From the Island | May 2026
Issue 1: Welcome to another month at Uepi.
Life on a remote island is shaped by the rhythms of the ocean, the changing seasons, and the wildlife that shares this remarkable corner of the Solomon Islands with us. Each month we'll share some of the memorable moments, observations, and surprises that remind us why we feel so fortunate to call Uepi home.
May arrived with a bang, beginning with an encounter that felt straight out of a nature documentary. A lone sperm whale made a surprise appearance near the island, treating us to an unforgettable display before continuing on its journey. Moments like these are a reminder that life at Uepi is never predictable and that the surrounding waters still hold countless surprises.
This particular story is perhaps beyond my ability to adequately tell in words and is best experienced through the lens. If you'd like to share in this remarkable encounter, I've included a link to the video at the end of this update.
Manta rays have also been making their presence known, with regular sightings around both the cleaning station and the adjacent feeding area. Watching these graceful giants glide effortlessly through the water remains one of the most rewarding experiences for both guests and staff alike.
As we move toward the trade wind season, we have begun to notice the winds gradually shifting to the east. This year's transition has felt a little unusual, with patterns that differ from what we have traditionally expected. With climate conditions continuing to evolve around the world, the "normal" seasons we once relied upon seem increasingly fluid, making it more important than ever to remain adaptable and attentive to the environment around us.
Water temperatures have remained pleasantly cool throughout May, providing a welcome start to what can often become a much warmer period on the reef. Looking beneath the surface, the reef itself continues to thrive.
One of the most encouraging sights this month has been the overwhelming abundance of reef life. From tiny anthias darting amongst the coral to vast schools of pelagic fish patrolling the deeper waters, fish numbers appear to be approaching near uncountable levels. With each successful breeding season, populations continue to explode, adding new layers of life and energy to the reef ecosystem.
Perhaps most exciting of all is the emergence of new coral growth throughout the reef. Delicate florets of colour are beginning to appear in spaces once left bare by previous coral loss. It is a process that can be easy to overlook if you are not searching for it, but for those who spend time observing closely, the signs are unmistakable. Nature's recovery is often quiet and gradual, yet incredibly powerful.
For us, the true wonder lies not only in the colour and size of the coral, but in its resilience. The reef functions as one vast living community, connected by countless relationships and dependencies. Every coral colony, fish, and invertebrate plays a role. Even a seemingly insignificant patch of bare rock may one day become the foundation for new coral growth, helping secure the future of the reef for generations to come.
As May draws to a close, we look ahead to June with optimism. Consistent trade winds, thriving marine life, and wild underwater encounters are all part of the season ahead, and we look forward to sharing it with you.
As remarkable as the recovering reefs and abundant marine life have been this month, it was the unexpected appearance of a lone sperm whale that left the deepest impression. Encounters such as these remind us that we are only visitors in a vast and interconnected ocean, one that still holds many mysteries. We were fortunate to capture part of this special moment and invite you to share it with us.
Watch the sperm whale encounter here:
Thank you for following along with life at Uepi. We look forward to sharing more stories, sightings, and island moments with you next month.
Leana Via,
Jase
