Island Longboat Trip Special

Snorkelling, sightseeing, photography on and around our three wild, uninhabited offshore islands with local guide. Price is for the boat and includes 2 hours charter and fuel. Max 6 adults, 4 in rough weather. This does not cover fishing trips - expert guided fishing available with tackle included, refer to fishing page for details.

Malemale Island - 7 minutes away $20.00

Bulo Island - 14 minutes away $25.00

Kicha Island - 25 minutes away $36.00 (3 hour charter)

Biche Village Cultural & Photographic Trip

DESCRIPTION: Remote, inaccessible Biche Village, situated on the rugged south coast of Gatokae, is the most culturally intact village in Marovo, with many tambu sites from the headhunting culture which persisted into the 20th century and stunning scenery which very few people see. The community provides an excellent guided tour of the sites and surrounds, including skull shrines, waterfalls, sacrificial altars, birthing cave, the famous tame eels, and custom stories. We encourage all our guests to experience this unique and stunning place and people.

DURATION: approx 2 ½ hours at Biche, boat transfer approx 25 minutes each way (an excellent sightseeing trip in itself). A full-morning, or full-afternoon trip.

AVAILABILITY: Year round except for rough weather [particularly the mid-June thru mid-October tradewind season] when Biche is only accessible by a spectacular 4 to 5 hour roundtrip walk. In fine weather access is by longboat from the lodge. The landing at Biche can be quite exciting when the swell is up, however our drivers and the Biche guides are very experienced and landing will only be attempted if safe. One day's notice is essential to allow notification by HF radio. The feedback from this tour has been exceptional.

EXTENSIONS: Local lunch at Biche, hikes to Mt Matengele fortress site [2 hours steep but clear walk] with fantastic views from 0 feet, and other historical village and tambu sites can be organized. If you wish to make a day of it, traditional lunch at Biche can be organized at a small cost. Overnight villagestay also available, please ask about what youll need and what to expect. Refer to Biche images and hiking & bushwalks for more information.

COST: $25.00 per adult / $12.50 per child 5 to 12 yrs (includes kastom fees paid directly to Biche community).

Coconut crabbing and bat caves of Bulo Island

WHERE: Bulo Island 2 miles offshore from the Lodge. Bulo's lush, rugged beauty harbours one of the healthiest populations of tupe [coconut crab] in the world. Join local tupe hunters as they prepare the coocnut baits in the late afternoon, explore the flying fox and insect bat caves on dusk, and return to the baits after dark to look for the coconut crabs attracted to the baits - please note this is a highly endangered species that is in enormous demand in Asian markets - we do not serve coconut crab at the Lodge, there are plenty of kakarita [mangrove or mud crabs], chehana [coral crayfish], and chehana pepete [slipper lobsters] to enjoy! Binahere [Cuscus - a Melanesian possum], including rare all-white specimens, are frequently seen along with a host of other nocturnal sights and sounds.

DURATON: Typically 3 to 4 hours late afternoon/evening

COST: $35 for up to 6 people (4 max in rough weather), includes longboat trip.

Kavachi Submarine Volcano

WHERE: 20 nautical miles to seawards from the Lodge in a west-south-west direction.

DURATION: 4 ½ to 5 hours. Extensions, subject to weather conditions, available at AUD$40 per hour. Travel time typically 80 to 90 minutes each way, longer in rougher weather.

ATTRACTIONS: The worlds only accessible submarine volcano, Kavachi often produces spectacular eruptions, and every few years an island event with lava lake that lasts from a few days to a few weeks. Summit varies from 30 metres underwater to 30 metres above sea level and can change tens of metres in a few days. During non-eruptive periods there is typically a large plume of sulfur, mud and dissolved gases emitted from the vent. Adrenaline-charged snorkeling a safe distance from the vent with huge schools of pelagic fish, lots of sharks and extremely loud underwater sonic explosions and strange sounds, usually present regardless of eruptive status. Exceptional sportfishing around the vent with state-of-the-art tackle included in cost of trip. Close proximity to the volcano in a boat during eruptions is an absolutely unique and unforgettable experience.

GEAR: Hat that wont blow off at speed, long-sleeve shirt and pants, sunscreen, comfortable mask, snorkel and fins ready to use, still and video cameras with protective bags [keep in mind can get wet in use] or preferably waterproof.

AVAILABILITY AND CONDITIONS: Trips to Kavachi Volcano are subject to weather and sea conditions, which are not always apparent from the extremely protected aspect of Peava Lagoon, particularly during the northwest monsoon season. The mid-June thru mid-October tradewind season is usually too rough for access. Decisions on whether to go or not to go, and whether to turn back at any point are the Captains and are taken in view of prevailing conditions and latest satellite weather data and marine forecast. Eruptive activity is entirely unpredictable and there is no guarantee clients will witness the volcano in an eruptive state. Experience to date indicates that eruptive activity of some type can be expected on at least 50% of visits. The decision on whether to snorkel the volcano remains the Captains. Kavachi Volcano lies 20 nautical miles west-wouth-west from the Lodge in the open ocean and conditions can be rough. Spray jackets are supplied but you will get wet, and the sun is very strong. Ensure you are well prepared. There are no nearby islands to stop at in case of seasickness.

COST: AUD$ for up to 4 passengers. Maximum is 4 passengers due to boat size and safety equipment. Please note this trip can be prebooked but not prepaid due to being entirely weather-dependent.

Frigate bird island visit - Marovo Lagoon double barrier

WHERE: A boat trip to the Karubelama Islands on the Marovo double barrier island chain, approx 13 nautical miles north of the Lodge, travelling mostly within Marovo Lagoon. Thousands of Frigate Birds come in to roost just before dark every night, trailing in from all points of the compass and their oceanic fishing grounds where they spend the day chasing tuna schools for baitfish.

Incredibly lush rainforest [nourished by millennia guano deposits] including towering banyan trees on tiny low coral islands. As the birds come in to roost they form a huge feathered vortex.

Due to the extremely dense rainforest and our not wishing to disturb the birds, guests are discouraged from going ashore, however the boat can navigate hard up against the shore to facilitate views and photography. Exceptionally calm water allows good low-light photography as the birds come in to roost in the rainforest canopy. Also on the trip see the islands of the legendary Marovo Lagoon double barrier and sunset over the rugged Bareke skyline, and the flocks of flying foxes flying out from the mainland to feed on the island fruit trees. Solomon Sea Eagles, Ospreys, Kites and a host of other birds around this area.

WHEN: The frigates come down between 6 PM and 7 PM depending on the season, reasonably fine weather recommended to make the most of the scenery.

DURATION: Typically one hour travel time each way and 1 1/2 hours spent at Karubelama, dep 4:30 PM arriving back 8:00 PM.

COST: longboat    $  89 for up to 4 people
            speedboat $ for up to 6 people