WHITEWATER RAFTING

Highlands to Islands Ultimate Fiji Explorer

This trip of a lifetime features Class II-III whitewater rafting on the Upper Navua River, as well as inflatable kayaking on the Class II ‘Luva River with a visit to the charming riverside village of Nakavika, where friendly locals enthusiastically welcome visitors. Sea kayak on Beqa Lagoon and feel the rush as you soar high through the forest on a thrilling zip line canopy tour. The conclusion of your adventure takes you to the pristine white sand beaches of Fiji’s Yasawa Islands for two days of snorkeling, diving or simply relaxing.

Trip Details

Additional Costs:
Airport taxes and fees, international airfare.

Days 1-2: En Route to Fiji Los Angeles/International Date Line
Board your plane bound for Fiji at LAX in Los Angeles and try to get some sleep on the 10½-hour flight. En route, you’ll cross the International Date Line and lose a calendar day. But don’t worry, you’ll get the day back on the flight home!

Day 3: Arrive Nadi, Fiji/Transfer to Taunovo Bay Resort/Afternoon Kayak
You will arrive at the Nadi (pronounced Nan-Dee) International Airport early in the morning. After clearing customs, you’ll be met by a Rivers Fiji representative and transferred to the luxurious Taunovo Bay Resort & Spa overlooking white sand beaches and Beqa Lagoon.

En route, stop at one of Fiji’s most beautiful beaches to stretch your legs and have breakfast. You’ll have a chance to freshen up and relax on arrival at Taunovo Bay prior to an afternoon check-in time. Sea kayak along the coast this afternoon. Tide dependent, paddle through tunnels in mangrove forests that thrive in this coastal area, keeping your eyes open for resident mud lobsters, herons, harrier hawks, kingfishers and fruit bats. Chart a course for open water, where you’ll snorkel at coral heads and swim with the myriad of tropical fish that make these waters home. The final leg of this paddle will take you back to the white sand beach not far from the resort. Shower and settle in to your room and then join the group for a welcome dinner at the beach restaurant.

(B,L,D)

Day 4: Kayaking the Wainikoroiluva (‘luva) River
After breakfast, begin the day with a breathtaking overland journey by 4x4 mini-bus along a winding mountain track. After ascending through dense jungle to a ridge with incredible views of the ocean and nearby islands, drop into the stunning Namosi Valley. Here, you are suddenly surrounded by sheer, neck-craning cliffs that soar towards the sky, forming a valley that some call a tropical Yosemite. As you continue, you'll pass a number of picturesque villages stopping at Nakavika for a traditional Kava ceremony with a village chief.

Continue on to the Wainikoroiluva (or simply ‘luva) River. After a thorough safety talk and paddling instruction, launch inflatable kayaks on the rain-fed waters of the ‘luva. You will quickly gain confidence and comfort with paddling your own boat through the fun Class II whitewater, and local Fijian guides are there to help if you get stuck. There are plenty of rapids – wave trains, rock mazes, and swift chutes – interspersed with large, glassy pools that offer just the right blend of excitement and relaxation. After a delicious lunch alongside the river, take a short hike to a spectacular 80-foot waterfall before continuing our kayaking to the village of Namuamua.

Wrap up this river trip with a motorized longboat ride to the village of Nakavu. En route, you encounter additional breathtaking scenery including another canyon brimming with waterfalls, exotic birds and giant fruit bats.

Return this afternoon to luxury accommodations at Taunova Bay where you enjoy dinner this evening and spend the night.

(B,L,D)

Day 5: Whitewater Rafting the Upper Navua River
Depart early (6:45am) for the day’s whitewater rafting adventure on the Class II-III Upper Navua River. The bus ride into the island’s lovely interior displays miles of lush rainforest, hidden to all but the highland villagers and those lucky enough to visit the Upper Navua. Step off the bus and begin a 15-minute jungle trek to the river’s edge, where boats await. After an orientation talk, and practice strokes in the calm pool, you’ll begin the descent. Entering the first Class II rapid immediately, you’ll crash through the final wave and find yourself in a narrow gorge where craggy, black limestone cliffs are covered by a tapestry of verdant jungle plants. Float along in mesmerized silence for a few moments before coming to Moce (pronounced Mo-they) Falls, the biggest drop of the day. Moce means goodbye in Fijian, so hunker down as the raft plunges through the chute!

