Catching the Fijian Fever

January
Words by Drew Clement, Shots by Drew Clement and Andrea Mackay

Planning an island vacation without considering Fiji is like visiting France and not getting a snapshot of the Eiffel Tower. Miles of sandy, white beaches, succulent cuisine, a dizzying array of activities, and the laid-back island way of life are just some of the things that entice tourists and retirees to Fiji. Whether you are a scuba diver at heart, a beach lover, a fisher, or even a bird watcher, Fiji has something to offer. You can spend your day at a championship golf course, swim with bull sharks, zip line through the rainforest, or simply lay out in the tropical sun. No matter what you do, you are always welcomed back to your lodging by the unforgettable Fijian sunset.

Beyond the pristine beaches, Fiji’s warm culture, based on tradition and common values, make this tropical paradise one of the best places to release your worries and simply relax.

Once you spend your first night in the comfort of the famed Fijian hospitality you may find it hard to leave. The cheerful smiles, waves, and greetings actually make the tropical heat seem cool in comparison. From the moment you step off the plane and adorn yourself in a sulu (a traditional skirt for men) or a sarong you will feel at home.

What really makes Fiji such an incredible destination is that you can turn it into whatever kind of vacation you desire. Carve out your own itinerary and create memories that will long outlast your suntan, no matter what kind of vacation you are looking for.

Scuba Diving in Fiji

One of the reasons why people travel to Fiji year in and year out are the magnificent scuba dive sites located all over the islands. Even if you’ve never taken one breath underwater, there has never been a better time to start. Choose between simple (and often complimentary) pool dives to get accustomed to life underwater or opt for a full licensed PADI Open Water Course available at many certified training facilities around the island.

In fact, it’s far more cost-effective to take PADI training in Fiji than in many other countries. This is especially true if you head to the Beqa Adventure Divers office in Pacific Harbour (contact info below). The instructors at this surprisingly affordable course somehow manage to make holding your breath fun.

Once you feel comfortable in the water, move on to the world famous shark dive that the company offers four times a week. You can swim with tiger sharks, bull sharks, and a whole host of brightly-coloured aquatic life, and it is actually a lot safer than it sounds. Experienced divers can of course skip the course and jump right into ancient shipwreck dives, witness an abundance of coral splendour, and explore mysterious underwater caves. Plus, the water around Fiji is always warm enough for a deep ocean dive.

Cultural Experiences in Fiji

Even if you choose to stay at one of the luxurious resorts dotted around Fiji, it would be a shame not to encounter the hidden, authentic Fiji as well. Here are just a few of the cultural experiences available in Fiji that should make it into your itinerary.

Traditional Kava Ceremony
Kava is a traditional drink found in almost every village on Fiji. It is an alcohol-like beverage made from the aromatic roots of the kava plant and is drunk to create a bond between friends, family, and guests. While it does taste suspiciously like muddy water, the ceremony itself is something you will want to engage in. Share a coconut shell full of kava with a village chief and be ready to swap stories, watch traditional Meke dancing, and be drawn into the way of life that surrounds you. If you`re lucky, you may even experience a traditional Fijian feast called a lovo prepared in an underground oven.

Rafting in the Upper Navua
If you have ever been white-water rafting, forget everything you may have learned and get ready for an entirely new experience. Rivers Fiji (www.riversfiji.com) offers a tour of your choice in or around Navua complete with lunch, beverages, local river guides, and a village tour. It’s your choice whether you glide through the class II-III waters on an inflatable kayak or a five person raft. If you are lucky you may even see a villager cruising down the river on a bilibili (homemade bamboo raft) delivering fresh produce to town. Just don’t forget to tip your white-water guide, because these guys really do work hard.

Seeking Thrills and Adventure in Fiji

Pacific Harbour is located on the southern end of Viti Levu (the main island) and is known as the adventure capital of Fiji. If you’re up for an adventure, this is the place to be. You can go zip-lining through the rainforest with Zip Fiji (www.zip-fiji.com) in Wainadoi, take a full-day tour with the Jet-Ski Safari at the Uprising Resort (www.uprisingbeachresort.com), go parasailing along the shore, or simply spend an hour or two snorkelling around the majestic reefs that surround the area.

