Kayaking - Fiji - Northern Yasawa Islands

Fiji - 8 Days Desert Island Dreaming Begin this spectacular trip with a boat transfer from Lautoka to base in the Blue Lagoon and then paddle a loop among four of the northern Yasawa Islands. Spend two nights as honored guests in a traditional village and then paddle to a secluded uninhabited island to camp for one night. Take in all the highlights – including spectacular sunsets, limestone caves, white sandy beaches surrounded by swaying coconut palms, and snorkel among exquisite coral reefs. A week away in this tropical paradise will seem like two. Overview
Duration		8 Days
Season		May - November
Area		Northern Yasawa Islands
Nearest City		Lautoka
Trip Type		Sea Kayaking
Physical Condition Required		Fair
States/Countries Visited		Yasawa Islands, Fiji
Distance Traveled		10-20km per Day
Minimum Age Limit		14
Paddling Skill Level Required		Beginners to Intermediate
Fully Guided		Yes
Guest Capacity		10-12
Kayaks Supplied		Doubles and Singles
Kayak Brands		Dobbe Doubles, Tasman Twins, Dusky Bay, Quality Kayaks, Dagger, Nimbus
Support Vehicles		Escort Boat on Day 1
Accommodations		Hotel before and after kayaking. Camping while kayaking. Thermarests and tents supplied.
Showers Available		Cold Water, 4 Nights
Layovers		1 Day
Transportation to Start Site		Large Twin Catamaran, Marine Certified
Dining		SSV prides themselves on the presentation, variety and taste of their meals. They use fresh fruit and vegetables, and delight in offering a wholesome menu. If you have special dietary needs, just let SSV know in advance.
About Liquor		BYOB
Additional Activities		Short day walks and snorkeling. Diving can be organized for the last morning of the trip.
Average Price Per Person		$1,675.00 Currency Converter (Rates shown are in US Dollars. Rates and terms are subject to change without notice.)
Additional Rate Info		$1925 AUD: All trip costs are per person in Australian dollars. Note: US cost provided is only a guideline based on current exchange rates. Rate includes all meals, except in Lautoka, twin share accommodations, local boat transfers, village and camping fees. No single surcharge unless specifically requested.
Find Out More		Check Availability | Request Info
Website		www.southernseaventures.com

Itinerary

Day 1: Pre-Trip Briefing - Overnight Hotel
Arrive Nadi. Take a taxi to the Waterfront Hotel (Lautoka). Approximate cost is $30 Fijian. Flight arrivals vary so a briefing will be held at 8:00pm at the bar of the Waterfront Hotel. If your flight arrives after this, please advise flight details so SSV can arrange an alternate time. SSV will issue watertight bags to carry your personal gear during the kayak trip and give a trip briefing for approximately an hour so it is a good idea to eat dinner before. Your guides are preparing for the trip during the day but will leave a phone number at the front desk if you have any problems. Dinner on Day 1 and breakfast the next morning are not included in the trip cost.

Day 2: Boat Transfer & Sea Kayaking
After breakfast the boat transports you approximately 72 kilometers out to Tavewa Island and the Blue Lagoon in the Yasawas. The combination of reefs, close island grouping, and shallow waters create the stunning aqua colors for which this area is famous. Your Fijian hosts will make you comfortable at their island home, providing a dining bure and grassy campsites. After customizing the kayaks and getting acquainted with expedition gear, there will be an instructional paddling session before a short excursion in the lagoon. Watching the sunset from the beach in front of the tents is a great way to end the day followed shortly after with a wholesome tropical dinner.

Day 3: Sea Kayaking
Day trip to nearby Matacawa Levu. Pack a picnic lunch and explore the uninhabited shoreline of the island looking for a good spot to snorkel. If conditions are favorable, you could visit the local school. Return to Tavewa for dinner.

Day 4: Sea Kayaking
Load the expedition craft and weather permitting, paddle 15km to Navotua. With favorable tides, you'll have lunch where fringing reefs run directly off the beach. After rounding the point of Nathula Island, head for the small village of Navotua. The villagers of Navotua are particularly friendly, and the special warmth and reception received in this village has made it SSV's favorite spot. Personal escorts will show you through nearby plantations and the village, where you can observe the making of mats and perhaps the building of a Fijian bure (hut). If the winds are too strong you will only paddle what is comfortable and then transfer to an accompanying boat to cover the remaining distance. This is a long day of paddling so a local boat is used to carry equipment and food.