Head to Malumu Bay to paddle along the cliffs of Lawaqalevu Island, where hundreds of fruit bats cling to trees like overripe fruit. Tides permitting, paddle to the apparent end of the bay, only to discover a secret mangrove tunnel that leads to another vast stretch of blue on the other side. Take some time to snorkel amidst brilliant soft corals swaying with the currents, mysterious urchins and other invertebrates hiding in small chasms and fish in every color of the rainbow.

The ensuing combination of lively rapids – boulder gardens, wave trains, and more chutes – keeps your day consistently exciting while still giving you plenty of time to concentrate on the profound beauty of this gorge. Floating between the narrow canyon walls, past cliffs that soar to a height of 50 meters, you’ll discover cascading waterfalls, fern-fringed grottoes, crystalline pools and the occasional white sand beach. One such beach will be your lunch spot, where you can bask in the sun or take a swim while guides prepare the riverside lunch. As the canyon widens, you come to the end of the UNCA and splash through the final few rapids. Soon you’ll reach the take-out point at the village of Wainadiro, where you’ll board an overland carrier for the scenic ride back to Pacific Harbour.

You return this afternoon to luxury accommodations at Taunova Bay where you enjoy dinner this evening and spend the night.

(B,L,D)

Day 6: Beqa Island Sea Kayaking
Today, leave the highlands behind and head out to the islands for a day of snorkeling and sea kayaking. A motorized vessel will meet you in Pacific Harbour and carry you across Beqa Passage. Behind you, Viti Levu’s mist-shrouded mountains tower above a white, palm-fringed coastline. In front of you, Beqa and its small perimeter islands rise from the blue-green sea.

Head to Malumu Bay to paddle along the cliffs of Lawaqalevu Island, where hundreds of fruit bats cling to trees like overripe fruit. Tides permitting, paddle to the apparent end of the bay, only to discover a secret mangrove tunnel that leads to another vast stretch of blue on the other side. Take some time to snorkel amidst brilliant soft corals swaying with the currents, mysterious urchins and other invertebrates hiding in small chasms and fish in every color of the rainbow.

The sun begins to set towards the horizon as you board the motor launch bound for Pacific Harbour. Relax as you cruise back to Taunovo Bay Resort & Spa for the night, watching the late afternoon sun illuminate the islands you just visited and keeping an eye out for the playful dolphins that sometimes escort you back to Pacific Harbour.

(B,L,D)

Day 7: Zip Line Canopy Tour, Suva Shopping, Natural History Museum
After a relaxing breakfast, begin a quick journey to a zip line canopy tour, the only zip line in Fiji. The tour is located entirely inside the jungle and is located in the beautiful and mystical Namosi mountains. You’ll spend approximately two hours exploring many of the eight runs, starting at a seven-meter high platform, with the option of moving up to a 45-meter high platform.

Transfer to the charming Fijian city of Suva, arriving in time for lunch. Suva, located on the western side of Viti Levu, is the capital city of Fiji. There is time for shopping and a visit to the Natural History museum. Suva is the largest and most cosmopolitan city in the South Pacific and it is a crossroads of trade and tourism. Colorful markets and a plethora of shopping options display Fijian and island flavor, while imposing colonial buildings, wide streets and manicured parks recall the days of British rule. For aesthetics and a bit of history, visit the Thurston Botanical Gardens to see vibrant tropical flowers and the Fiji Museum on its grounds. Renowned for its maritime exhibits, the museum also has an interesting display of Fijian war clubs and an expanding history section. The Government House and the Parliament of Fiji are further points of interest on a guided walking tour of downtown Suva.

Dinner is on your own tonight. Overnight lodging is at the surprisingly delightful Holiday Inn in Suva.

