Snorkeling

The Fijian Archipelago encompasses one of the most extensive coral reef systems in the world. , The waters host an extraordinary variety of marinelife, including over 1,200 varieties of fish and countless invertebrates.

This program offers snorkeling Fiji's spectacularly colorful coral communities, and includes an introduction to island ecology and Fijian village life. Our snorkeling expedition begins on the island of Taveuni. Shrouded in tropical forests and rich volcanic soils, Taveuni is known as “the Garden Island” of Fiji. Our island resort offers views over the Somosomo Strait which contains extensive coral reefs including the 32-kilometer "Rainbow Reef".

We enjoy daily snorkel excursions by private boat in the company of our experienced marine naturalist. Most snorkel sites are within 15 minutes of the resort. Korolevu Island is just 5 minutes by boat from the resort offering beach snorkeling from a white sand beach. Taveuni's beautiful terrain provides excellent birdwatching opportunities including nesting parrots, orange doves, silktails and fantails.

One day is dedicated to visiting the Waitabu Marine Park, a vibrant reef set aside for the benefit of snorkel tourism and environmental education. In 1998, the traditional rural village of Waitabu decided to set aside this area as a “no-take” reserve to replenish marine life and fish stocks.

In place of income earned from fishing, the villagers lead snorkel tours to the marine park, promoting small-scale marine tourism as a consistent source of income. Rainbow Reef's spectacular underwater gardens are just 20-minute boat ride away. This excellent snorkeling location is quite different from Korolevu Island. In addition to the beautiful coral, there are often multitudes of fish.

We then fly to 110-acre Namena Island for the balance of our expedition. The Namenan Barrier Reef is one of Fiji’s most spectacular and diversified reef ecosystems and was designated a marine reserve for its important biodiversity. Fiji is often called the “Soft Coral Capital of the World” and the marine life surrounding Namena Island is representative of the region’s unique coral and fish life.

Namena Island, located about 20 miles offshore from Savusavu, rises dramatically to 400 feet from the depths of the Koro Sea. The dragon-shaped island is blessed with white sand beaches and a beautiful tropical forest, home to nesting birds including red-footed boobies and elegant long-tail tropic birds. We stay on the only resort on the island set on the cliff to take advantage of exceptional views and catch tropical breezes.

With a maximum capacity of only 12 guests on the island, we enjoy Fiji’s remote reefs in splendid isolation. Fiji is one of the world's great snorkeling destinations, offering a diversity of soft and hard corals and abundant tropical fish including clown fish, butterfly fish and wrasse Accommodations are double occupancy with private baths. Private snorkel boats are outfitted with sturdy swim ladders and a shade cover. This trip is for both the novice and experienced snorkeler.

Itinerary:

Day 1-2:
Los Angeles/ Nandi.

Day 3:
Nandi/Taveuni. Arrive Nandi and connect to Taveuni and settle at our waterfront resort. Afternoon snorkeling at Korolevu Island.

Day 4:
Taveuni. Full day private boat snorkel. Rainbow Reef snorkeling.

Day 5:
Taveuni. Day trip to visit Waitabu Village and Marine Park, visit Waterfall. And birdwatch enroute.

Day 6:
Taveuni. Half day Rainbow Reef snorkeling. Afternoon trip to Korolevu Island.

Day 7:
Early morning flight to Savusavu and boat transfer to Namena Island. Afternoon snorkeling.

Day 8-10:
Namena Island. Morning and afternoon snorkeling.

Day 11: Namena/Savusavu/Nandi. Fly home.

Click for large, interactive map

Naturalist: To be announced

2010 Dates:
August 3-13
September 7-17

2010 Cost: $4,990
(including airfare from Los Angeles)

Maximum group size: 12

Information & Reservations

Please fill out an APPLICATION to sign-up for the FIJI'S REMOTE REEFS expedition.

Send E-mail regarding this specific trip: Fiji's Remote Reefs