If that isn’t enough excitement, consider spending time in Port Denarau in Nadi during your trip. Soar above the island’s stunning scenery as you skydive back to your resort thanks to Tandem Skydive Fiji (www.skydivefiji.com.fj).

Whatever you decide to experience in Fiji, make sure your itinerary is as original and unique as you are.

Top 5 Cultural Experiences

• Navua River Tour with Rivers Fiji (Pacific Harbour)

www.riversfiji.com, 679-345-0147

• Arts Village Cultural Centre (Pacific Harbour) 679-345-0065

• Fiji National Museum (Suva) www.fijimuseum.org.fj 679-331-5944

• Waterfall and Cave Tours with Adventures in Paradise Fiji (Coral Coast)

www.adventuresinparadisefiji.com 679-652-0833

Best Family Hotels and Resorts

• Outrigger on the Lagoon Fiji (Coral Coast)

www.outrigger.com 800-688-7444, 679-650-0044

• Castaway Island Resort (Qalito Island, the Mamanucas)

www.castawayfiji.com 800-888-0120, 679-666-1233

• Treasure Island Resort(Luvuka Island, the Mamanucas)

www.fiji-treasure.com 679-666-6999

Souvenirs to Bring Home

• Handicrafts

Select from the abundance of local seashell jewellery, carved wooden utensils, decorations, bowls, plates and tokens that are unique to Fiji.

• Black Pearls

These are the cream of the crop when it comes to souvenir purchases in Fiji, as the country is famous for its elegant black pearls.

• Traditional and Tropical Clothing

You will find a variety of bright and cheerful sarongs, dress shirts, t-shirts, and skirts to put you into a tropical mood.

Accommodations for Romantic Getaways

• Coconut Grove Beachfront Cottages (Taveuni)

www.coconutgrovefiji.com 679-888-0328

• Turtle Island (Nanuya Levu Island, the Yasawas)

www.turtlefiji.com 877-288-7853, 679-672 2921

• The Pearl South Pacific (Pacific Harbour)

www.thepearlsouthpacific.com 679-354-0022

• Warwick www.warwickfijihotel.com 679-653-0555

Best Dive Sites in Fiji

• Shark Diving (Pacific Harbour)

Dive instructors bring along bait and lure massive tiger and bull sharks right alongside you about 100 feet under the water. It is one of the most exciting dives in the world and is an adventure that no scuba diver will want to miss. (Beqa Adventure Divers: www.fiji-sharks.com 679-345-0911)

• Beqa Lagoon (off Beqa Island)

This dive area offers a number of mysterious underwater locations such as Carpet Cove, Caesar`s Rock and the E.T. dive spot where you can see eels, barracuda and even octopus if you are lucky.

• Great Astrolabe Reef (Near Kadavu)

This great reef may not be as well-known as the Great Barrier in Australia, but it does attract a lot of manta rays and the soft coral is pleasing to the eye.

• Namena Marine Protected Reserve (Near Savusavu)

This is a barrier reef that is unlike anything else you have ever seen. It is preserved in pristine condition and features an immaculate blend of hard and soft corals.

• Somosomo Strait (Near Taveuni)

One of the most famous dive spots in all of Fiji. The soft corals are abundant and the Rainbow Reef is the location for many underwater camera shots. The snorkelling is fantastic as well, in case you haven’t quite mastered the art of scuba diving.

Array of Magical Islands

• Monuriki

Best known as the location for the Tom Hanks movie Cast Away. It is located in the western part of the Mamanuca Islands and features cliffs, lagoons and an idyllic atmosphere.

• Yasawa

Though narrow, it’s home to some of the best beaches in all of Fiji. The beaches mesh perfectly with the rolling hills to create scenery worthy of a postcard.

• Beqa

Sitting off the southern side of Viti Levu, this island is almost as untouched as it is beautiful. The Beqa Lagoon is the main attraction here but the interior is almost as mesmerizing.

• Kadavu

One of the best preserved areas in all of Fiji. The area lacks a lot of the predators that prowl the main islands, allowing native wildlife to roam free and delight tourists. Kadavu also offers the perfect starting point for a dive along the Great Astrolabe Reef.

• Ovalau

There is definitely a lack of fine beaches on Ovalau, but that means the area has been left alone by conglomerate resorts and hotels. The cliffs and scenery make the perfect backdrop for the traditional town Levuka.

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