The adventure cruise itinerary is an evolving dream, a dream of the best activities, the best islands, the best dive and snorkel sites, and the greatest people we have ever come across. We use the word evolving because the itinerary seems to change on its own, and always for the better. Fiji and Nature and the nature of Fiji have all taught us to become comfortable with spontaneity, to welcome those spontaneous events and developments that have led to so much discovery.
Over the years, we’ve explored nearly all of the Fiji’s island regions; one remote island, we met a wise man who said: “May your memories live up to your dreams.” This pearl of wisdom became a source of inspiration for us and we fondly pass it along to you. In its ever-changing form, always open to the spontaneous, the adventure cruise itinerary exists so that your dreams can be converted into memories.
Tour Itinerary:
This is a sample itinerary because activities often arise spontaneously (a sudden invitation from a villager, dolphins or whales swimming by, the discovery of a new dive site, weather changes, etc), and because we don’t want anything carved in stone. Though we can’t know all you might experience during your expedition, here’s some of what often occurs:
Day 1: Natewa Bay, Vanua Levu
A scenic drive along pristine coastline takes you from Savusavu to Natewa Bay. Upon boarding and checking in to your stateroom or cabin, enjoy a snack and a complimentary foot massage from our onboard spa therapist.
Then it’s time to get wet. The morning snorkeling and dive outings feature a chance to see a resident pod of spinner dolphins. After lunch onboard it’s time for sea kayaking. Paddle along the protected coastline of Natewa Bay (the 2nd largest bay in the Southern Hemisphere). Natewa Bay is a magically quiet location with no signs of development or visitors from the modern world. The coastline varies from white sandy beaches to black volcanic cliffs, and a few stretches of mangroves. Tui Tai will set sail around 5pm as the sun sets behind us.
Activities: Guided Snorkeling “Split Rock,” Dolphin Viewing, Sea Kayak “Natewa Bay Coastline”
Scuba Diving (1): “Natewa No Cry”
Morning Tea: Tui Tai Power Bars
Lunch: Pacific Rim Burgers
Afternoon Tea: Fruit Smoothies
Dinner: Mongolian BBQ
Dessert: Grilled Papaya with Chili Lime Syrup
Day 2: Kioa Island
Welcome to the island of Kioa, the only island in Fiji whose people are Polynesian. Originally from the island nation of Tuvalu, the Kioans are masters of handicrafts and fishing. We’ll typically see Kioan fisherman wave to us as they paddle out to sea in their hand-made outrigger canoes. Around midday, we’ll usually visit the village and learn from their elders how these people came to live in Fiji.
This is a great day to get wet! Both the snorkeling and scuba diving sites are considered the best in all of Fiji. Divers will explore the renowned “Rainbow Reef” region of dive sites, within the Somosomo Straits. Snorkelers will visit prolific, healthy gardens of coral at “The Farm” and “Nakawa Point.” Today also provides great opportunities for non-divers to try a “Discover Scuba Dive” with our Dive Instructor.
In the afternoon we’ll explore the Tunuloa Peninsula on mountain bikes. You can expect to meet people from villages we pass by (and usually a few kids waving and yelling “BULA!). Bird lovers might spot the rare and beautiful Silktail. This small black bird is endemic to the islands of Taveuni and Vanua Levu, and has recently been classified as a “Near Threatened” species.
Activities: Guided Snorkeling “The Farm,” Mountain Biking “Buca Bay Coastal Trail,” Polynesian Village Visit “Salia Village”
Scuba Diving (4): “Great White Wall (weather and tide permitting),” “Rainbow Passage,” “Black Magic,” “Black Magic (Night Dive)
Breakfast: Cilantro Corn Fritters with spiced tomato made to order
Morning Tea: Bush Lime Cookies
Lunch: Mexican Lunch
Afternoon Tea: Chocolate Coconut Cake
Dinner: Seared Chicken with tropical vegetables in lemongrass and red pepper sauce
Dessert: Sticky Date Pudding in butterscotch sauce
Day 3: Taveuni Island
Welcome to Taveuni, the Garden Island of Fiji. Experience lush rainforests and gushing waterfalls as you visit the Bouma National Heritage Park. One of Fiji’s best conservation and Ecotourism success stories, the National Heritage Park includes 3 sets of waterfalls where you can relax and swim.
After breakfast, set out on mountain bikes along Bouma Road. You’ll pass several villages along the way (remember to smile, wave, and say “Bula!”). The ride is approximately 45-minutes and includes several hills, making it moderately strenuous, so some guests opt to take a van transfer to the park instead of biking. Once we reach the park, the first set of waterfalls is a short 10-minute walk along a nice trail. There’s a huge pool for swimming, making it an ideal place to relax, enjoy a massage right in front of the pounding waterfalls!
