Solomon ISLANDS
& VANUATU
THE BEST OF MELANESIA
Aug - Sep 2024 • 25 DAYS • 14 GUESTS
Embark on a captivating journey into the heart of Melanesia, where you'll encounter a vibrant tapestry of cultural traditions, World War II history, the warm embrace of Pacific Island hospitality, and the breathtaking beauty of coral reefs teeming with marine life. Join Wild Earth Expeditions on an incredible journey to the Solomon Islands and Vanuatu, an exotic wonderland of tropical islands, rich in marine life and cultural diversity.
Discover the Solomon Islands, a timeless land positioned inside the famed Coral Triangle, aboard the Solomon Master liveaboard yacht. Explore stunning coral gardens, plunge into steep drop-offs adorned with soft and hard corals and encounter a kaleidoscope of colorful fish. Delve into history as you uncover coral-encrusted WWII wrecks. Immerse yourself in beautiful island culture and witness traditional village life while cruising through the enchanting Florida, Russell, and Tulagi islands en route to Marovo Lagoon.
Picture yourself on a small tropical island, perched on the edge of the world's largest saltwater lagoon, nestled within a relaxed resort. You’ll effortlessly absorb the natural wonders and authentic beauty of this remote South Pacific paradise. Situated on a barrier reef island adorned with lush tropical rainforest, the Uepi Island Resort is defined by fringing reefs and pristine sandy beaches, with a shallow lagoon on one side and the endless depths of the ocean on the other. Whether you're exploring the majestic deep blue 2000m walls encircling the island where sharks, tunas, jacks, barracudas, and manta rays gracefully glide, or surveying the vibrant coral gardens inside the lagoon, you'll be surrounded by shimmering colours as a multitude of brilliantly hued fish dance in the warm tropical waters.
Vanuatu is a chain of over 80 mountainous, volcanic islands with palm-fringed tropical white-sand beaches drenched in crystal-clear waters, blue lagoons, and coral reefs rich in marine life. Paddle along gentle flowing rivers through lush tropical rainforests and hike to the rim of an active volcano. Experience Vanuatu’s rich and laid-back island culture where you’ll meet welcoming islanders who continue to honour the ancient customs of their ancestors.
Diving and snorkelling in Vanuatu offer an array of thrilling experiences, from vibrant shallow reefs teeming with marine life to dramatic drop-offs and intricate underwater formations.
The island of Espiritu Santo, once an allied military base during World War II, is now home to the world-famous SS President Coolidge shipwreck, the largest and most accessible WWII wreck in the world.
Tanna Island in Vanuatu is renowned for its spectacular snorkelling sites, making it a perfect destination for both divers and snorkelers alike. Beyond its stunning coastline lies a backdrop of lush tropical jungle, punctuated by picturesque streams, waterfalls, and charming villages. Dominating this breathtaking landscape is the imposing Mt. Yasur. Witness the awe-inspiring power of this mountain, as you observe glowing vents of lava spurting into the evening sky. A trek to the rim of this fiery volcano transforms a visit to Tanna into an unforgettable adventure.
HIGHLIGHTS
Explore incredible coral gardens and steep walls dripping in rainbow-coloured soft corals and teeming with a myriad of reef fish.
Dive and snorkel to your hearts content on a 9-day voyage cruising through the Solomon Islands, visiting traditional villages onboard a privately chartered yacht.
At Marovo Lagoon spend 5 days on a coral atoll island resort with an incredible house reef.
Climb to the rim of an active volcano in Vanuatu.
Experience genuine warm, and welcoming Melanesian hospitality and a rich culture.
Swim alongside rays, sharks, turtles, schooling jacks, and barracudas.
Explore famous sunken World War II wrecks.
Soak up the sun as you witness paradise islands with palm-fringed white-sand beaches and swaying palm trees whilst staying at lovely island resorts.
Experience the heart-stopping frenzy of Apex predators on 4 thrilling shark dives in Fiji on a Post-Extension.
POST-EXTENSION - Fiji Beqa Shark Diving
SEP 2024 ● 4 DAYS ● 14 GUESTS (scuba divers only)
Scuba divers get ready for a heart-stopping frenzy of Apex predators, groupers, remoras, snappers, and other predatory fish on one of the world’s most thrilling shark dives in Fiji. On this 3-day Fiji Shark-Diving Post-Extension come face to face with up to 8 species of sharks, including Bull, Tiger, Silvertip, Lemon, Tawny Nurse sharks and several species of reef sharks on 4 thrilling shark dives.
