------------------------
------------------------
------------------------
------------------------
------------------------
------------------------
|
Each day the cruise visits a different island with a unique array of scenery, activities and cultural experiences. We recommend daily excursions that highlight the beauty and adventurous side of each island, but the choice of what to do is ultimately yours. Trained interpretative guides lead individual and small-group trips. On land, there are walking trails, biking trips to waterfalls, scenic lookouts and village visits. Many guests simply choose to relax on board, sunbathe, or read a book on the beach.
"If you're going to fly 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, noted travel writer for Outside and Men's Journal magazines |
Explore the crystal-clear bays and lagoons from a single or double kayak. Snorkellers and scuba divers will enjoy a close look at the colorful coral and marine life. Beginners interested in kayaking and snorkeling will receive personal instruction from trained guides.
Waterfalls and Walls 10 nights for only 5769 Fijian Dollars per person
|
|
Designed for active travelers looking for the ultimate Fiji Adventure, the Waterfalls and Walls package will take you sea kayaking through remote island atolls, whitewater rafting amidst lush rainforest canyons, snorkeling pristine reefs and immersing yourself in Fiji’s island culture.
|
 |
We offer a wide variety of adventure activities and cultural interaction during the adventure cruise. Below is a summary of some of our favorite activities. Feel free to do as much or as little as you like during the trip – there are recommended activities each day, but we can supply guides and equipment for almost any adventure you’d like to do! If you would like to do an activity, let us know and we will arrange a guide and send you on your way. Vinaka vakalevu!
Natewa Bay, Vanua Levu
Sea Kayaking: Natewa Bay Coastline
The coastline of Natewa Bay is a rugged twist of volcanic limestone cliffs, mangroves, white beaches and village settlements. In many areas the water remains very deep just off the edge of the shoreline. All of Natewa Bay is sheltered from prevailing winds, so the sea is very calm, often glassy; perfect conditions to explore by kayak.
Guided Snorkeling “Pipedream”
This site is so-named due to several types of pipe-fish that we have found here. These small, generally rare creatures are exceptionally beautiful. The site includes a nice mix of fish and reef colors.
Dive Site: “Natewa No Cry ”
Natewa Bay is known for excellent shallow dives, offering good visibility, hard corals, and dense reef-fish populations.
Dolphin Viewing
There is a pod of spinner dolphins who make their home in Natewa Bay. On our way to the snorkel and dive sites, we often see them. Sometimes sleeping, other times full of life and playing! |
Kioa Island
Salia Village Visit
A guided tour of the only
village on the island of Kioa. 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. The people of Tuvalu were faced with an overpopulation problem due to
rising seas eroding away their already small island. Following WWII, Tuvalu
received money from the US and Great Britain for assistance in the battle of
the Coral Sea. Using this money, they purchased the island of Kioa from the Fiji Colonial Government and relocated many of their
people. The village tour will begin with some words from the Village
Council Chairman, providing a more detailed history of how the people
learned to adjust to a new island environment and the new neighbors they
found in Fiji. You will proceed
to walk through the village and see homes, the school, church and the
community center. At the end of the tour you can buy locally made
handicrafts direct from the artisans. The people of Tuvalu/Kioa are famous
for making the best handicrafts in the South Pacific and prices are very
reasonable.
Guided Snorkeling “The Farm”
Near the southwest point of
the island we will drop in and snorkel the site known as “The Farm.” Here a
slight current brings in clear water and nutrients to feed a lush garden of
colorful corals. The different colors, shapes and sizes of corals are
amazing and in fantastic health. There are nice shallow snorkel areas where
you get a very close look at the myriad of small organisms that inhabit this
precious ecosystem. There is also a reef wall that will allow you to free
dive and see more variety of fish and other marine life.
Dive Site: “Rainbow Passage”
One of our favorite Rainbow
Reef dives in Somosomo Straits. Two bommies are wrapped by fresh currents
from the Strait provided a staggering cover of lush soft-corals (purple,
yellow, white, red and more). Swarms of anthias and small fish will be all
around you as you drift along. White-tip reef sharks cruise along and often
sleep near the edge on the sea floor. Several large camouflage groupers and
maori wrasses make their homes here.