In the afternoon, we have a short sail to the island of Qamea. We will visit tiny and remote Togo Village for a tour and Melanesian cultural performance.
Activities: Mountain Biking “Bouma Road,” Hiking “Bouma National Heritage Park” and the “Tavoro Waterfalls,” Melanesian Village Visit “Togo Village”
Scuba Diving (2): “Purple Wall,” “Seven Bommies”
Breakfast: Coconut pancakes with lime-kumquat syrup
Morning Tea: Bouma Oatmeal Cookies
Lunch: “Build your own sandwich” served with Vietnamese Salad
Afternoon Tea: Freshly Baked Banana Bread
Dinner: Seafood Medley and Asian Noodles
Dessert: Double Chocolate Cookies with vanilla ice-cream
Day 4: Cobia Island, Ringgolds
By now, you’ll be far away from any main islands, anchored alongside seven tiny atolls. Known as the Ringgold Isles, each is surrounded by a barrier reef that drops into the deep blue sea. Within the reef is a magnificent lagoon, teeming with life and remarkable colors.
We like to spend most of the day near the stunning island of Cobia, a sunken volcanic crater, the inside of which has filled with sea water, forming a mystic lagoon. In the morning we will hike to the summit of the crater. The trail is an interesting terrain of natural steps formed by large tree roots. The island is home to a handful of wild goats and a dense population of fruit bats.
In the afternoon, you can explore the inside of the crater on a kayak. Many guests describe the feeling of floating around the inside of the crater as sublime, experiencing a mix of geologic power and supernatural superstition. The crater edges drop steeply from the summit down to the sea level and the coast varies from mangrove to black rock.
Throughout this day, you’ll have excellent opportunities for snorkeling and scuba diving. This location usually offers some of the clearest ocean waters on earth. Since the islands are small and positioned in the middle of the deep sea, the visibility often exceeds 120 feet (36 meters). We’ll eat lunch on one of the best beaches in the world, one that only Tui Tai passengers get to enjoy. There are 4 beaches on Cobia Island, lovely places to walk, and you can even enjoy a massage as we set up a spa right on the island.
Activities: Hiking “Cobia Crater Summit,” Guided Snorkeling “True Blue,” Sea Kayaking “Cobia Crater and Ringgold Atolls”
Scuba Diving (3): “Kokoda Point,” “Wall Street,” “Eel Diamond”
Breakfast: Pacific Vegetable Hash and eggs made to order
Morning Tea: Bush Lime Coconut Muffins
Lunch: Gourmet Pizza Lunch
Afternoon Tea: Ginger Crunch Shortcake
Dinner: Balsamic and Ginger Beef, BBQ Veggies
Dessert: Upside-down Banana Toffee cake
Day 5: Rabi Island
Rabi Island is another of Northern Fiji’s hidden treasures, rich in history and natural beauty. It is now inhabited by Micronesian people relocated from the equatorial islands of Kiribati after World War II. In the afternoon, you can meet these unusual people, hear their stories and experience their culture. Micronesians are famous for elaborate and powerful dances.
From the village settlement of Tabiang, you can set out on mountain bikes for a scenic ride that includes a beautiful view of the Tunuloa Peninsula and the mouth of Natewa Bay.
In the afternoon, settle in on one of the best white sand beaches in all of Fiji. Enjoy great snorkeling right from the beach, take a sea kayak over to tranquil Albert Cove , enjoy a beach volleyball challenge, or, as always, relax. Weather permitting (which we could say about everything) dinner will be served on this beach in true Pacific Islander style. Watch as the underground oven is created by the chefs.
Activities: Guided Snorkeling “Dolphin Bay,” Micronesian Dance Performance, Mountain Biking “Tabiang to Nuku”
Scuba Diving (3): “Kesteven’s Corner,” “Yellowstone,” “Purple Haze”
Breakfast: Char-grilled Vegetable Frittata with Smoked Walu
Morning Tea: Ultimate Chocolate Chip Cookies
Lunch: Indian Curry Lunch
Afternoon Tea: Mini pizzas
Dinner: Fijian Lovo Night
Dessert: Passionfruit Parfait with Homemade ginger cookies
Day 6: Savusavu
Time to say goodbye (and start plans for your next Tui Tai voyage, maybe next year?). Here; are a few words from the farewell song: “i levu tu na ua…mai na Tui Tai, nanuma tiko ga.” This means “Soon you’ll be sailing far across the sea; but please sometime just try and remember us and remember the Tui Tai.”
Activities: Singing of the farewell song “Isa Lei”
Breakfast: Vanilla French Toast with glazed pineapple and kumquat syrup.
Member discount:
10% discount for InfoHub customer. Request a free gift certificate.
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Price includes all meals and activities. Bar, spa treatments and scuba diving are extra.
Also see tour packages in:
Australia and Oceania
Fiji
Boating and Sailing
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