Day 5: Sea Kayaking
Paddle 6-8km to Sawa-I-Lau and back, a scenic island with sharp limestone peaks and salt water caves that make for fascinating exploring. Round out the day with afternoon entertainment provided by the village and an invitation to join the chief for a social kava party in the evening. (Kava is non-alcoholic drink with mild, numbing effects.)

Day 6: Sea Kayaking
Paddle back to Tavewa, exploring the many inlets and bays of Nathula en route (15km). Time permitting, snorkel off the back of the island. Tonight, enjoy the last island dinner together, listening to the rustling of the coconut palms. Savoring the flavors of the South Pacific is a great time to reflect on the trip and dream about your next adventure!

Day 7: Boat Transfer - Overnight Hotel
An early morning snorkel is the goal - to take advantage of your last day in “paradise”. Then it is time to clean up and load up the transfer boat for the journey back to Lautoka. Arrive in Lautoka late afternoon and accommodations are at the Waterfront Hotel.

Day 8: Departure
Trip concludes. (Breakfast is not included on this day.)

Package Includes

• All Meals Except in Lautoka
• Twin Share Accommodations
• Two Hotel Nights
• Local Boat Transfers
• Village and Camping Fees

Notes

2008 Departure Dates
May 4-11
May 18-25
June 1-8
June 15-22
June 29-July 6
Jul 13-20 Special family departure
July 6-13
July 20-27
August 3-10
August 17-24
August 31-September 7
September 14-21
September 28-October 5
October 12-19

Kayaking - Fiji - Northern Yasawa Islands

Matava Featured in M2 Magazine

Matava - Matava Featured in M2 Magazine

Matava was recently featured in Mel Lowen's article in M2 Magazine in New Zealand.

See pdf:

Download here

Matava - Matava Featured in M2 Magazine

Outdoor Travel Adventures - Kadavu Classic

Kadavu Classic

7-day Adventure Around Remote Kadavu Island for $1670

Grade: 2 | Soft to Moderate

Country: Fiji
Activity: Kayaking

2008 Price: from $1670 per person

2008 Dates: Mar 30; Apr 6; May 1, 12; Jun 29; Jul 6; Aug 17, 31; Oct 26; Dec 7

Over seven days and six nights we combine world-class sea-kayaking and snorkeling with treks through rain-forests, visits to isolated villages, picnics on beaches, side-trips and surprises. We overnight in small, simple resorts, and spend one night as guests in a village. No camping! The beautiful marine environment and lush, tropical landscape of Kadavu are both the back-drops and the star attractions of the Kadavu Classic.

Day 1
At 11am we rendezvous at Fiji's Nadi International Airport, in time to board the 45-minute Sun Air flight to the island of Kadavu. From there a 1-2 hour scenic boat ride will ferry us along Kadavu's coastline to Waisalima Beach Resort. Time for a sea-kayaking refresher course, and/or a swim /snorkel off the beach.

Day 2
We have a great day trip planned: sea-kayaking along the coast and up into the mangroves at the head of Kavala Bay, then trekking into the rainforest for a refreshing swim under a towering waterfall, before returning to Waisalima Beach Resort for another night.

Day 3
A big day of sea-kayaking: across the channel to the island of Ono, and then around the coastline, through schools of flying fish, to the village of Naqara. We will be ceremonially welcomed by the chief and the villagers, and invited to share in the sacred drink, kava, and the feast cooked in the underground oven, the lovo.

Day 4
After a fond farewell to the people of Naqara, we continue our journey around the coastline of the island, stopping somewhere special for a picnic lunch. More kayaking after lunch takes us to Kenia Beach Resort, where comfortable beach-front bures await us.

Day 5
The biggest day of the expedition: we cross the channel between Ono and Kadavu then kayak along the coast, stopping to enjoy another picnic/snorkel/siesta session. By the end of the day we're in a resort named Matava, the Great Astrolabe Hideaway. Matava is a unique resort, situated where the rain-forest meets the reef. Luxurious surroundings and adventurous pursuits are a specialty.

