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FIJI'S TOP DIVE SITES, ADVENTURE, CULTURE
Fiji ~ Expedition Dive Trip ~ 7 days
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Join us for the expedition trip of a lifetime. The premier adventure travel experience in the South Pacific, Active Fiji / Tui Tai Adventure Cruises, brings a unique type of dive experience. Combining the best in Fiji Diving with tropical adventure and remote island culture, the Fiji Dive Expedition package is a new concept of dive holiday.
The true uniqueness of the expedition is the combination of world class diving with adventure and cultural immersion. The daily itinerary features 3 dives but also a variety of guided adventures for non-divers or divers who feel like being active and doing something different that day. Non-diving activities include sea kayaking, hiking, mountain biking, waterfalls, river kayaking, snorkeling, village visits and more.
The Dive Expedition itinerary is 7-nights exploring the remote islands in Northern Fiji, including Somosomo Straits, Namena, the Ringgold Atolls and Koro Island. These are generally recognized as Fiji’s best dive regions and you will get to experience the dive sites that make the famous. Expect to see the signature color blur of soft corals on a variety of wall dives. Several sites feature frequent and energy-charged pelagic sightings.
Adventure activities include sea kayaking, river kayaking, rainforest hiking, snorkeling, sailing and more. Our onboard cruise directors and divemasters have years of experience with top liveaboards from around the world and have extensive history of diving in Fiji. The cultural immersion of the expedition includes several village visits and discovery of traditional customs of Polynesian and Melanesian people.
The base of your expedition will be a 140-foot motorized-sailing schooner, the “A/S Tui Tai.” The Tui Tai is an elegant small ship with air-conditioned cabins and staterooms, renovated in 2006 to improve its well-earned reputation as the premier expedition vessel in the South Pacific. The ship carries all its own kayaks, mountain bikes, snorkel gear, scuba gear and 2 dive boats.
Active Fiji / Tui Tai Adventure Cruises has twice won the AON Excellence in Tourism Award for “Best Adventure Product” (2004 and 2005). Tui Tai Adventure Cruises was featured in Men’s Journal as one of its “100 Greatest Adventures on the Planet,” and in Outside Magazine as one of “25 Trips of Lifetime.”
The Fiji Discovery Expedition is suitable to divers of all skill and experience levels. While some dives have moderate currents, our dive staff are well trained to handle even beginner divers enjoy all of our dive sites.
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TRIP DETAILS:
7 days expedition aboard the “Tui Tai” the premier expedition vessel in the South Pacific.
7-nights shipboard accommodations (all cabins/staterooms have private facilties, air-conditioning, windows).
FEATURED DIVES:
Namena Marine Reserve
Somosomo Straits
Ringgold Atolls
Koro Island
2006 DATES:
May 13-20
May 27-June 3
COST
USD$ 2599 per person
International airfare not included.
Domestic airfare is INCLUDED.
GROUP SPECIALS
10 Pay, 2 FREE
18 Pay, 4 FREE
TRIP LEVEL
EASIER TO MODERATE
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FEEDBACK
“If you're going to spend 15 hours in a plane flying halfway around the globe to a tropical wonderland like Fiji, you better be certain to go to places you could never go, do the things you could never do, and leave with the feeling that there's nothing better you could have ever done anywhere else. Such is a trip on the Tui Tai.”
-- Tim Neville, freelance writer for Outside and Men's Journal magazines
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ITINERARY
This trip begins at the Active Fiji office in Savusavu on the island of Vanua Levu.
DAY 1 ~ ARRIVE IN SAVUSAVU, BOARD THE “TUI TAI”
Arrive in Savusavu in the morning. Active Fiji staff will provide transfer from the Savusavu airport or local resorts to the wharf where you will board the “Tui Tai,” the premier expedition vessel in the South Pacific. Onboard you will enjoy a snack as the ship sails across the picturesque Savusavu Bay to the mouth of the Yanawai River.
After a safety briefing and kayak instruction, you’ll paddle up the calm river into the jungled interior of Vanua Levu. Huge mangroves decorate the edge of river near the mouth. As you move further upriver, you’ll find the scenery changes to more dense rainforest and steep landscapes. As we approach a village, you will be entertained by a chorus of tropical birds including parrots, lorikeets and the famous “barking pigeon.”
In the afternoon, the diving begins at “Golden Nuggets” one of Savusavu’s most famous dives and a longtime favorite of Jean-Michel Cousteau.