Dive Site: “The Great White
Wall”
Renowned as one of Fiji’s top
dive sites. Prepare to be awestruck by a steep wall that descends endlessly
to the bottom, completely smothered in lush white soft coral. Off the deep
edge of the wall you will find some pelagics. Often schools of batfish stop
by to greet us while we drift along the wall. At the end of the dive is a
deep swim-through cavern providing an exciting exit to an amazing dive.
Sea Kayaking: Kioa’s inner
coastline
Paddle around the calm waters of Kioa’s protected coastline facing the
remote eastern side of Vanua Levu. White-sand beaches, black-rock and
limestone cliffs, tall mangroves and dense green trees decorate Kioa’s
coastline. Wave to the local Kioans you see paddling their traditional
outrigger canoes as they venture out to catch fish. Enjoy the views of Rabi
Island, the Ringgold Islands and Taveuni. |
Taveuni Island
Bouma National Heritage Park
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. 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.
Bouma Heritage Park - Tavoro Falls
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!
Bouma Heritage Park - Lavena Coastal Walk
This is also contained within the Bouma National Heritage Park. On your bike, you will continue past the Bouma visitor center for 5 kilometres (3 miles) to the Lavena Lodge which has its own visitors' center. The coastal walk is relatively flat but follows the beautiful coastline south of Lavena Village. You will see some beautiful white sand beaches as well as the lush rainforest. You will cross over Wainisairi Creek using a suspension bridge. Further along you will reach a trail that follows Wainibau Creek. The trail ends at a long pool surrounded by majestic smooth volcanic rock. From here, you can take a short swim to reach a mystic pool fed by waterfalls on 3 different sides. Thick rainforest surrounds the pool above the smooth volcanic rock sides. One of the waterfalls provides a short, natural waterslide that you can climb and slide into the pool. |
Cobia Island, Ringgold Island Atolls
Hike to Cobia Island Volcanic Summit
Cobia Island is a volcanic and lush atoll. Our hike follows a path from a beautiful white sand beach through coconut trees along switchbacks of tree roots that make a sort of natural set of steps. There are several nice views of the other small islands that make up the Ringgold Island Atolls. The view from the summit is worth the effort. In the old days, the island top was used to ritually send and receive messages from distant islands Laucala and Qamea.
Kayaking the Ringgolds and Cobia Island Crater
The kayaks will put in near the South end of Cobia Island at the wide, sandy beach. Paddling over crystal 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.
Dive Site: “Kokoda Point”
Kokoda Point is one of our best wall dives. Crystal clear visibility and a
dramatic dropoff make for a prime spot to meet pelagics: barracuda, tuna, eagle
rays, sharks and more. The wall is decorated in soft corals, crinoids and large
fans. One patch of the wall is covered in sea grapes, for which the site has
earned its name. The wall is teaming with fish life and macro creatures.
Dive Site: “Wall Street”
The wall just off the reef wall took us a couple tries to find it, but it
was worth the search. Pinnacles emerge from the depths, covered in soft corals
and clouded by orange and purple anthias. This has been a great site for
nudibranchs, flatworms and lionfish.
Other activities:
The Ringgold Island Atolls have some of the most beautiful beaches in the
South Pacifc. These islands are breeding grounds for several unique sea-bird
species as well as turtles. The maze of small islands is paradise for
sea-kayaking; calm, crystal-clear waters are perfect for long sea-kayak
excursions.
|
Rabi Island
Mountain Biking: “Tabiang to Nuku ”
From the village settlement of Tabiang, we will set out on mountain bikes for a scenic ride along a dirt road. The ride includes a beautiful view of the Tunuloa Peninsula and the mouth of Natewa Bay. On the way there's a beautiful old church. As you pass the locals, remember to say "Maori" ("Hello" in their Micronesian language). The ride is easy to moderate and takes about 40 minutes. The road mostly follows the jagged coastline, with a few gentle undulations into the rugged interior of Rabi Island.
