Solomon Islands 2025

Encounter Freediving is excited to be teaming up with Cross Country Swimming to run one of the first ocean swimming trips to the Solomon Islands. The Solomon Islands are well known as an amazing place to dive, and it’s a place we know and love. This trip brings together the knowledge, experience, and customer service of Encounter Freediving, Cross Country Swimming, and Uepi Island Resort with lots of great ocean swimming in an incredible setting that is off the beaten track, and absolutely teeming with marine life.

Uepi Island is a small tropical island perched on the edge of the longest lagoon in the world, accommodated in a relaxed and comfortable resort, effortlessly absorbing the natural wonder and character of this authentic and exciting part of the Pacific. Fringed by coral reefs teeming with life and ocean depths quickly reaching 2000m, Uepi is the ideal springboard for an ocean swimming and snorkelling/freediving getaway.  The island itself is covered in lush tropical rainforest. Uepi Island Resort offers a small-group experience with delightful accommodation and healthy meals based around fresh locally sourced produce, prepared by talented local chefs.

• >Activities
• >Accommodation
• >Other activities
• >Inclusions
• >Flights
• >Travel
• >Booking conditions
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Activities

Each full day at Uepi will include an excursion to some of the spectacular locations. These excursions will provide opportunities for ocean swimming and freediving/snorkelling.

Ocean swimming: Each day there will be ocean swimming with a total distance between 4km and 8km. With sparkling tropical waters teeming with marine life, it’s a great place to swim! Your speed in the water doesn’t define your fit on this trip; what matters is your love for swimming and your desire to get better at it. These swims aren’t about racing. You’ll be grouped according to your ability and given all the support you need. The real goal is enjoyment! How much or little you choose to swim is up to you as there’s always the option to take a break on the main safety boat.

Freediving/snorkelling: Each day there will be a freedive/snorkel opportunity. With over 1400 fish species, 450 coral species and 50 nudibranch species, there is plenty of underwater life to see in the Solomon Islands! All sites that we visit are suitable for snorkelling and freediving. Certified freedivers will be permitted to wear weights and be required to follow standard safety protocols.

One of our excursions will include the Bapita trip, which is a full day excursion visiting an underwater sink hole, submerged WWII aircraft (P-38 lightning and a Dauntless Bomber), and a “vertical wreck” which is a wrecked 35m fishing boat that is perched precariously bow up, stern down against a sheer dropoff face.

Accommodation

We will stay at Uepi Island Resort. The resort offers warm hospitality, delicious meals and stunning scenery, for a relaxed and comfortable stay. There are two accommodation options available.

Beach house: The  Beach House has two bedrooms; one either side of a large lounge area with desk, tea & coffee making facilities and refrigerator. The 2 bedrooms have king bed or 2 king single beds, ample storage area and
ensuite.

Beach suite: Beach Suites are located right on the water’s edge. Each room has a large open area with king or twin beds, a large sitting area, desk area, tea & coffee making facilities and refrigerator. There is a separate ensuite and
ample storage area.

All accommodation has a lovely large deck area overlooking the lagoon and a leaf hut at the water’s edge with a hammock – perfect spot for relaxing! Each room also has its own stand up paddle board and sit on top kayak.

All accommodation is screened and all bedrooms have fans. All rooms have private bathroom with ambient temperature showers and toilet facilities

Meals are served in the main dining room (breakfast and the evening meal), while lunches are delivered to the rooms or as a picnic lunch if we are out on an excursion.

Other activities

There is plenty to do on Uepi Island when you’re not in the water. The island itself is covered in rainforest right down to the high water mark. There is a system of well prepared and mapped out walking trails which are sign posted at strategic points.

Coconut crabs, a large and spectacular species, are also on Uepi Island. Torchlight excursions  to find this threatened species are available.

Uepi Island also has plenty of wonderful snorkel sites including Uepi Point, Uepi Channel and the Welcome Jetty.

Travel

We will travel to Seghe, via Honiara (the capital city of Solomon Islands). Once in Seghe, Uepi Island Resort will pick us up and take us to our accommodation by boat. The Solomon Islands are one hour ahead of Brisbane and uses 240V power (with the same power outlets as Australia). Whilst English is an official language of the Solomon Islands, most people speak Melanesian Pidgin.

Uepi Island is not a Malaria area, however, we will be transiting through malaria areas in Honiara and Seghe. You should consult with your doctor about appropriate travel medications before leaving. All participants must also carry their own travel insurance, including medical evacuation insurance.

The currency of Solomon Islands is the Solomon Island dollar, however Uepi Island Resorts also accepts major credit cards, should you wish to purchase anything from the gift shop, bar or additional activities during your stay.

Please check the current visa requirements for your nationality to travel to the Solomon Islands or let us know if you need assistance checking this.

Inclusions

Prices include:
– 7 nights accommodation at Uepi Island Resort
– All meals at Uepi (daily breakfast, lunch and dinner) & daily laundry service
– 6 days of ocean swimming and freediving/snorkelling activities, including excursions by boat
– Return airport transfers in Seghe
– Flight-to-flight transfers in Honiara

Exclusions:
– Travel insurance
– Personal equipment
– Additional optional activities/excursions, which can be arranged through the resort
– Beverages
– Flights

Flights

Flights must be booked through Encounter Freediving/Cross Country Swimming so as to access group ticket conditions. Tickets booked otherwise will incur a surcharge. An estimate of ticket prices will be given closer to the departure time.

Booking conditions

A non-refundable deposit of $500 is required to secure your place on this trip. A second non-refundable payment of $500 is due on 28 February, 2025. The balance is due in full on 27 June, 2025 and is non-refundable. Minimum numbers apply. If the trip is cancelled due to not reaching minimum numbers, the deposit(s) will be refunded. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us.

Book

Fill in the form below and pay the deposit to secure your spot!