Day 6
A kayak journey across turquoise lagoons, and time to snorkel where turtles are often seen. We'll paddle a little further to a nearby village for lunch, rest a little, then follow a trail through the forest to a spectacular waterfall and swimming area. Back to Matava for a special last-evening dinner and a well-earned sleep.

Day 7
More snorkeling for those still keen, otherwise a sleepy morning. Another scenic boat-ride (1 hour) to Kadavu's airport, a farewell to the guides, then a 45-minute flight back to Nadi International Airport and onward travel plans. (Scheduled arrival time back in Nadi: 1.45pm.)

Included:

• Domestic airfare (Nadi-Kadavu-Nadi)
• 5 nights resort accommodation
• 1 night village accommodation
• All meals while in Kadavu, and refreshments throughout each day
• Guided sea-kayaking, plus guided walks, snorkeling trips and other activities on each day
• All sea-kayaking and snorkeling equipment, and tuition
• Professional guides and support staff
• All vehicle and boat transfers while in Kadavu, and motorized support boat services throughout the sea-kayaking sectors

*Price subject to change based on exchange rate at time of booking.

Outdoor Travel Adventures | Kadavu Classic

Rivers Fiji - Fiji White Water Rafting

The Rivers Fiji management team has been in the whitewater rafting business for more than 25 years and is excited to share their enthusiasm for the exploration of wild rivers in Fiji with you.

Whether you're an experienced whitewater veteran or a complete novice, they have a variety of options to accommodate a range of skill and interest levels. From class I to class IV whitewater, aboard inflatable kayaks and whitewater rafts, explore some of Fiji's most spectacular terrain by floating in relative comfort along two of the country's premier liquid pathways, the Upper Navua Gorge and Wainikoroiluva.

Kayak through lush mangrove forest ... Snorkel incredible coral reefs. Their Beqa Island Sea Kayaking Adventure provides the perfect addition to paradise. Rivers Fiji is committed to sustainable tourism practices and work very closely with neighboring riverside villages. Guides grew up along the rivers they explore and know their environment better than anyone.

The entire staff at Rivers Fiji looks forward to sharing both of these beautiful and unique river journeys with you during your visit to paradise, the Fijian Islands.

Rivers Fiji - Fiji White Water Rafting

Fiji Multi Sport Vacations

Dedicated to the proposition that all vacations are not created equal!
So you have your room with a view. Now what? For Fiji Adventures guests, this is where their real vacation begins. Throw open the door, strap on your most comfy walking shoes, your fanny pack, grab a mask and a snorkel, and explore Fiji from top to bottom, mild to wild, any and every way you like it.

Since 1998 Fiji Adventures has been the specialist for fun and adventure to Fiji. Not content to simply book their guests’ airfare and resort stay, the company began a bold investigation on several of the 330 islands that make up the Fijian archipelago. The result is over 60 innovative and unmatched itineraries you can experience like no other traveler will.

The Fiji Adventures Experience
The “usual and customary” tropical vacation experience entails a lie on the beach, a drink in the hand. A Fiji Adventures experience is always atypical, and unique. While you can “let go” under the gifted hands of traditional bobo massage therapist while listening to the waves break gently on the reefs, your trip will be interspersed with a true exploration into the heart and soul of the islands. With a group of indigenous guides that make each moment a truly memorable one.

Trips include active honeymoons, pure adrenalin adventures, soft adventure, diving, surfing, sailing, kayaking, whitewater rafting, zipping the rainforest canopy, game fishing, even wild boar hunting and shark feeding are available if the mood strikes you. Pre-packaged adventures are for your convenience, but specially created itineraries to fit your personality and dreams is one of Fiji Adventures’ specialties.

