Imagine yourself on a small tropical island perched on the edge of the longest lagoon in the world. At Uepi Island Resort, situated on one of the barrier reef islands, which defines the edge of the magnificent Marovo Lagoon, the term paradise gathers a whole new meaning.

Uepi Island is approximately 2.5 km long and up to 600 metres wide, and the whole area, aside from the resort's cultivated tropical gardens, is covered with tropical rainforest interspersed with walking tracks.

This area of the Western Province, Solomon Islands, offers opportunities for visitors to experience the culture of local people whilst relaxing in a tranquil environment. Six bungalows, two units and two guest rooms offer clean, comfortable accommodation and the 32 bed maximum capacity ensures that all guests enjoy privacy and the intimacy of a small group of people. The resort meals are based around fresh local seafood and organically grown fruits and vegetables, prepared by talented local chefs.

Guests can participate in a variety of activities or simply relax. The lagoon side of the island has a sandy beach, with clear shallow water suitable for swimming, paddle and sail boarding, and canoeing. The island also contains some of the most authentic cultural immersion tours that you are likely to find anywhere. Guests can head to some close by islands and weave headbands, baskets, and even hats with the women of Chubikopi, be welcomed around a village and witness traditional cooking methods, and even attend Sunday Church with all of the friendly locals.

The seaward edge of the island drops into 2,000 metres of water where "The Slot", a deep sea trench, meets Charapoana Passage, one of the few deep water passages from the lagoon. Diving and snorkelling are popular activities along the fringing reef areas. Sites close to the Resort are highly populated with marine life and always exciting, because of the pelagic species which move along Charapoana Passage. A variety of excursions for both diving and snorkelling are also offered.

Uepi offers the unique opportunity to dive first-class sites that are only minutes away from the dive shop; conveniently located either off the edge of the island or just a short boat trip away. Diving is based on multi-level planning, beginning at 30 metres or less and ascending slowly throughout the dive, so Dive Computers are required. It is common for divers to stay in the water for an hour or so on each dive because the top 5-10 metres have endless species to discover, allowing a diver to get maximum value from each dive. Rarely will you view such diverse concentrations of marine-life in such a varied environment, ranging from lagoonal coral gardens to vertical drop-offs into 2000 metres of ocean (The Slot), mostly within the confines of a three-kilometre stretch of reef.

Because of the location of Uepi Island, waters may be very clear with visibility in excess of 30m or visibility may be less. Tidal current interchanging to & from the Marovo Lagoon and The Slot makes the deep-water passage immediately adjacent to the resort a prime habitat for a colourful population of filter feeders such as corals & sponges as well as for reef-fish, sedentary animals and pelagics.

A great advantage for some couples is that the convenience of dive sites means that a diver can enjoy top class dives yet have plenty of extra time to spend with a non-diving companion, snorkelling, sun-baking, walking, relaxing.

For more information on any of our Great Diving Adventures & Dive Travel Vacations in the Solomon Islands, contact us today!

Photos are courtesy of the Uepi Island Resort