Experience freediving and spearing as it is meant to be in clear, warm 27.5C to 31C [81F to 88F] year-round oceanic water. No thick wetsuits and heavy weights to slow you down. Absolutely pristine reefs and the greatest marine biodiversity on Earth. On Kicha and Island and Bulo Point you can hear the underwater sonic barrage of nearby Kavachi Submarine Volcano erupting and island-building.

Bulo Island, offering 30 to 40 metre [100 to 130 feet] vertical and 100 to 150 metre [330 to 500 feet] horizontal visibility most of the year, the sheltered north coast, and Charapae Point wall dropping vertically from rainforest to 75 metres [250 feet], is a photographer's dream - pack the camera and you'll be amazed at the results.

A host of pelagics including Dogtooth Tuna, Spanish Mackerel (pic at left and bottom], GTs, a dozen other Trevally species [jacks], Great and Chevron barracuda, Rainbow Runner, large Milkfish and more. Large schools of Yellowfin and Skipjack Tuna and Island Bonito inshore year round and Wahoo, Sailfish and Marlin on the current lines around the islands.

Reef fish include Coral Trout [Serranids], Marbled Cod, Red Bass, Mangrove Jack, Maori Sea Perch, Green Jobfish, Chinaman, Sweetlips, big Surgeonfish and various Emperors, and a host of reef species favoured by the village. The huge Maori [Humpheaded] Wrasse and Bump-headed Parrotfish are endangered species and are protected.

Dive with our Marovo guides Gideon and Steward and their awesome natural freediving talent and traditional Marovo knowledge of gamefish behaviour and habits. Try out the traditional Marovo spearguns crafted from local wood and metal salvaged from WWII planes.

No ciguatera to worry about and the neighbouring village always appreciates fresh fish. By targeting predominately pelagics [due to the ultra-deep oceanic water around these islands pelagics hang right in against the reef] and giving pelagic fish to the village we reduce the artisinal fishing pressure on the home reef in turn safeguarding biodiversity and reef health. Fish frames and kitchen scraps are used to feed the resident fish population in our small inshore MPA around the Lodge jetty.

If you're experienced and comfortable with bottomless water and curious Silky sharks, experience the real 'deep blue' - we have five FADs ranging from 1000 to 2000 metres [3300 to 6600 feet] depth, from 10 to 16 n.m.offshore from the Lodge.

This is truly spectacular bluewater freediving with nothing but the FAD rope stretching away into the depths and the possibility of anything from an XL Yellowfin tuna to a Marlin to an Oceanic Whitetip shark swimming up to check you out. Dolphin fish [Mahimahi], Wahoo, Sailfish, Rainbow runner, Skipjack and school Yellowfin Tuna often in attendance, as is an array of bizarre oceanic life forms. We often encounter bluewater baitballs with tuna, sharks, runner etc in attendance - a fantastic spearing and photographic opportunity for the adventurous.

The Lodge offers the ultimate swim-in swim-out, boat-in boat-out access. You have a spectacular coral wall dropping into 200 metres of blue ocean with great spearing just five minutes swim from the Lodge. Travelling time to Malemale Island is 5 minutes, Bulo Island 12 minutes, and Kicha Island 25 minutes.

Wood-fired hot water, flexible meal times, and boats always ready to go ensures you make the most of your holiday.

Our new 2-man poly sit-on-top kayak makes an excellent freedom vehicle for exploring the bluewater wall just off the Lodge and somewhere to stow your catch. There's also a dugout canoe for the those looking for pure island style.

Wilderness currently has two boats available for charter - refer to 'rates and bookings' page on website for costs inclusive of guide.

19 foot Yamaha open longboat (pictured above) with 40hp Honda four-stroke outboard, with safety gear. Handheld GPS available. All you need for up to 6 people [weather dependent] to access most of our spots.

21 foot centre console (pictured at left) with 225HP Honda four-stroke outboard, setup for offshore work for up to 4 passengers - suitable for reaching the FADs and Matikai ocean reef in good weather.

Your Marovo skipper Captain John Lave has many years experience in these waters fishing for pelagics and brings his traditional Marovo knowledge of gamefish behaviour to ensure you are where the action is. John is an experienced spearfisherman himself.

Corey runs the The Wilderness Lodge with his wife Waelinah and is an experienced freediver and spearfisherman, regularly freediving and spearing pelagics to feed the family.

pic courtesy Michael Ivosevich

PLEASE NOTE

THE LODGE IS IN A VILLAGE SETTING, IN RESPECT OF THE LOCAL PEOPLES TRADITION, SPEARFISHING, FISHING, AND BOATING AREN'T PERMITTED BETWEEN 5:30 PM FRIDAY & 6:30 PM SATURDAY - SNORKELLING AROUND THE LODGE, PHOTOGRAPHY, BUSHWALKING, SWIMMING AND RELAXING ARE THE ORDER OF THE DAY.