FUN Trips for Fun Guests
Fiji Adventures thinks guests say it best …

Every adventure was more than I expected, and just what I needed.
Bernie Freidt, North Dakota

Bula! We had a blast. We definitely loved having such a structured 6 days thanks to Fiji Adventures. Everything went as you planned for us, just wonderful!
Amanda and Jeremy Fowler, California

I just wanted to write and let you know that my friend Hannah and I had an absolutely amazing time in Fiji. Thank you so much for all of your help with the organisation of the trip. The resort was fantastic and all of the tours and sightseeing was amazing. So much so that we both fell in love with place.
Anna Chu, Sydney, Australia

I am back from my vacation and just wanted you and your team to know that I had a fantastic time!! Everything went so smoothly I can hardly believe it. I travel a lot and have been to many places around the world including much of Europe, Mexico and the Caribbean and have never enjoyed a vacation as much as this one. The resort was just incredible!! Fiji is my new favorite vacation spot and I plan to return next year. No doubt about it!
Cheryl Archer, California

It was a trip of a lifetime. I have never had a more thorough experience visiting anywhere.
Chris Bettin, Colorado

Fiji Adventures - Fiji Multi Sport Vacations

Homestay adventures at Fiji Villages

Experience the world's cleanest air, finest beaches and discover why the Fijian's are recognised as the friendliest people on earth - stay with villagers families at their villages for a fraction of the cost of staying at a hotel! Cheap travel are all part of the Fijian Village Homestay experience.

You will have the opportunity to participate in all areas of the Fijian's lives from traditional kava ceremonies to sit down meals, from walks or horse riding to magnificent waterfalls to traditional mat making; you can observe traditional spearfishing in the coral reef or go horse riding on unspoilt beaches. We guarantee that most of the Fiji Holiday offered to you by our villages are not available anywhere else in Fiji. If you have children they will have the time of their lives with the Fijian children eagerly welcoming them into their play. The sense of community that you will experience during your stay will remain with you for ever and we are confident that "once bitten" you will return again to your new family next time you visit Fiji.

Fiji Holidays and independent travel advice to help plan your holiday to this exotic south pacific destination. Fiji Village Homestays offers one of the most unusual but wonderful vacation spots for travellers - from families to honeymooners to single women to couples looking for a wedding with a difference.

You can fly Virgin Blue, Qantas, Virgin Pacific, Air New Zealand, Air Pacific then book your stay with us. You will have the opportunity to participate in all areas of the Fijian's lives from traditional kava ceremonies to sit down meals, from walks or horse riding to magnificent waterfalls to traditional mat making; you can observe traditional spearfishing in the coral reef or go horse riding on unspoilt beaches. We guarantee that most of the traditional activities offered to you by our villages are not available anywhere else in Fiji. If you have children they will have the time of their lives with the Fijian children eagerly welcoming them into their play. The sense of community that you will experience during your stay will remain with you for ever and we are confident that "once bitten" you will return again to your new family next time you visit. lote tuqiri South Pacific Travel, Sunflower Airlines, Astral travel, Fiji Budget travel, Vanua Levu, Taveuni, Kadavu, Viti Levu, Beqa, The Fijians are recognised as the friendliest people on earth - stay with villagers at their villages at cheap backpacker rates or holiday packages instead of of staying at a hotel and discover their unique tribal culture! Consider these village option... Naroro, Naiseuseu, Korovisilou, Malevu. Matacawalevu, Nadrau, where you can enjoy Fijian adventure, kayaking, rafting, Honeymoons, cheap packages, backpackers, back packers,

We offer cheap holiday packages and sights like, Wainikoroilova, Matacawalevu, Malevu, Nadrau, Wainitonuve, river, Wainuta waterfall, Wainuta, travelling, resort, fun stuff, hiking, snorkelling, diving, island hopping, fishing, ativities, kids club. We also offer island hopping, hiking, retreat, resort, crusoes retreat, holiday, tourists, natives, pacific, ocean, accommodation, Vacations, Honeymoons

Our villages provide inexpensive gateways to Frigates Passage - a famous surfing strip off Waidroka Bay; diving and snorkelling at Beqa Island; line fishing and snorkelling off the Coral Coast; the historic Tavuni Hill Fort with a 2,500 year old killing rock; the beautiful beaches of the Yasawa Islands; remote inland adventures and treks acoss Viti Levu as well as much, much more.

Fiji Holidays - Homestay adventures at Fiji Villages:

Extreme Sports Aboard Bite Me

Now and again, the hard working Directors of Matava Resort get the chance to take a day off and go play with toys normally reserved for guest activities. Sometimes we go explore diving along the mile upon mile of outer slopes of the Great Astrolabe Barrier Reef. Sometimes we go heavy tackle marlin fishing or chase a National or World line class gamefish Record.

Sometimes we just do something crazy.