In the evening, you’ll be treated to the Officer’s Dinner as a sign of your welcoming onboard the ship. The dinner theme is “Seafood Medley” and includes grilled fish with pineapple glaze, traditional ceviche style fish, prawns, and an assortment of cooked vegetables and salad. After dinner, you will sit for the traditional welcoming ceremony onboard the ship. The crew of the ship will explain and present a traditional kava ceremony and “sevusevu” in honor of new guests. Once you have consumed a bowl of kava, you are no longer a stranger to the crew, in traditional customs, you are now part of the team.
L,D (served aboard the ship)
Dives (1) “Golden Nuggets”
Notes: We recommend arriving in Fiji a day or two prior to boarding the Tui Tai. Direct flights from Los Angeles to Nadi International Airport are available via Air Pacific and Air New Zealand. Additional hotel and resort bookings can be made at recommended places for a pre-trip stay if requested
DAY 2 ~ KIOA ISLAND
We have 3 dives today, all on the famous “Rainbow Reef” which lies in the middle of the Somosomo Straits. The dives here are full of beautiful, thick patches of soft corals. Reefs are full of exotic small critters for the macro lovers.
For those keen for a 4th dive, we offer a night dive at “Black Magic.” One of our most healthy collections of a variety of corals, the site has earned its name from numerous bushes of rare black corals.
After dinner we will visit the only village on Kioa Island. The people of this village are originally from the island nation of Tuvalu. They are a Polynesian people with a culture, language and heritage distinct from the rest of Fiji. Following a brief story of their history by the village councilman, the village will perform their traditional song and dance performance, known as a “Fatele.”
B,L,D (served aboard the ship)
Dives (4) “Great White Wall,” “Annie’s Bommie,” “Rainbow Passage,” “Black Magic” (Night Dive)
DAY 3 ~ TAVEUNI ISLAND
Choose to do a morning dive at “Purple Wall” or take off on a mountain bike and explore the rugged coastline of Taveuni, the “Garden Island of Fiji.” Divers will meet up at the Bouma National Heritage park via a van transfer.
Bouma Heritage Park is Fiji’s conservation success story. Here four small villages have developed community-managed sustainable tourism trips based on the preservation of their natural resources. These trips were developed as an alternative to logging and other destructive income generating schemes, so every time you visit one, you are actively contributing to environmental conservation, and providing income for local community improvement.
Starting at Navakacoa Harbor, set out on your mountain bike along the northwest coast of Taveuni (van transport available if you do not want to mountain bike). You will have several magnificent views from the hillside of the surrouding islands (Qamea, Matagi, Laucala and the Ringolds). You will also cross over several streams and may see waving villages having a swim. The bike ride is approximately 10 kilometres (7 miles) with some moderate to strenuous hills. You will pass the villages of Waitabu, Vidawa and Korovou on the way. At the entrance the Bouma National Heritage Park, you can visit the visitor center. Here you will leave the bikes and proceed along the trail on foot.
There are three sets of “Tavoro Waterfalls” in the park. The trail to the first waterfall is very flat and easy to walk taking about 10 miutes to arrive at the falls. Each set of waterfalls offers a refreshing swimming pool to cool off and get a closer look at the cascades. The trails to the second and third waterfalls take about 45 minutes each in succession. These trails get a bit more steep and the hike can be strenuous. You will be rewarded by amazing views of the sea and sweeping views of the rainforest that earned the island the nickname “The Garden Island of Fiji.” You can see parrots, lorikeets and other colorful birds. Guides will point out naturally growing fruits, vegetables, medicines and other interesting plants. Listen carefully to hear the pigeon that barks like a dog!
In the afternoon, we’ll explore “Seven Bommies” a series of bommies that lies within the channel between the islands of Taveuni and Qamea.
After dinner, we will visit Togo Village and see a traditional spear-dance musical performance.
B,L,D (served aboard the ship, lunch at the Bouma Natiuonal Heritage Park)
Dives (2) “Purple Wall,” “Seven Bommies”
DAY 4 ~ RINGGOLD ATOLLS
The Ringgold Atolls are a group of 7 small volcanic atolls surrounded by a distant barrier reef which drops off into the deep ocean. Beautiful beaches and crystal clear waters adorn the islands of Cobia and Rara-Ni-Tiqa, which we will explore during the day.
