Cruise Discovery Solomon’s Style

Seeking adventure and relaxation in a tropical paradise, I knew this trip would be one to remember. As the sun sunk beneath the waves on the first night, the rest of the world, along with all my worries and cares melted away. For the next seven days, I was free to explore the crystal clear waters, dive or snorkel colourful reefs, meet gorgeous people and be welcomed at each island we stopped at. Welcome to Solomon Islands.

Laying on a hammock on the top deck, watching the islands smoothly pass by as we cruised to our first stop, I can’t help but relax. The friendly staff on Solomon Island Discovery Cruises were taking care of my every need from the moment I arrived. With an outstanding menu carefully prepared by chefs who are passionate about their craft, combining local produce and recipes with international cuisine, every meal was an experience.

As we cruised along from island to island, dolphins swam over, playfully jumping in and out of the water around our boat. Followed by a whale, gliding past. We could not believe our luck to see one so close and immediately the captain stopped cruising so we could watch it without disturbing it as it swam out further. With such amazing marine life being so close, I couldn’t wait to get in the water and explore more under the ocean for myself.

Diving had never been easier. All my gear was ready to go, the staff, who was fast becoming friends, helped with everything then we were off. Sinking down into the ocean, colourful reefs, schools of fish, stingrays, manta rays and more came out to say hello and my guide pointed each one out beautifully so I didn’t miss a thing.

After a perfect dive, we were whisked away for a BBQ on a private island. Whilst waiting for it to cook, we swam, snorkelled and used stand up paddleboards to explore the ocean around it. Asking my snorkel guide, Pedrose, where his favourite spot was, he took me around the corner where the rocks and reefs parted a little. As we floated along, he suddenly pointed and there, in the crack of a rock was an octopus feeding, it moved so gracefully and was amazing to watch.

Later, being heavily interested in WWII, I was keen to dive wrecks and climb to the top of Hill 281 in Tulagi to see what our soldiers saw, view relics and walk through foxholes and Japanese U caves used in the war. With so much WWII history throughout Solomon Islands, you never know what you will discover as you are taken around each island. After our walk up Hill 281, the cool drinks at Raiders Hotel and Bar were a delight.

At Roderick Bay, the wreck of the MS World Explorer is slowly being taken back over by nature. Despite the wreck not being a natural part of the island, the villagers have created a world of wonder with ziplines between it and the trees for kids to play on. Ropes hang off the trees, with kids swinging out over the impossibly clear water as we approach. Being warmly greeted with cool coconut drinks, we were treated to singing, dancing and music then a walk through the lush greenery to the other side of the island.

Coming from a cool climate, I was sweltering but loving every step of the way. As we started the return journey, Captain Ezi called to me. While I was touring the village, he had woven a fan from a palm leaf for me to use to cool myself walking back through the forest.

With diving, stand up paddle boarding, snorkelling, WWII history, village visits, water skiing and surfing, it was an outstanding trip, ending with a bonfire on a private island.

Sipping champagne with my friends in the gentle waves as the sun set and the bonfire started was the perfect way to end the trip.

In the morning, as we boarded the tender to go back home and waved farewell to our new friends, I knew I would return again and again.

Kylie Travers is an avid traveller, diver and mother of two. You
can find her at www.kylietravers.com.au