There are direct flights to Honiara from Brisbane (Australia) and from Nadi (Fiji). Flights are operated by Solomon Airlines, Pacific Blue, Air Niugini and Air Pacific. If you have spare time before or after the trip, Australia and Fiji have plenty to offer; talk to us if you'd like suggestions.

Honiara International Airport, on Guadalcanal Island, is located 7 miles from downtown Honiara.

Citizens of the British Commonwealth, the United States and most European countries don’t need to arrange visas beforehand. A passport and a return or onward ticket will allow you to get a visitor's permit on arrival in Honiara. Your passport needs to be valid for 6 months from the end of the trip.

Temperatures

The Solomons have a year-round tropical climate moderated by cooling sea breezes. Daytime temperatures are around 30°C (87°F), and at night it cools to around 22°C (71°F). In November there's a good chance the seas will be calm. The waters are a toasty 26-29°C (80-85°F) – but when you are doing 4-5 dives a day you may start to feel chilled after a few days, so choose wetsuits accordingly.

Health

Drink only bottled water when not aboard the ship.

There is malaria in the Solomon Islands. Wear insect repellent when in Honiara and when going ashore during the trip. Talk to your doctor at least 4–6 weeks before departure to determine whether you want to take anti-malarials.

Read further health advice from:
The Australian Department of Foreign Affairs & Trade
The Centers for Disease Control & Prevention

Power

Power throughout the ship is 240V 50Hz using Australia-style plugs. There is a designated charging room on the top deck that also has US-style plugs. So if you have a US-style plug and you want to use it in anywhere other in than the charging room, then bring your own adaptor. If you have heaps of things to plug in, it helps to bring your own powerboard.

Money

ATM’s are available in and around Honiara. It’s also possible to exchange fixed amounts (e.g. $50, $100) while onboard.

The local currency is the Solomon Islands Dollar (SBD)
USD 1 = approx SBD 8.00
AUD 1 = approx SBD 6.50

Communications

In parts of Honiara there is wireless internet, accessed with cards that you buy in some shops and hotels. There is no cell phone coverage and internet access once at sea.

The ship keeps regular radio contact with the Honiara office. If you have an emergency message, it can be passed to the office via the radio.

There is a satellite phone available for outgoing calls, and calls are charged by the minute.

If your family or friends need to contact you in an emergency, they should contact the Honiara office:
Phone +677 20412
Fax +677 23897
Email

Other Tidbits

Local time in Honiara is GMT +11hr

Although there are 120 indigenous Papuan, Melanesian and Polynesian languages spoken, the common spoken dialect is Melanesian Pidgin. English is the official language.

The departure tax is SBD $110, payable in local currency (cash) only. Some airlines include this in their ticket prices.