For most of the year, Emperor Bilikiki carries divers through the spectacular reefs, islands and lagoons of the Solomon Islands.
But for a few weeks, the liveaboard takes on a different role.
Instead of scuba equipment and holidaying divers, the deck becomes a base for doctors, nurses, optometrists and healthcare volunteers travelling to some of the country’s most isolated communities as part of the Loloma Foundation’s annual medical outreach.
It is a remarkable transformation – and one that highlights just how important a liveaboard can be in a nation made up of hundreds of islands where access to medical wellbeing can be limited by geography.
Founded almost 25 years ago, the California-based Loloma Foundation works alongside local healthcare professionals to deliver free medical, dental, eye care and health education across underserved communities in the South Pacific. The focus is not simply on treatment but also on improving long-term health through education, prevention and partnership with local organisations.
Many of the villages visited during the outreach are extremely difficult to reach – that’s where Emperor Bilikiki plays its part.
Rather than operating dive safaris, the vessel provides accommodation, transport and logistical support for the volunteer medical teams, allowing them to travel between remote islands while carrying the equipment needed to establish temporary clinics ashore.
The scale of this year’s outreach demonstrates just how much can be achieved.
During the 2026 expedition, which took place last month, volunteer teams delivered 2,265 healthcare services across eight locations, including 1,182 medical consultations, 481 pairs of reading glasses, 167 women’s examinations and treatments, and seven surgical referrals.
They also provide women’s health education sessions and kits, which include reusable sanitary products, and make bracelets which illustrate the menstrual cycle. In all over 300 of these were distributed.
Following this year’s outreach, Loloma Foundation founder Bob Sykes praised the partnership.
“The Loloma Foundation’s June trip aboard the Bilikiki was truly glorious. During the ten days we were on board, we treated more than 2,300 patients. What an extraordinary gift Emperor Divers gave – not only to Loloma, but most importantly, to the people of the Solomon Islands.”
He also paid tribute to the Bilikiki team, adding that every challenge was met “with professionalism, ingenuity and a willingness to help”, making the outreach possible.
For Emperor Divers, supporting the project is simply another way of working within the communities that have welcomed guests to the Solomon Islands for many years.
Visitors to the Solomons quickly discover that one of the country’s greatest strengths isn’t only its reefs, wrecks or extraordinary marine life – it’s the warmth of its people.
For most guests, Emperor Bilikiki will always be remembered for world-class diving, colourful reefs and unforgettable underwater encounters.
But each year, for a short time, it becomes something rather different and turns into a vessel carrying out the most meaningful of journeys.
If you would like to find out more about how Emperor Divers and the Loloma Foundation work together, please contact Emperor on info@emperordivers.com.