*Please note: Snorkelling is not permitted on shark dives, but other activities & tours can be arranged for the 2 days (Zip-lining, River rafting, Village visit, Spa treatments, Snorkel excursions).
ENQUIRIES
Love this itinerary and wondering when we are returning? Don't hesitate to contact us today.
“Hats off to Thomas and Natalia for organizing an incredible expedition to Fiji & Tonga. The locations were magnificent, the diving awe inspiring. We will never forget our first shark dive. What a thrill to see huge Bull Sharks a few feet from you surrounded by swarms of smaller fish! The choices of the resorts and dive sites was superb. We were always in the best beachfront rooms in the best resorts. And the logistics spoke to the attention to detail and good planning which we know is part of Thomas and Natalia’s nature. But what sets Wild Earth Expeditions apart from other expedition companies is the customized attention to individual needs, the small unexpected treats, complimentary massages, and special candlelit dinners which were sprung on a delighted group of guests. We recommend Wild Earth Expeditions to anyone who is looking for an adventure experience with two of the most talented and experienced people in the business.”
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ITINERARY OVERVIEW
SOLOMON ISLANDS & VANUATU
AUG – SEP 2024 ● 25 DAYS ● 14 GUESTS
Day 01 | Depart home en-route to Honiara via Brisbane (if you are crossing Dateline leave Aug 26)
Day 02 | Arrive in Honiara, Solomon Islands / Board Solomon Master yacht.
Day 03-10 | Spend 8 full days Diving, Snorkelling the Russell-, Florida- and Tulagi islands.
Day 11 | Disembark Solomon Master / Arrive Uepi Island Resort / Dive and Snorkel
Day 12-15 | Marovo Lagoon / Uepi Resort / 4 days Diving, Snorkelling & Island exploration.
Day 16 | Fly Seghe-Honiara-Brisbane / Stay at the Novotel Brisbane Airport Hotel
Day 17 | Fly Brisbane - Espiritu Santo - Port Vila / Overnight at the Nasama Resort
Day 18 | Fly Port Vila-Tanna / Arrive at the White Grass Resort / Afternoon Mt Yasur volcano hike.
Day 19 | Tanna Island 2 dives / Black Magic and Kava tasting experience.
Day 20 | Blue Cave snorkelling and boat tour / Tanna Highlights tour
Day 21 | Fly Tanna-Port Vila-Espiritu Santo / Arrive at Barrier Beach Resort
Day 22 | Dive SS President Coolidge & Million Dollar point OR kayak and snorkel the Riri Blue Hole
Day 23 | Champagne Beach BBQ /Santo Blue Holes Tour / Sunset drinks and farewell dinner
Day 24 | Fly Espiritu Santo-Brisbane if returning via Australia or Fly Espiritu Santo-Port Vila / Jungle River Kayak Tour / Fly home to USA via Fiji
Day 25 | Arrive home
POST-EXTENSION - FIJI BEQA SHARK DIVING
SEP 2024 ● 4 DAYS ● 12 GUESTS
Day 01 | Arrive in Nadi, Fiji / Travel to The Pearl Resort in Pacific Harbour.
Day 02 | 2-tank shark dives / afternoon at leisure
Day 03 | 2-tank shark dives / If participating in the Fiji/Tonga Expedition continue to VoliVoli Resort.
Day 04| Choose your own adventure for the day / Fly home this evening.
Day 05 | Arrive home
SOLOMONS MASTER
The steel hulled Solomons Master boasts eight double occupancy cabins providing comfortable accommodation for up to 16 guests with a choice of classic, premium and superior cabins. Each cabin benefits from private, en-suite bathroom facilities and individually controlled air-conditioning.
The dive deck on Solomons Master is large and spacious with individual set-up stations, under-bench storage and a platform at the rear complete with a deco bar. The boat is fully equipped to cater for recreational, technical and rebreather divers.
The main deck houses a spacious indoor dining room as well as a camera station complete with numerous charging points and storage space. After a fantastic day of diving, unwind and relax in Solomons Master’s indoor lounge and bar area which is equipped with a plasma screen ideal for lectures, or photo viewing. Alternatively, head out to the shaded relaxation area or the large sundeck on the upper deck and sink into a lounge chair to soak up the atmosphere and stunning views.
Gear rental, laundry, Nitrox and alcoholic beverages are available at a surcharge. There is no WiFi onboard.
WILD EARTH LEADERS
Sabine Templeton
Expedition Leader, Trip Designer, Fish Geek, Underwater Naturalist & Conservation Biologist
PHOTO CREDIT © Thomas & Natalia Baechtold, White Grass Ocean Resort, Adobe Stock