This adventure combines the exploration of Fiji’s extraordinary marine wilderness with excellent insights into Fijian village life, history, and culture. The marine biology of Fiji offers an ideal snorkeling environment with an incredible variety of fish and coral and a profusion of invertebrates. While the Caribbean has 68 species of coral, the South Pacific boasts over 700 (so far) and over 3000 species of fish. Striped, spotted, dappled and dotted, these fish come in colors only nature can inspire. Huge flat-topped coral heads called “bommies” rise from the deep to within a few feet of the surface, which along with the protected interiors of barrier reefs make Fiji one of the world’s great snorkeling venues.
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Fiji fits the image of “tropical paradise” many of us share: palm-studded white sand beaches, clear water, and one of the world’s most engaging indigenous cultures. An added advantage, when compared to many other tropical destinations, is Fiji’s lack of malaria. This program combines the exploration of Fiji’s extraordinary marine wilderness with excellent insights into Fijian village life, history, and culture.
In contrast with the Caribbean, Fiji’s reefs offer prolific soft corals, presenting the snorkeler with resplendent views of brilliant reds, yellows, and pinks. While the Caribbean has 68 species of coral, the South Pacific boasts over 700 (so far) and over 3000 species of fish. Striped, spotted, dappled, and dotted, these fish come in colors and shapes only nature can inspire.
During our program, we will stay at the secluded Beqa Lagoon Resort, a small, remote island skirted by stretches of sandy beach and laced with vibrant tide pools. The reefs here supports an abundance of shallow corals, populated with bright fishes and prolific invertebrates, that are easily accessible by boat to snorkelers. Huge flat-topped coral heads called “bommies” rise from the deep to within a few feet of the surface, which along with the protected interiors of barrier reefs make this Fijian island one of the world’s great snorkeling venues.
Unique creatures that we can expect to see include lionfish, with their elegant plume-like fins; amusing and very approachable clownfish in their host anemones; brilliantly colored and patterned butterflyfish, triggerfish, and wrasse; and the possibility of rays, schooling jacks, and the occasional reef shark.We plan daily visits to many of the flourishing offshore sites reached by privately-chartered boat reserved exclusively for our group. To complement the offshore snorkeling, there is snorkeling available anytime, as often as you like, and at your convenience in front of our resort. While Sea for Yourself programs consider snorkeling the top priority, this particular occasion also provides certified SCUBA divers with excellent diving opportunities.
No journey to Fiji is complete without visiting a Fijian village. We plan to visit both a local school and a village where we will gain an informative and emotional appreciation of our hosts in this country and their traditional lifestyle. All in all, the world class snorkeling, cultural elements, and comfortable accommodations will provide a rich combination for our unique Exploring the Reefs of Fiji program.
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Day 1
Our program begins in the early morning when we meet at Nadi International Airport for our group transfer to Beqa Island, the mysterious land of the firewalkers (2.5 hours by bus followed by a 45 minute boat ride).Covering only a few square kilometers, Bega Island has no roads, no towns and only a few isolated villages scattered around the perimeter. We will check into the Beqa Lagoon Resort, our home for the next ten nights. Resting on a white sand beach flanked with palm trees overlooking Beqa Lagoon, the resort is justly known for its cuisine, cultural elements, and comfortable accommodations including a spa and a fresh water swimming pool. After lunch we take advantage of introductory shore-based snorkeling (instruction provided as needed) or relax in the beautiful surroundings. In the evening, we enjoy a short program orientation and an image-illustrated discussion of Fiji’s marine life, followed by dinner. (L,D)
Days 2-8
Most mornings and early afternoons are devoted to snorkeling in this island paradise. There is a plethora of sites accessible by the boat that we have reserved for exclusive use by our group as well as snorkeling just in front of the resort. We visit protected shallow reefs where gardens of hard and soft coral harbor diverse species of colorful reef fish. We have also planned excursions to a native village and a local school. We will also visit the town of Sigatoka and stop for a tour of the Kula Eco Park, Fiji’s only wildlife park operated in cooperation with the National Trust for Fiji and a model flora and fauna park for the South Pacific. The evenings are spent enjoying leisurely dinners, possible night snorkeling opportunities, and interpretive sessions led by your Sea for Yourself staff. (B.L,D)
Day 10
After breakfast, we transfer by boat (45 minutes) to Pacific Harbor and continue on to Nadi. In the afternoon, we will have some time for independent activities that could include shopping or a visit to the colorful Hindu temple. We celebrate with farewell drinks and dinner at a delightful restaurant. Following dinner, we transfer to Nadi International Airport for our return flights. Flights should be planned for 10pm or later. (B,L,D)
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Trip limit
Exploring the Reefs of Fiji is limited to 18 participants, with a minimum of 10. Due to the limited space available for this tour, reservations will be accepted in the order deposits are received. You will be notified when your space is confirmed.