In March we elected to do someithing nutty and geared up Bite Me with medium to heavy tackle, deep drop jig rods, underwater camera - and snorkeling gear.

About an hour and a half offshore from the resort is a seamount that rises from depths of about 9,000ft to a shallow peak at 400ft. Its a very fishy place to go and Bite Me often fishes there for marlin, yellowfin, wahoo and mahi mahi. We also find sharks there, much to the distress of livebaits set for marlin and it is normal to see the occasional hammerhead, tiger or oceanic white tip cruising around. The largest shark we have ever seen aboard Bite Me was a huge tiger shark out on the seamount that followed a hooked fish right up to the transom.

On arrival, we drifted gently over the seamount with a freshly caught yellowfin tuna head on the end of a rope off the back. We then dropped a deep drop jig rod to the sea floor with a couple of small hooks baited with fresh yellowfin tuna . In no time we were bringing up a big fat large eyed bream. Delicious to eat but this fish was meant for something else. We brought it up to just below the surface and then waited for its distressed actions to call in the nearest shark. Cameraman Richard and his 'watch my back' man Stuart geared up.

After about a minute I spotted a shark coming in and gave the signal for the baits to be pulled in and the snorkelers to enter the water. Stuart dipped his head in to check the sharks species and behavior and then off they went.

This shark was cautious and circled the snorkelers in a wary fashion before cruising off into the depths. Richard fired off some amazing photographs and we are now in the process of asking several shark experts to help us identify her. So far our research indicates a species of oceanic whaler but her unusually thick caudal penduncal (tail wrist) and keel is causing some debate.

Whatever she was, she was majestic and a thrill to swim with in open water.

Personally, I prefer to keep my feet high and dry on the bridge....

Fiji Adventure Travel - National Geographic Adventure Magazine

The A/S Tui Tai already had a corner on the South Pacific's adventure cruise market—packed with top-of-the-line mountain bikes, kayaks, surfboards, and scuba gear, it's been plying Fiji's waters for 25 years, ferrying passengers from one unspoiled island to the next. But this spring, life onboard gets even sweeter: when the ship leaves dry dock with half a million dollars' worth of renovations, including eight new expedition cabins, four staterooms, a spa, and five daybeds for lounging on deck.

The ship's relaunch is timed to coincide with the arrival of calm seas, when the season really gets going for what owner Tige Young calls "extremely remote island expeditions." Each day, the Tui Tai arrives at a new island or dive site in one of the richest regions of marine life on Earth. When not exploring the underwater marvels, you'll hike, bike, and unwind on empty islands, taxing yourself now and again with the task of seeking out secret jungle swimming holes.

Before shipping out, grab an extra day for beach time near Fiji's capital, Suva, and allow yourself to recuperate from 15 hours of flying and International Date Line-induced jet lag.

Days: 7

Outfitter: A/S Tui Tai www.tuitai.com

Cost: $3,000

Fiji Adventure Travel - National Geographic Adventure Magazine

Fiji River Rafting

The Upper Navua: 1-day program

Fiji’s Grand Canyon: Whitewater Rafting • Inflatable Kayaking

In the remarkable highlands of Viti Levu lies one of the most unique rivers on earth. Slicing a deep chasm through the island’s tropical interior, the Upper Navua River is our hidden pathway to a pristine tropical wilderness. Shrouded in lush rainforest, fed by countless waterfalls and protected by challenging rapids, the headwaters of the Upper Navua have remained unexplored and unknown to all but the most intrepid adventurers – until now.

Join us on this unforgettable journey into paradise where you and your expert guides negotiate exciting whitewater, experience highlands culture, explore hidden grottoes, cool off beneath cascading waterfalls, search for exotic wildlife, and hike amidst emerald forests. Fun, adventure, and uncommon beauty – this full-day river trip has it all!

Adventure Fiji - Fiji River Rafting

Reality Fiji

Writer: Caitlin Cherry
For: NZ Sunday Star Times
Date: May 14, 2000

Most of us who travel to Fiji only see the tourist version - we stay at resorts and sit beside the pool drinking coloured cocktails.

Few get a chance to really experience Fijian culture. New Zealander Anthony Norris of Tamarillo Tropical Expeditions, has spent many months working closely with the locals on the remote Fijian island of Kadavu, to ensure the small groups they take kayaking around the island get a chance to experience the real Fiji.