(B,L)

Day 8: Transfer to Nanuya Island Resort for Sea Kayaking, Snorkeling & Relaxing
After breakfast, transfer to the Suva airport and fly to Nadi, an approximately 30-minute flight. Connect with a flight to Yasawa Islands and check into the Nanuya Island Resort.

Spend the remainder of the day sea kayaking, snorkeling, fishing, receiving a massage or simply relaxing.

An optional dive package is available at an additional cost – contact the local dive shop directly for detailed information. Lunch and dinner on your own.

(B)

Day 9: Nanuya Island Resort
Yours to spend as you choose – included activities are sea kayaking, snorkeling and beachcombing. You may also choose to visit the famous Sawa-I-Lau caves, where part of the Blue Lagoon movie was filmed. Additional costs apply for outer island visits and massage services. Reservations can be made with the service desk.

An optional dive package is available at an additional cost – contact the local dive shop directly for detailed information. Please remember to monitor your dive time in relation to your next flight. The current flying after diving recommendations are: For Dives within the No-Decompression Limits (regular recreational diving):

• Single dives: A minimum pre-flight surface interval of 12 hours is suggested.
• Repetitive dives and/or multiple day dives: A minimum pre-flight surface interval of 18 hours is suggested.
• For dives requiring decompression stops: a minimum pre-flight surface interval greater than 18 hours is suggested.
• Consult with your dive master or dive instructor for current scuba diving/flight recommendations.

Day 10: Nanuya Island Resort and Return Flight Home
Spend a leisurely morning at the Nanuya Island Resort, relaxing, sea kayaking or snorkeling.

Board a float plane in the late afternoon, approximately 4:00pm, and transfer to Nadi and on to the airport hotel (Gateway Hotel) where you will have use of a day room to prepare for your return flight home. Dinner is on your own. Flights typically depart after 10:00pm.

(B)

Optional Extensions:
You may wish to extend your trip in Fiji and enjoy the many other activities the islands have to offer or just relax at one of the many resorts. Here are a couple of ideas Rivers Fiji has come up with:

4-Day Beqa Dive Extension: Our Beqa Dive Extension is an ideal way to broaden your vacation to include the world-class diving that Fiji is famous for. Beqa Lagoon is located just offshore from the Pearl, your Highlands to Islands home away from home, and these waters showcase the best diving available on the big island of Viti Levu.

6-Day Garden Island Dive Extension: Our Garden Island Dive Extension is an ideal way to broaden your vacation to include the world-class diving that Fiji is famous for. Taveuni is known as the Garden Island because of its profusion of tropical flowers on land and its coral gardens undersea. Truly a tropical paradise, Taveuni’s dive sites are among the finest in the world.

Minors
Minors traveling with one parent or a guardian MUST have a notarized letter of consent from the other/both parents to take the minor out of the country.

IT IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY TO HAVE ALL NECESSARY DOCUMENTS FOR YOUR TRIP.

Insurance
Although every effort is made to insure a safe trip for all, Rivers Fiji strongly recommends that you protect yourself, your belongings, and your vacation through the purchase of a short-term traveler's policy. A trip cancellation policy covers your non-refundable payments in most cases, should you have to cancel your trip at the last minute due to illness or injury. Trip participants should realize that in the event of illness or injury on a trip, evacuation could be prolonged, difficult and expensive. Participants are responsible for the cost of evacuation. Personal belongings and cameras are carried entirely at the owner's risk, and Travel Outdoors and Rivers Fiji, Inc. accept no responsibility for lost, damaged, delayed, or stolen property.

Medical
Under most circumstances, if you are of an adventurous spirit and in reasonably good health, you should have no problem enjoying a Travel Outdoors trip. People with heart trouble and pregnant women should have their physician's approval before taking an adventure trip. Check directly with Center for Disease Control for specific health concerns.