The Ringgold Atolls are surrounded by a barrier reef that drops off dramatically into the sea. Because of the isolation of the Ringgold Atolls and the lack of any rivers from the small atolls, the visibility here can be exceptional. Our three wall dives offer an excellent chance for pelagic sightings. The walls are decorated with sea whips, soft corals and large gorgonian fans.
After lunch, it’s time for a special sea kayak excursion. The kayaks will put in near the South end of Cobia Island at the wide, sandy beach. Paddling over clear waters that shimmer the color of emeralds and sapphires, you will follow the volcanic coastline of Cobia. Making your approach to the open end of the crater, you may want to jump in for a view of the pristine coral beds below the surface. Inside the crater, you will discover a surreal, calm lagoon of deep blue water.
B,L,D (served aboard the ship)
Dives(3) “Kokoda Point,” “Wall Street,” “Cobia Point”
DAY 5 ~ LAUCALA ISLAND AND MOTUA LEVU
Laucala is a beautiful, lush island surrounded by a barrier reef. The barrier reef forms a channel to an outer reef known as Motua Levu. These two reefs have dramatic wall dives fed by currents that sweep between. Similar to the Ringgold Atolls, we can expect excellent visibility and good pelagic opportunities. “Noel’s Wall” and “Yellow Wall” offer another wonderful opportunity to be gaze at walls covered in soft corals of all colors.
After lunch, you can choose between a third dive or a mountaink bike excursion along the “Laucala Coastal Circuit.” The bike ride has several picturesque views of the outer island of the Lau Group.
B,L,D (served aboard the ship)
Dives(3) “Noel’s Wall,” “Yellow Wall,” “Tim’s Terrace”
DAY 6 ~ NAMENA MARINE RESERVE
Namena is truly the diving treasure of the Fiji Islands. Channels through the reef systems are met with currents from the Vatu-I-Ra channel and the Koro Sea providing crystal clear waters and an abundance of marine life. In Namena, bommies and pinnacles are covered in lush, colorful soft corals and sea fans, swarms of small fish are everywhere. In the channels you’ll find the bigger stuff, schools of barracuda, jacks, trevallies as well as hammerheads, grey reef sharks and tuna. The Namena Marine Reserve was created to protect the unique marine ecosystem surrounding Namena Island. The reserve also raises money to support education in rural village settlements.
Today’s itinerary focused exclusively on the diving, for good reason. Dive times will be chosen specifically based on tides to ensure the best conditions on these world-class dives.
B,L,D (served aboard the ship)
Dives(3) “Grand Central Station,” “Kansas,” “Chimneys”
DAY 7 ~ KORO ISLAND -- “TURTLE CALLING CEREMONY”
A morning sail gets us to Koro Island as the sun rises. After a good breakfast (coconut pancakes made to order) it’s time for one of our best pelagic dive sites “Sharkfin Point.” Here is a conglomeration of large fish including barracudas, tuna, jacks and reef sharks. We get occasional hammerhead sightings here as well! A couple or eagle rays frequently greet us as we drift along a shallow reef wall. There is so much to see on this site, you’ll want to do it again!
After a snack, it’s time to get wet again. Back to Sharkfin Point again, this time we’ll drop in a bit closer to the point where the action should be even more intense. We call this site “Washdown.” The villages on Koro Island have designated these reefs a Marine Reserve so there is no fishing to affect the large fish population.
After lunch, we will set out on a hike through the rainforest. This hike will be co-guided by a local from Nacamaki village on Koro Island (and often 30-40 kids from the village will follow us as well). At the top of a cliff is an amazing few down to the ocean and the turquoise reefs. From here our friend from Nacamaki village will engage in a ritual summoning of turtles (a recent expedition saw over 15 turtles come to the surface!).
This evening is special. The people of Nacamaki village will invite us to their community hall to participate in one of their most important social customs. Known as a “Soli” we will participate in an evening of village style fun; music, dancing, kava, storytelling and lots of laughs! You will experience the magic of Fijian friendliness, warmth and happiness and have an appreciation for life in a remote island village.
B,L,D (served aboard the ship)
Dives (2) “Sharkfin Point,” “Washdown”
DAY 8 ~ SAVUSAVU – DEPARTURE
After breakfast, it’s time to say goodbye. The crew will sing its customary farewell song “Isa Lei” and you will disembark. Your transfer will take you to the Savusavu airport where you will fly back to Nadi to make your international connection.
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VESSEL SPECIFICATIONS AND ACCOMODATIONS
Tui Tai Ship Accommodations
All cabins/staterooms have private facilities ensuite, adjustable air-conditioning, and are fully private.