Kadavu has no television, few roads and life is dictated by the tides.

The island is almost entirely surrounded by one of the worlds largest reefs - the Great Astrolabe, which protects the waters around the island from the massive Pacific swells, and makes sea-kayaking a pleasure.

Tamarillo takes groups of up to 12 people for an 7-day trip kayaking around Kadavu and nearby Ono, staying in small, simple resorts and in local villages. I took the trip with 2 Americans, an Australian and three other New Zealanders.

The first two nights were spent on Ono, at a small palm-fringed resort called Jona's Paradise. With a small coral reef right by the shoreline, the snorkelling there is amazing. This is where we had our kayaking training, and got a chance to walk with our Fijian guide Petero to the top of the island to see the lay of the land.

We began our kayaking trip on the third day - hugging the coastline we paddled around the southern coast of Ono, stopping for lunch at a beautiful bay where an old man, called Taito, with lots of stories to tell, lives on his own in the small bure he built himself. The support boat carrying our luggage arrived before us, and lunch was ready when we pulled onto the shore.

In the afternoon we kayaked for another couple of hours to the village of Naqara - all the children from the village were there to welcome us as we pulled in to the shore. Naqara is a very traditional village - which meant we had to change into more modest attire, covering our shoulders and legs.

After a lesson from Petero on village etiquette, we headed into the village meeting house.

Our guides offered the villagers a kava root on our behalf, which was ground up to make a huge bowl of kava - and the ceremony began. The taste of kava can be hard to get used to, but it is fairly rude to refuse it - at least not the first time. The four New Zealanders heartily drank every bowl until our mouths went numb.

We then were called away to another room, where the most incredible feast had been put on for us - prawns, stuffed crabs, fish - it is impossible to describe, except to say it was one of the most delicious meals I have ever eaten.

After dinner we returned to the meeting house for more kava and a Taralala - or dance - to music from three guitars. We all danced until the kava ran out in the early hours of the morning.

After a comfortable night in a bure, a delicious breakfast, and a fond farewell to the people of the village, we headed back around the Ono coastline, stopping for some more incredible snorkelling, another tasty lunch and plenty of strong (real) coffee. We then crossed the channel to Kadavu in the support boat.

We spent the night at another small palm-fringed resort - Alberts Place - and in the morning began the trip around the island of Kadavu.

This day was the highlight of my trip - as we rounded the eastern tip of the island we saw two humpback whales, a mother and her calf, just a few metres from our kayaks.

The view from a kayak is totally unique - you get to see the beautiful coastline, cruise through the mangroves, kayak over incredible coral reefs - I saw a reef shark, two rare sea turtles and more shades of turquoise than I knew existed.

We spent the next night at a resort called Matava - which runs diving expeditions out past the Astrolabe reef - and hires out all the equipment needed. It also has a bar - which was a welcome relief for many of the people on my trip.

The moment we arrived at Matava a marathon session of touch rugby began on the beach with some of the local Fijian lads from the area. This was of course followed by another incredible feast.

In the morning we set off in our kayaks on a day trip to the village of Nacamoto. When we arrived another incredible feast was laid out for us - crabs, prawns, eggplant - again impossible to describe - except to say I was in ecstasy.

All of us stuffed ourselves yet again, so we all keeled over for a nap, before taking a scenic walk, over the hills back to Matava, led by one of the villagers.

It was a chance to see more incredible views of the island and the roaring Pacific swells smashing onto the reef in the distance.

After a dip in a river swimming hole in another village along the way, we returned to Matava for our final night on Kadavu.

The following morning we took a boat trip to Kadavu's one small grass airstrip and flew back to the mainland, and Nadi's Tokatoka Resort.

Now this is the Fiji that I knew before - poolside bar, fancy cocktails, hundreds of middle-aged Australians wearing slacks and polyester summer dresses. But it all just seemed so tacky after the experience of the previous days.

What we experienced on Ono and Kadavu is not something a traveller could not do on their own.

Tamarillo have worked very hard to develop relationships with the locals on the two islands - so that we are welcomed into their homes, and looked after as if we were family.

Sea-kayaking with Tamarillo is an expedition for people with a sense of adventure - who want to really experience ALL that Fiji has to offer.

I would do this trip again in a flash.