Liability Waiver
Everyone is required to sign a standard release before the trip, acknowledging awareness that some risks are associated with the trip and that they are responsible for their own safety. Safety is of the utmost concern on trips. However, due to the nature of the activities, a condition of your participation is that you will sign the liability release and return it to the office before the trip begins. Anyone who refuses to sign the form will not be allowed to participate, and consistent with cancellation policy, there will be no refund of the trip fees at that time.

*LAST MINUTE DETAILS*
Upon arrival in Fiji, you will go through customs. Please have your passport available for the customs officer. You will need to keep your copy of your passport in a safe place. It is required to exit Fiji and return to the U.S.

A Rivers Fiji representative will meet you upon arrival at the Nadi airport. If for some reason you get separated from the group or your flights are delayed, please call the Rivers Fiji office at 679-450-147. This number is also for emergencies.

A Word of Warning
Fiji has very strict and harsh laws regarding possession of illegal drugs. For your own peace of mind, do not put your vacation in jeopardy by bringing anything that is not in its original prescription bottle or packaging.

Special Considerations
Please let Rivers Fiji know if you are having a birthday or anniversary while on the trip. They would also like to know of any medical or special dietary requirements, or food allergies that need to be considered in planning your trip.

Questions and Answers
Photography? Bring plenty of film and several Ziploc bags to protect your film and camera.

Video Cameras? You are welcome to bring your video camera but Rivers Fiji recommends you bring a fully charged spare battery.

What about the guides? Guides are bilingual, mature outdoor enthusiasts with many years of experience. They will lead hikes, cook meals and even provide a bit of entertainment. Most of them can enrich your experience with their knowledge of geology, botany, archeology, folklore, astronomy and history. While they're providing for your enjoyment, the "safety first" rule is applied - all hold Red Cross First-Aid and CPR certification.

Should I tip the guides? Many passengers ask whether tipping is appropriate after the trip. If you feel the guides have been instrumental in increasing your trip enjoyment, and have gone out of their way to make you feel more comfortable, you may want to leave a tip with the Trip Leader. 5-10% of the trip cost is the normal gratuity from most who tip. All tips will be equally distributed among the staff.

Climate
It is important to remember that the seasons in Fiji are opposite of the Northern Hemisphere. For example, when it is summer in the United States it is winter in Fiji. However, do not expect cold weather any time of the year in Fiji.

Summer
November-March
Warm, Wetter Season
80-86° Average (Land)
80-83° Average (Water)

Winter
April-October
Mild, Drier Season
75-80° Average (Land)
70-80° Average (Water)

Electricity
Electric current in Fiji is 240 volt, 50 cycles.

Currency
Fiji uses the Fijian Dollar. The exchange rate is approximately .43, which means $1 USD = $2.30 FJD or $1 FJD = $.43 USD. The Pacific Harbour Resort does provide reasonable exchange rates.

Itinerary Details
The hotels, resorts, and other details are subject to change based on availability. For safety and overall trip enjoyment, all or part of the itinerary may be altered.

Equipment and Clothing List
Sleep Gear: For the river trip, sleep gear is provided. Rivers Fiji provides a pad, bed sheet, and tent. Since everyone has a comfort zone uniquely their own, it is necessary for each participant to decide whether or not what is provided is enough. If you feel you want a lightweight sleeping bag, feel free to bring one. As a point of reference, Rivers Fiji guides have found that 98% of the time they are completely comfortable with the sheet provided and a pair of synthetic fleece (polypropylene) tops and bottoms just in case the temperature drops.

Small, waterproof bags will be provided for you to pack your clothing for the river trip. Your other luggage will be left at the hotel.

Optional Items: Binoculars, diary, sketchbooks, paperback book, kite, small daypack or fanny pack for hikes, camera and film.

For Divers
Make sure you bring your PADI or NAUI Valid Diving Certificates.

It is suggested you bring your own mask, fins, snorkel and wetsuit if possible.

Wetsuits: 3mm shorties recommended November-May, 5mm between June-October.

Regulator: If you bring your own it is required to have an alternative air source.

Wetsuit, BCD, regulator and fins are available for rental for approximately US$7.50 per day.