FIJI– BEYOND SUN AND SAND
Fjii is an archipelago of over 300 islands located in the South Pacific and certainly has its share of the quintessential tropical island: lush green hills, powdery white sand beaches and tropical water whose colors hue from deep blue to brilliant turquoise. It’s no wonder these islands are the backyard playground for neighboring Australia and New Zealand and with daily, non-stop flights Fiji is very accessible from the US as well; evolving as an easy tropical get-away from colder climes. But many of the islands have more volcanic hillsides and mangrove coastlines than beaches and Fiji has far more to offer a traveler than a sun n sand holiday.
More Than a Sandy Beach…
There are a group of islands northwest of the “main island” of Viti Levu where the international gateway, Nadi is located, referred to as the Yasawas which are accessed by ferry, seaplane or helicopter and in some cases by private charter flights. Here, you will find those quintessential islands of dramatic beauty, but not all are created equal.
We recently explored a few of the resort options which had piqued our interest with their dedication to conservation and research, as well as their education and empowerment programs for the local communities. Your tourism dollars can transport you to that tropical island where you can explore sandy beaches, snorkel coral reefs and encounter manta rays and black tipped sharks, hike to the top of the island for unparalleled views and enjoy a sunset cocktail before you end the day with another scrumptious meal, all just steps away from your private beach bure. But you can also dive with bull sharks and support shark research programs, plant coral baskets and help the reef conservation programs, and learn a bit about Fijian culture through the friendly staff; most of whom are from local villages.
World Class Diving…
Fiji is known as the “soft coral capital of the world” and for good reason as most of these colorful reefs teem with soft corals and marine life. Megafauna is also found in abundance as we discovered firsthand on our recent trip on Fiji’s premier liveaboard, “the Nai’a”. Accessing reefs difficult by land, we saw hammerheads on three separate dives, gray reef sharks, rainbow runners, redtooth triggers, milkfish, snappers (black, midnight, humpback, red and pinjalos), tunas, barracudas, trevallies, bannerfish, surgeonfish (including palettes) and tiny baby sharks. For those not wanting a dedicated diving itinerary on board a boat, Fiji also offers diving access via land-based resorts. Here are few key diving regions; each with their own slightly different flavor that can be experienced on their own or in combination with one another:
The Bligh Waters and Vatu-I-Ra passage northeast of the main island
The Coral Coast and Beqa Lagoon found off the south coast of the main island
The Northern Group includes Vanua Levu and Taveuni to access Namena, Rainbow Reef and the Somo Somo Straits
The Great Astrolabe Reef found in the south off Kadavu Island
Barrier Reefs off the west coast islands in the Yasawas
Adventures Beyond the Reef
While island destinations tend to offer beach and water-based activities, and there are plenty of those available from diving, snorkeling, kayaking and surfing, but Fiji’s island interiors offer a treasure trove of alternate land-based activities as well. Hiking is available for nearly every level of fitness from a relatively easy walk to a waterfall, to a strenuous multi-day trek to conquer Fiji’s tallest peaks. There are rivers to raft and caves to explore. Or add some adrenaline packed ziplines, tandem skydiving and quad biking to your itinerary.
Did Someone Mention Birds
No primates are found in these tropical islands, nor poisonous snakes or spiders either! Much of Fiji’s biodiversity is found underwater, except would be a few mammals like fruit bats, and birds. There are 133 species found in the archipelago, including 34 endemics not found anywhere else in the world. Taking some quiet time to walk through the forest, glide along the mangroves, or sit by the shoreline will reward the observant with a view of some of Fiji’s feathered fauna. Some of the unique species include Parrotfinch, Orange Fruit Dove, Orange-breasted Honeyeater, Vanikoro Flycatcher, and Fiji Goshawk. Two of the best birding areas are Taveuni Island and Kadavu Island but have also personally found the Yasawa Islands rich in birdlife.
Romancing the Islands
Honeymoon? Anniversary? Wedding? Or just a much needed get away? It’s hard to imagine being able to choose a more romantic destination than Fiji. There are private island resorts, private villas, treehouses, beach bungalows, bures with panoramic views; some are simple, others luxurious. Include some, all, or none of the wide range of experiences available and throw in the warmth of the Fijian hospitality, coupled with the natural beauty of the islands and you have a guaranteed recipe for romance.
Great For Kids
Fiji is not just for adults. Kids of all ages will find themselves entertained without the use of electronic devices, by being able to immerse themselves in the natural environment with all the various activities. Let them explore a new world in a completely safe environment and learn about an entirely different culture. Fijian people and their community lifestyle value the freedom of childhood making them natural “kid magnets” whether a Bula Butler for your young child, or a friendly grounds staff teaching your teenager how to climb a coconut tree. It will be hard to say who had the better vacation – you or your kids.
Fijian Hospitality
If you ask anyone who’s been to Fiji what one thing made their trip special, without fail the answer will be the Fijian people. Their naturally warm hospitality, infectious laughter, gracious sharing of culture and genuine interest in you is a national treasure rarely experienced elsewhere in the world. Within a day your name is remembered, no matter how many people shuffle through, nor how short your stay may be. Should you return a year later, or ten years later, you – and your name – will still be remembered. This happened on our recent trip on no less than three separate occasions.
Welcome home to Fiji!
Specializing in tailored itineraries designed around you, the Great Expeditions Travel team can help plan, book and take care of all the details to include these experiences (and others) into your unique itinerary.
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