AN expedition boat left yesterday for the Western province as part of their tour after having berthed in Honiara for a day.

The boat “Caledonian Sky” arrived yesterday in Honiara after spending some time in the eastern parts of the country.

Officer from SIVB, Mr Ellison Kyere told this paper yesterday that the boat entered the country’s eastern waters and spent time with the islanders as part of their expedition.

He said they toured islands such as Tikopia, Vanikoro, Anuta and other islands in Temotu province.

Adding that along the way they also visited Port Mary in Santa Anna in Makira and other parts of Makira before coming to Honiara.

Mr Kyere however said unlike bigger cruise boats, this expedition boat is slightly different.

“It doesn’t different in a way cruise boats came to explore areas of their interests.

“The difference is this expedition group is a specific group of people they have some special common interests where they can go to areas of their interests.

“They go everywhere like what they did in Temotu province. They reach down to the people to experience things at first hand.

“And not like the big cruise boats coming to the country where they can only visited Gizo and Honiara,” he said.

Mr Kyere pointed out that one of the advantages and benefits of this kind of expedition is the benefit people in the villages directly have.

He said the travellers buy or give money to the people right at their villages for things they want to get.

In the meantime, Mr Kyere said they encourage such excursions it as it helps generate income for people in the village levels.

Mr Kyere stated that SIVB expects about three cruise boats to visit the country soon.