Program Costs
The costs for this travel experience are from $4790 per person, based on double occupancy, For those requesting a single room an additional supplement of $795 will be added to the tour cost. Please be advised that single space is limited and subject to availability. If you wish to share a room, we will do our best to find a roommate for you. If, by the time of your final payment, a share cannot be found and space is available, you will be charged a single supplement.
Deposits & payments
A deposit of $850, plus a signed, completed reservation form confirms your registration for the trip. You will be notified when your space on the program is confirmed. Final payment, plus single supplement, if applicable, are due 120 days prior to departure.
The tour fee includes
Tour fee is based on land package only. It includes all group bus and boat transfers in Fiji, meals as indicated in the itinerary, accommodations in hotels as specified, all snorkeling activities, guided cultural excursions, local taxes, group gratuities to hotel/resort staff, services of the trip leader including any needed snorkeling lessons, biology lectures, and explanations of Fiji’s cultural and natural history.
The tour fee does not include
International and domestic airfare, increases in international airfare rates, international departure tax, SCUBA activities, rental gear, medical immunizations, passport fees, accident/baggage/cancellation insurance, individual transfers, excess baggage charges, medical expenses, meals not specified in the itinerary, dishes and beverages not part of included meals, laundry, telephone, internet or fax charges, room service, and other items of a purely personal nature.
International and/or domestic airfare
Sea for Yourself does not issue airline tickets. Trip participants are responsible for making their own air travel arrangements. Please do not purchase airline tickets until your reservation for the program has been confirmed and you have reviewed your travel schedule with our office.
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Skill Level
All snorkelers, from novice to expert, will enjoy this program. Our tour staff will gladly provide any needed snorkeling instruction, from floating to free-diving. Whenever possible we will seek out protected waters for our snorkeling excursions, but at times the surface may be choppy due to wind.
Climate
Daytime temperatures in Fiji during the month of September range from the low 80’s to the high 90’s, and cool
to a refreshing 65-70° at night. Rain showers usually end in April and begin again in mid-November. However,
in the tropics, there is always a chance of rain. Water temperatures are expected to be approximately 75-80°F.
Thermal tolerance obviously varies with each individual. As a guideline, many people wear a thin wet suit
when in the water longer than 30 or 40 minutes. Please remember that some kind of covering (such as a Lycra
suit or even pajamas!) when in the water is highly recommended as protection from sun, occasional stinging
zooplankton, and to prevent coral abrasions. In the water individuals will best know their own “comfort zones”
which can be extended with the use of a lightweight wetsuit which will help conserve body heat and add
comfort and buoyancy while in the water. We wear wetsuits and recommend that you seriously consider
wearing one as well.Departure information
After you have reserved space on a trip and the program is confirmed, you will receive information to help you prepare for departure, including airline information to arrange for your international and/or domestic flights, optional supplemental travel insurance information, a complete packing and a reading list and other useful information about our destination.
Insurance
Sea for Yourself provides participants who are U.S. or Canadian citizens with limited medical, accident and evacuation coverage under our group travel insurance policy. We highly recommend the purchase of optional baggage and trip cancellation insurance; information will be sent to registrants. Exclusions for pre-existing conditions may be waived with the prompt purchase of travel insurance.