DIVER'S TASTE OF FIJI 7-NIGHTS FOR 6871 Fijian Dollars PER PERSON 5-NIGHTS FOR 5454 Fijian Dollars PER PERSON
FIJI DIVING
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 Diver’s Taste of Fiji package is a new concept of dive holiday.
The Divers Taste of Fiji is designed to showcase 5 distinct dive regions in Fiji to the avid diver. The Divers Taste of Fiji package will take you diving each day in a new region amongst Fiji’s best dive areas. Dive in Natewa Bay, Vanua Levu, Taveuni, Kioa/Somosomo, Rainbow Reef, the Ringgold Atolls and Rabi Island, to truly experience what scuba diving in Fiji is all about. Holiday activities will not be limited to just scuba diving; you will get into Fiji’s lush rainforests, paddle along rivers, visit traditional villages, swim in refreshing waterfalls, relax on deserted sandy beaches and more!
MORE THAN JUST WORLD CLASS DIVING
Some of our favorite dive sites: Great White Wall, Kokoda Point, Rainbow Passage, Black Magic (Night Dive), Nylla's Eyes, Wall Street, Natewa Nuggets, Black Rock, Seven Bommies, Kesteven Corner. We are constantly doing exploratory dives where you may discover a new dive site!
In good weather and conditions, we generally offer up to 19 dives during the 7-night Adventure Cruise and 13 dives during the 5-night itinerary. While the scuba diving is definitely a highlight, you will also enjoy a variety of adventure and cultural activities.
The true uniqueness of the expedition is the combination of world class diving with adventure and cultural immersion. The itinerary features 3 dives each day 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.
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.
TUI TAI ADVENTURE CRUISES
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.
The Diver’s Taste of Fiji 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.
GO WITH THE BEST Active Fiji / Tui Tai Adventure Cruises have twice won the AON Excellence in Tourism Award for “Best Adventure” (2004 and 2005). Tui Tai Adventure Cruises was featured in National Geographic Adventure as one of its "World Class Escapes," Men’s Journal as one of its “Greatest Adventures on the Planet,” and in Outside Magazine as a “Trip of a Lifetime.”
TRIP DETAILS:
* 7 days expedition aboard the “Tui Tai” the premier expedition vessel in the South Pacific (all cabins/staterooms have private facilties, air-conditioning, windows).
* Domestic Airfare (Nadi-Savusavu-Nadi) INCLUDED
* Package includes all dives and gear rental
COST
7-nights from 6871 Fijian Dollars per person.
FEATURED DIVES * Natewa Bay
* Somosomo Straits
* Taveuni/Qamea Channel
* Ringgold Atolls
* Rabi Island
FEEDBACK
“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
"World Class Escape" -- National Geographic Adventure
"Greatest Adventures on the Planet" -- Mens Journal
"Trip of a Lifetime" -- Outside Magazine
"Best Adventure" 2004 and 2005 -- AON Excellence in Tourism Awards
ADVENTURE CRUISE ITINERARY
“MAY YOUR MEMORIES LIVE UP TO YOUR DREAMS”
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.
Vinaka and best regards!
- Tige and Morika Young, owners/founders Tui Tai Adventure Cruises
Sample 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:
Monday: 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”
Tuesday: Tilagica Passage, The Great Sea Reef, Vanua Levu
Covered in mystery and scarcely known until a recent discovery on one of our exploratory trips; Tilagica Harbor is one of Fiji’s most remote destinations.
Our activities include exploring the large Nasavu River. We will kayak upriver into a dense valley of rainforest, passing several villages along the way. Watch for several rare bird species that have reportedly been seen in this area (parrots, silktail and the barking pigeon).
In the afternoon, we will explore a section of the “Great Sea Reef;” snorkeling and scuba diving on the 2nd longest barrier reef in the Southern Hemisphere. Despite its size, this reef has barely been explored or documented, so our onboard marine biologist team will be with you to search for new information about what type of marine life it holds.
Activities:Guided Snorkeling “The Great Sea Reef,” River Kayaking “Nasavu River,” Scuba Diving (3):“Great Sea Reef,” “Tilagica Passage,” “Kava Bowl”
Wednesday: 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,” “Black Rock ”
Thursday, 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.
Friday, 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.
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)
Sunday: Albert Cove, Rabi Island
We return to the island of Rabi, but this time to a different side. Albert Cove is a beautifully protected harbor featuring one of the best white sand beaches in all of Fiji.
This is a great spot to enjoy an idyllic tropical playground. Imagine you were stranded on a deserted tropical island and all you had was…well, everything! You can kayak, snorkel, scuba dive…or just take in a private, remote beach. Swim, relax, play volleyball, have a massage on the beach.
Monday, 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”
COST
7-nights for 6871 Fijian Dollars per person
5-nights for 5454 Fijian Dollars per person
Accommodation Single Supplement/Upgrades
Upgrade to Stateroom 636 Fijian Dollars per person
Upgrade to Grand Stateroom: 803 Fijian Dollars per person
Notes on prices
All prices are per person, in Fijian Dollars and inclusive of Fijian Government Tax (Hotel Turnover and Valued Added Tax). Prices are valid for travel April 1, 2008 to March 31, 2009.
WHAT’S INCLUDED
Accommodations onboard the expedition ship “Tui Tai”
Domestic airfare is INCLUDED (Nadi-Savusavu-Suva)
Activities: sea/river kayaking, mountain biking, snorkeling, hiking, waterfall/rainforests, village visits.
All meals included during Tui Tai Adventure Cruise
All dives and rental of dive gear included (note: there are no refunds for
unused or cancelled dives)
Airport transfers included
WHAT’S NOT
International airfare, travel insurance (we recommend your purchase trip insurance), optional tipping to ship staff fund, excess baggage charges.
Bar purchases, scuba dive instruction/courses, 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, Savusavu to Nadi.
ACTIVE FIJI
Active Fiji is a packaged brand of Fiji experiences, specializing in remote island holidays with an “Active” ingredient. All “Active Fiji” packages contain adventures off the beaten track and the opportunity to experience the unforgettable magic of remote island village culture.
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."