Fiji Fantasia: 8 nights aboard the Nai’a, optional 3-night Volivoli Resort extension

Ni sa bula!

My first trip to Fiji was in the late 70’s and it’s still one of my favorite places to return to again and again. The “soft coral capital” of the world has fantastic snorkeling, some of the friendliest people in the world and one of my favorite liveaboards anywhere to take us to the most remote and pristine reefs only reachable by boat.

The Fijian archipelago encompasses one of the most extensive coral reef systems in the world, hosting an extraordinary variety of marine life, including more than 1,400 species of fish and over 1,000 marine invertebrates. This expedition will bring us to Fiji’s most pristine and colorful reefs.

Fiji’s reefs are so healthy due to being located in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, far from the major continents and their pollution and overpopulation. The water temps are ideal for varied and rapid coral growth which equals good fish populations. May is an ideal time to snorkel in Fiji. Water temperatures are mild, there is excellent water visibility.
Besides the beautiful soft and hard coral reefs full of colorful reef fish, May is an excellent time to encounter larger sea animals like turtles, sharks, eagle and manta rays.
Our explorations will take place from the highly regarded Nai’a liveaboard.

Launched in 1993, the Nai’a can accommodate 18 passengers in 9 air-conditioned cabins with private ensuite bathrooms.
By special arrangement our voyage will have just 16 passengers. The bright and airy staterooms are larger than those on most dive vessels, with ample storage space and power.  The impressive indoor dining area is where freshly prepared meals are served. Vegetarian and other meal requirements are happily accommodated.

For those that wish to relax in between snorkels, there is a large sundeck with loungers at the bow of the boat or library and games area in the air-conditioned salon.
The spacious dive deck offers space for gear storage and the dive platform allows easy access to the water or skiff. There is also a dedicated camera room with freshwater rinse tanks and compressed air for drying cameras.

May 21, 2024. We board the Nai’a in Lautoka, just north of Nadi.  We’ll head northeast towards the barrier reefs and large lagoons of Lomaivit, the Namena marine reserve and the famed “Bligh waters”.

May 22-29, 2024
Coral growth and fish action are most robust on the outer barrier reefs. The barrier reefs are remote and vast, a long way from populations onshore.  Traveling by liveaboard allows us access to these gorgeous reefs. During our days at sea we’ll snorkel three times a day in protected areas with vibrant reefs and prolific marine life.  Typical sightings include schools of damsels and anthias, moray and blue ribbon eels, butterflyfish, Moorish idols, parrotfish, as well as tuna, jacks, barracuda, turtles, sharks and rays.
We’ll also make a stop in a traditional village and have a chance to meet and visit with the local community.

April to October is Fiji’s dry season with good sea conditions and excellent visibility. Air temps should be in the 75-80 degree range.
Water temps at the end of May are typically 78-80 degrees. A full body rash guard to protect against sun plus a 2 or 3mm shorty wetsuit would be ideal to wear during your time in the ocean.

NAI’A LIVEABOARD TRIP COST
$5650.00 per person in a Deluxe cabin based on double occupancy.
This trip is currently sold out. Please contact Wendy@Snorkelingetc.com  to be waitlist. 

Price includes:
8 nights accommodations on the Nai’a Liveaboard May 21-29, 2024
Daily snorkel activities and a village visit
Transfer to the ship from the airport or hotel in the Nadi area, and transfers back to Nadi at end of trip
All meals on-board

Not included:
Gratuities for crew
Alcoholic beverages (other than house wine served at dinner)
Insurance. Trip cancellation and evacuation insurance is essential
International airfare

Three night extension to Volivoli Resort May 29-June 1, 2024

3-NIGHT VOLIVOLI EXTENSION
$1150 per person based on double occupancy in a Deluxe Ocean View Room
$1250 per person based on double occupancy in Premium Ocean View Room
Single Occupancy and extended stays at Volivoli can be arranged.

 

Volivoli is located two hours from Nadi on the north coast of Viti Levu. This small 33 room resort started as an off-the-beaten path destination for adventurers in search of the best diving in Fiji back in the 90s. Volivoli has evolved into the award-winning, four-star boutique resort owned and operated with the heart and soul of the original owners—the Darling family.

May 29, 2024  The Nai’a will give us “door to door” service and drop us at Volivoli at the end of our 8-night voyage.
Boasting some of the best snorkeling in Fiji, the waters around Volivoli Beach are full of colorful soft coral and marine life. You can snorkel at any time of day, as the deep water bay means low tide isn’t a problem.   Over 50 superb snorkel sites no more than 20 minutes boat ride away. They also have three amazing House Reefs teeming with macro life, accessible directly from the resort through walk-in entry. Our Volivoli stay includes:
Unlimited house reef snorkeling (unguided)
Mask, Snorkel and Fin rental (if needed)
2 guided boat snorkel excursions near Malake Reef and a Dolphin safari between sites on one day.

The resort has an excellent “farm to table” restaurant. We’ll enjoy a full meal plan that includes 3 meals daily with juice, milk, coffee, and tea.
A  cooked to order breakfast, a 2-course lunch and a delicious 3-course dinner. We’ll also enjoy a Beach BBQ.
While at the resort you can enjoy their full-service spa, pool and free use of kayaks and paddle boards.

The well-appointed accommodations are spacious and comfortable.
The spacious Deluxe Ocean View Rooms have two queen-sized beds, a large, double-sink ensuite bathroom, and lots of room to store all your gear.
The Larger Premium Ocean View Rooms have only one queen bed,  an ensuite bathroom with a rainforest-style shower.
All rooms have a private patio with 180-degree ocean views, where you can enjoy the sun rise over the ocean with your freshly-pressed coffee in hand.

JUNE 1, 2024. We’ll be transferred back to Nadi this morning. You are free to fly onward anytime of day.
If desired, an extended stay at Volivoli can be arranged.

Volivoli Extension Price Includes:
3 nights accommodations
Full meal plan – 3 meals daily with juice, milk, rain water, coffee, and tea. Continental and cooked breakfast, 2 course lunch 3 course dinner
Beach BBQ
Unlimited house reef snorkeling (unguided)
Mask, Snorkel and Fin rental (if needed)
2 guided boat snorkel excursions near Malake Reef and a  Dolphin safari between sites on one day
Free use of kayaks and participation in a variety of complimentary resort activities
Resort and Government taxes

Not Included:
Vatu Ira Conservation Park fee ($15FJD paid at check out)
Beverages other than tea, coffee, and rain water
Lobster and Crab menu items (Market price)
Land Excursions
Additional boat snorkel excursions
Travel Insurance
Wifi  $45.00 USD unlimited for 2 devices

Come along, it’s going to be awesome!
Contact Wendy@SnorkelingEtc.com with any questions or for an application.

 

 

 

Wendy Simon/Snorkeling Etc Inc
CEO and fellow snorkel addict
Santa Cruz, CA
831 254-5001