Guided Snorkeling: “Dolphin Bay ”
The snorkel site is named for the pod of dolphins who are almost always here to greet us. Relax, we'll have time to chase dolphins later on. For now, enjoy an incredible snorkel site. The reef here is very healthy with a diverse growth of hard and soft corals. The reef plateaus in very shallow water for an up close view of the corals. There is also an edge which drops off into a deeper lagoon, sometimes we see turtles and larger fish here.
Dive Site: “Kesteven Corner ”
This dive is one long gently sloping reef that approaches the surface. We'll start at the deep end, and slowly ascend above the reef, ending with a great safety stop. The corals are the highlight; all varieties in great health and vibrant colors.
Dolphin Viewing
Near the Dolphin Bay snorkel site, we often see dolphins and they're usually kind to us and put on a show. Spinning, flopping, racing by...always a treat to see them!
Dive Site: “Albert Cliff ”
Brilliant wall dive near the outside of Albert Cove. The wall is smothered in bright colored soft corals, sea whips, gorgonias and macro critters. We often find turtles and eagle rays hovering around this site.
Micronesian Village Visit
Generally we are invited to join the villagers of Motawa settlement for a
brief historical and dance performance known as a "Batele." Their Micronesian culture is famous for powerful, rythmic dances and they will share some stories of how their ancestors came from Kiribati to Fiji.
|
HUMANITARIAN AND CONTRIBUTIONISM ACTIVITIES
Tui Tai Scholarships
Adopt/Sponsor one of the bright minds from the islands you have visited. Depending on age/year in school, a donation of 300-1000 Fijian Dollars can pay for an entire year of school for a student. You can choose to make a “Tui Tai Scholarship” by reviewing the applications that have been submitted by students; or you can visit the school and interview students yourself. The scholarship beneficiary will keep in touch with you via email (with help from Tui Tai’s office) to let you know how they’re doing in school, favorite subjects, sports.
Many of the best students fail to reach higher education due to a lack of school fees and other financial conditions that prevent them from reaching their potential. You sponsorship
Medical Supplies Distribution, Education and Assessment
Villages in remote islands are fortunate if they have any basic medical supplies. On many occasions we have found people suffering from pain and conditions that are cured by simple over the counter medicines. In addition to distributing medical supplies, you will spend time with nurses and other members of the village medical clinic to help them understand how to use medicines. You can further help by completing a Medical Assessment for a village; interview the staff at a medical clinic to help determine future medical supply needs.
School Supplies Distribution and Education Assessment
Remote Island schools are constantly in need of school supplies. Visit a school in session and distribute school supplies (notebooks, pencils, paper). Speak to the teachers and complete an assessment of the school. Educational assessments help us determine future humanitarian needs, an important part of making real improvements to village schools.
Specialist Contribution
We will work with you to design your own humanitarian contribution. Do you have a specialty you’d like to utilize? (doctor, teacher, computer expert, carpenter, electrician, engineer). Use your skills to make a difference. You can host a small “Talanoa” or village meeting to create awareness about something important to you (environment, health, education). |
MEDIA FEEDBACK:
What the top adventure travel industry press are saying about Tui Tai Adventure Cruises:
|
| LONELY PLANET:"The crew is brilliant, providing absolutely stellar service and fantastic food, the gear is tops, the snorkeling and diving sites are some of the world's best, the sailboat itself is gorgeous." |
| NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC : "World Class Escape " |
| CONDE NAST: "World's Sexiest Cruises" |
| MENS JOURNAL: One of the "Greatest Adventures on the Planet" |
| OUTSIDE MAGAZINE: a "Trip of a Lifetime" |
| AWAY.COM: "The Tui Tai is hands down the coolest thing to do in Fiji... Tui Tai has only one purpose: to make sure you go to sleep each night swearing you just spent the best day of your life." |
| LONELY PLANET: "Perfect for
tourists who aren’t all that fond of tours, a voyage with Tui Tai Adventure
Cruises is a fantastic way to see and do a great deal in a short time.
Sailing between Vanua Levu, Taveuni and the more remote islands of Kioa and
Koro, you’ll get to snorkel, kayak, bike, trek, swim, fish, dive or just
lounge on deck to your heart’s content. Dolphins swimming alongside the
boat, star-lit dinners on deck, and the welcoming villagers you meet on the
out-of-the way islands all make it a blissful experience." |
|
