Uepi Island Resort

Located in the heart of the Solomon Islands, Uepi Island Resort is a secluded destination where the tropical jungle meets a thriving marine ecosystem. The resort is positioned to provide immediate access to one of the most biodiverse marine habitats on the planet, much of which has been under protection for over three decades.

For those seeking a remote escape, the resort operates as a self-contained retreat. It manages all logistics, including Solomon Airlines flights and transfers, ensuring a seamless transition from Australia to the Uepi lagoon. The setting is designed for those who want to balance active diving with the natural rhythms of island life.

The resort is a family-run operation, with the Kelly family managing the site for more than 40 years. Three generations of the family work alongside a local team of over 50 employees, fostering a deeply personal and community-focused atmosphere.

Management and bookings are handled by Lee, based in Australia, who coordinates the complex logistics of flights and transfers. This structured approach ensures that the transition from international travel to the remote island environment is handled professionally.

The resort hosts specialised retreats that cater to specific disciplines, including underwater photography, Pilates and Yoga, and Freediving. These programmes are structured to integrate training with the resort's natural surroundings.

For those looking to develop their breath-hold skills, Freediving Level 1 courses are available on-site. The resort's location within a protected marine reserve provides an ideal environment for practicing buoyancy and movement in a high-biodiversity setting.

The waters surrounding Uepi are home to a vast array of large pelagic species and reef inhabitants. You can expect to encounter Manta ray (Mobula alfredi), various species of Ray (Batoidea), and Dugong (Dugong dugon). Schools of Fusilier (Caesio), Snapper (Lutjanus), and various Jack (Carangidae) are common, alongside the predatory movements of giant trevally and great barracuda (Sphyraena barracuda).

Reef life is abundant, featuring a high density of corals, Angelfish (Pomacanthidae), Butterflyfish (Chaetodon), and Parrotfish (Calotomus). You will also see Surgeonfish (Acanthuridae), Unicornfish (Naso), and various Triggerfish (Balistidae) patrolling the reef structure. Larger residents like Grouper (Epinephelus), reef sharks (Carcharhinus), and grey reef shark (Carcharhinus amblyrhynchos) add to the scale of the ecosystem.

For those interested in macro life, the area supports a diverse range of smaller organisms. Keep an eye out for the Headshield Slug (Haminoea cymbalum), various Nudibranch (Chromodoris willani), and decorator crabs. The seabed and reef crevices also host spiny lobster, sea cucumbers, cone snails, and crocodilefish.

The resort is accessible year-round, offering consistent conditions for diving and marine exploration. The local environment is shaped by the surrounding tropical forest and the sheltered nature of the Uepi lagoon.