GRAND STATEROOM – Two Available
Relax in a spacious and luxurious stateroom, with its own living room and doors that open out onto the bridge deck. The Grand Staterooms offers complete privacy with its own bathroom, air conditioning unit, and queen-size bed.
STATEROOM – Two Available
Relax in a beautiful stateroom made from local hardwoods and traditional furnishings. The Stateroom offers complete privacy with its own bathroom, air conditioning unit, and queen-size bed.
EXPEDITION CABINS – Eight Available
Each Expedition Cabin offers a double bed that sleeps two, adjustable air-conditioning and private facilities ensuite. Expedition Cabins all have a Pullman (pull down) bunk for twin sharing or a third guest.
Tui Tai Ship Specifications
Length: 140ft (42m)
Beam: 33ft (10m)
Draft: 7ft (2m)
Gross Tonnage: 550
Engines: 2x Gardiner 450hp
Auxiliary Engines: 2x Cummins 85kva
Speed: 10 knots
Range: 2000 nautical miles
Year Built: 1980, Refit 2002, 2006
Staterooms and Cabins: 12
Guest Capacity: 24
Regulations: Tui Tai is registered and surveyed per the Fiji Islands Marine Safety Administration (FIMSA) requirements.
Additional Craft: 2 Rigid Inflatable Boats
Registry: Fiji
Guest Facilities:
Rejuvenation Spa
PADI Dive Operation
Full indoor bar
Sundeck bar
Indoor lounge/dining
Al Fresco Dining area
Sundeck daybeds: 5
Stardeck daybeds: 6
Adventure/Safety Gear:
Perception Kayaks: 26
Kona Mountain Bikes: 26
ScubaPro Dive Gear: 12
ScubaPro Snorkel Gear: 30
First aid kits: 3
Medical kit: 1 (full ocean going)
Oxygen delivery system: 1
RFD Liferafts: 3 (capacity 65)
Lifevest: 145
COST
USD$ 2599 per person
International airfare not included.
Domestic airfare IS INCLUDED
Price includes ship accommodation, all meals, all dives, all adventure and cultural activities.
Bar purchases, spa services, boutique sales are extra.
Accommodation Single Supplement/Upgrades
Single willing to share cabin: NO EXTRA CHARGE
Upgrade to Stateroom: USD $625 per person
Upgrade to Grand Stateroom: USD $885 per person
Prices include VAT (Value Added Tax) and have been updated to include the Fiji Government’s additional 5% bed tax.
GROUP SPECIALS
Half-boat special: 10 Pay, 2 FREE (Land/Sea only)
Full-boat special: 18 Pay, 2 FREE (Land/Sea only)
WHAT’S INCLUDED
Expert leadership
Accommodations onboard the expedition ship “Tui Tai”
All dives during the expedition
Activities: sea/river kayaking, snorkeling, hiking, waterfall/rainforests, village visits.
Meals as noted (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner)
Airport transfers
Activities and sightseeing as noted in the itinerary
Ground transportation noted in the itinerary
Guides
Entrance fees and permits
WHAT’S NOT
International airfare, meals not noted on itinerary, travel insurance (we recommend your purchase trip insurance), optional tipping to ship staff fund, excess baggage charges, international airport taxes.
Bar purchases, spa services and boutique sales are available at extra charge.
AIR TRAVEL
International airfare is not included in the trip. Domestic airfare in Fiji will be arranged and is included in the cost. Domestic flights required are Nadi to Savusavu and Savusavu to Nadi.
WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT
EXPERT LEADERSHIP
You can expect to be led by a team of experts in South Pacific expedition trips, scuba diving, culture, conservation and adventure. Trips feature local Fijian Captain, Officers, Engineers, Guides, Crew, Hospitality Staff and Chef. They are all knowledgeable about Fijian culture, having been born and raised in villages. They are the most competent expedition crew in Fiji with years of successful expeditions to new areas. Their friendly service is often the most remembered part of guests’ experience on the ship.
ACTIVITY LEVEL
Active Fiji trips are for people with a positive outlook and the desire to be active. None of the activities during this adventure could be considered very strenuous, however, your experience will be better if you are in good physical health. Due to the rugged nature and remote location, you should have an “expeditionary” spirit.
Some dive sites may involve moderate currents. Our dive staff will decide on the best dive site based on conditions and some dives listed on the itinerary are subject to change due to sea or weather.
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