Friday 29 January 2016

Fiji




Itinerary Planning

Captain David Jamieson has over 10 years sailing knowledge in the Fiji Islands, he has been asked to speak at many conferences regarding his knowledge and itinerary planning, and he can ensure that you have the best itinerary to get the most out of your cruising.
Fiji has many stunning and remote areas just waiting for you to explore. There is differently something for everyone.
 

Yasawas and Mamanucas Islands

These 2 groups of islands provide a wide range cruising for a 7 to 10 day Cruise.
Their Location on the leeward side of Fiji provides them with dry sunny weather. The Mamanucas islands lie within the reef providing smooth sailing.
The Yasawa Group gets more spectacular the further North you go. Swim with the Manta Rays at Naviti Island, anchor in the turquoise waters of Blue Lagoon where the film of the same name was made, explore the huge Lime stone caves at Sawa-I-Lau and finally stand on the fine sand of the 10km of pristine beaches of Yasawa Island.

Vatu-I-Ra Channel and Lomaiviti Group

The Vatu-I-Ra channel contains some of Fiji’s best dives. The constant flow of water through the channel produces some of world’s most colourful soft coral gardens and in the deeper water there are pinnacles rising up to the shallows that are the domain of the large pelagic species. These are for experienced divers and a local guide is recommended.
The Lomaiviti Group includes the islands of Makogai an ex leper colony and now home to turtle hatchery, Gau well known for its shark dives, and the remote Namena which is a marine sanctuary.

Savusavu and Taveuni

Savusavu is quaint little town with volcanic activity producing hot springs that steam along the foreshore. The town has shops and a market for fresh provisions. Across Savusavu bay is the Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort which offers fine dinning ashore. Heading East to the Island of Taveuni know as the garden island because lush rain forest and waterfalls here you will find little evidence of tourism and an opportunity to experience traditional Fijian life.

Lau Group

This group is Fiji’s hidden paradise with no tourism this is one of the most traditional areas of Fiji. Vunua Balavu Island has some of the most spectacular scenery in Fiji. Here traditional etiquette needs to be strictly observed.

Bega and Kadavu

Beqa Lagoon has one of the world’s most highly recommended shark dives where Tiger and Bull sharks are seen daily. Ashore the people of Beqa are known for their ability to fire walk over red hot rocks.

Kadavu

Is a must for keen divers and sites abound inside the Astrolobe reef where fish life is bountiful among the huge coral gardens. Turtles, large pelagic’s, schooling Barracudas and Mantas are regular sights. Ashore there is little tourism and you will be assured of a traditional “Bula” Fijian welcome.

Lau Group 
This group is Fiji’s hidden paradise with no tourism this is one of the most traditional areas of Fiji.

Vanua Balavu Island has some of the most spectacular scenery in Fiji. Here traditional etiquette needs to be strictly observed. You need to bring with you a gift of half-a-kilo of the root of the pepper plant from which kava, the social and ceremonial drink is made. Now begins an ancient ritual known as Sevusevu. This usually takes place in the village longhouse, where your party sits on the floor opposite the Ratu (chief) and his elders. The Ratu appoints a spokesman to speak for the visitors, although the entire proceedings are held in the Fijian language. The spokesman ceremoniously requests the Ratu to accept your gift of kava. The Ratu places his hands on the gift, and thanks the visitors. All present clap three times. You are now officially the guest of the village.

There is plenty of exploring inside this large lagoon and is worth staying a few days. The village will put on a traditional feast or Lovo with meat, fish and local vegetables baked in an underground earth oven this is followed by a Meke (Fijian Dancing) in honour of their guests. For the more adventurous you can cruise south through the Lau islands to experience more of these little visited islands.

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