November 26, 2025

Champagne Beach, on the island of Santo, Solomon Islands has to be on the list of top 10 beaches in the World! Oddly, we had it all to ourselves on Monday, November 24th! Below are drone shots by another resident that show the spectacular blue water and powdery white sand!

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Champagne beach got its name from this cool effect that happens at low tide, around the rocky reef edges. The coral gets cascading water pushed through it at low tide from the neighboring blue hole and when this cool fresh water mixes with the sea water, as it gushes over the coral reef - tons of bubbles form and the water actually goes cloudy, then clear with each surf surge. We were snorkeling this area trying to figure out it something was off with our googles and then got mesmerized by the bubble! Our friends and fellow ship mates had been here the 2 days before, but none of them mentioned this when telling us what we should see on the island. So we were stumped as to what was going on. Turns out they were there at high tide and saw none of this. Below are my photo's from beach. Wish I could have captured underwater shots to show how cool - will just have to visit again!

Before heading to Champagne Beach we canoed into one of the three Blue Holes on the island. Riri Blue Hole  is the only one with entry by canoe offered. Our driver dropped us upstream on the Crystal River and a oarsman got us situated and did all the work.. It was a very tranquil ride into the lush landscape. I went with Memo and Sue; we were the only ones from our getaway trip, who had the energy to go out and explore today.

Along the way we stopped for fresh coconuts and almonds - which are amazing fresh - first time I have ever had, Yummy!!

TIOMAN ISLAND, MALAYSIA

By Pat Patrick • July 7, 2026
Today, I braved the heat ( it's a blazing 84) to walk around a little bit and get the feel for life on Tioman Island, Malaysia . The Village of Tekek is where we tender to and this is where the Ferry , the Island's National Secondary School, Health Clinic and Airport (really just a strip) are located. The most notable feature is the Rainbow Bridge over the inlet.

TIOMAN ISLAND, MALAYSIA

By Pat Patrick • July 6, 2026
Fun day in the waters of Tioman Island, Malaysia snorkeling with friends. Life is good! It was nothing fancy, a boat & captain, who spoke minimal English and barely interacted with us, for roughly 7 hours. We started the outing spotting a group of dolphins and was quickly at anchor drop 1 of 6. The distances between the 6 snorkel spots was minimal, which gave us lots of time in the water (at least 45 minutes, at each spot) with an added stop for a lunch break at local restaurants. Even the restaurants were fast and efficient, definitely used to catering to the boat crowd.

HAPPY 4th of JULY from SE ASIA SEA!

By Pat Patrick • July 4, 2026
Wishing everyone a Happy 4th of July! Here on the Odyssey we celebrated in the SE Asia Sea on our way to Tioman Island, Malaysia . We have such a talented and dedicated group of residents here, they put together a fun hour of things to celebrate and embrace a lot of what we collectively love about the USA. Even our residents from other countries - Canada, England, Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, Germany , etc. joined in the fun! ( I lent my flag below for decorations)