03 Apr 2024

Visiting the conservation jewel of the South Pacific – Tetepare Island

Everyone was away at first light for a short Zodiac cruise to the beautifully built pier at Tetepare Island, the largest uninhabited island in the South Pacific. We were welcomed by a traditional Tetepare Island water ceremony. Tetepare Island is one of the conservation jewels of the South Pacific and is home to one of the Solomon Islands' leading conservation projects and a unique, locally-owned and managed ecolodge.

We split up to follow the trails that led to some very large fig trees. The birders started their search for the endemic birds of the island. The excitement was palpable, with the birds difficult to see, however many had great sightings of the Crimson-rumped Myzomela. After lunch, we returned to Tetepare Island and continued searching for the elusive Myzomela and the White-capped Monarch.

Those not birding split away and hiked through thickets of ferns, surrounded by curtains of the climbing plant liana until we reached an immense strangler fig. We returned to the Tetepare Eco Lodge for our traditional welcome. An incredible array of dances was performed, and they showcased one of the important species they perform conservation work on, the Coconut Crab. Then it was time for a spot of shopping before heading back to the Heritage Adventurer for lunch.

After a delicious lunch, we were all itching to return to land for our turtle encounter. Another important conservation story of Tetepare is the protection of these incredible species. We watched the staff handle, measure and weigh the turtles, before releasing them into the tropical waters. Then, it was time for us to get into the water ourselves! We cruised around to the north side of the island and snorkelled the shelf of a coral reef. Staghorn corals, anemones, Triggerfish, we were enamoured by this underwater world.

As dusk fell, our captain positioned Heritage Adventurer as close to the Island as we could and with fingers crossed and the setting sun, we scoured the location in the hope of spotting a Nightjar. Once the light was gone, the floodlights came on. Shock and excitement came over our group when a set of eyes were spotted on the beach. Not long later, a pair of potential Nightjars were seen flying in tandem. The views would test people's definition of what’s excitable, and everyone was left with a difficult decision to make as we chose how long to continue searching in the night.

Images © C. Finch, Heritage Expeditions