'Everything can be found at sea, according to the spirit of your quest' said Josef Conrad. If searching for spectacular South Pacific island scenery, a sea voyage through the Yasawa Islands may fulfill this wish, and surprise. It may expand prior concepts of the color turquoise, with the pristine water offering spectrums of blue that amaze. And then there are the islands. Extending over a ninety kilometer stretch, the thirty sparsely populated, ancient volcanic islands are a fascinating study of geology, and variance, from rolling green hills and lush forests, to dramatic elevated peaks. Their tranquil white sanded beaches give way to crystal clear lagoons, with an abundance of coral and sea life underneath; The Yasawas are amazing both above, and below the surface. A cruise through this epic paradise on the ship the Reef Endeavour through Captain Cook Cruises, offers opportunity for sea exploration, and chances to experience the unspoiled islands, rich in culture and tradition.
The ' Bula ' - ( Welcome in Fijian ) onboard the Reef Endeavour
Like the sea temperature ( 27 degrees Celsius average ),we are warmly welcomed onboard with the beautiful singing of the charming Fijian crew, as part of the Reef Endeavor family. At seventy three meters and catering to maximum 140 passengers, the ship offers an intimate setting and as many possibilities as the Yasawas do. A swimming pool, spa pools, mini gym and sundecks enhance a nicely laid out vessel, also replete with a chart house, library, indoor and outdoor dining areas. The Reef Safari Dive team are based on board for snorkeling and dive instruction, and the opportunity to qualify in open water diving. Transfer vessels include a glass bottom boat and diving vessels. Senakai Spas are based onboard to offer massage and after sun body treatments such as Papaya body wrap.
Island trips
The coconut tree adorned small Tivua Island is our first stop, and a tasty entrée of islands to come. Surrounded by white sand and ideal for snorkeling and swimming, the turquoise water blends into azure blue as it deepens, and yes, it looks like a postcard. Back on board the Reef Endeavour the sunned passengers are welcomed at the captains dinner, the beginning of many delectable feasts, where we begin to know the crew. Hosted by Florian, the very charismatic hospitality manager, we discover he's quite some nautical miles from his origins: a village in Bavaria. Having been based on the Reef Endeavor for five years, he shares with us knowledge and affection for the land ,culture and people of Fiji. Florian is an hilarious storyteller, generating a lot of laughter for all of us.
Awakening in a very comfortable bed and cabin, with the gentle motion of the sea qualifies as my happy place, and some. Sighting the magnificence of ocean and islands, through the portholes as we head north towards Drawaqa Island to anchor, the camera is grabbed. It is the location of dreamy Barefoot Lodge, with easy beach access on either side. Under coconut trees, a stretch of cute bures on white sand and frangipani flowers scenting the air, it could be the fictional island escape to have fantasized about on a bad day at the office in winter, and I assure you, experienced underfoot, it exists. Volcanic rock formations near the beach are fascinating to explore, and the coral reefs in the lagoon, team with brightly colored shimmering fish.
Marine awareness
Jacques Cousteau affirmed Fiji as "the soft coral capital of the world". Making up four percent of the worlds total coral reef area, it is a globally important area of biodiversity, and an awareness of the threats to the fragile coral life and sea habitats, is given by on board based marine biologist ; Manoa. With expert knowledge, Manoa provides an informative and passionate talk on dangers to the intricate marine eco systems, and the importance of respecting the reef.
With our next adventure being a traditional evening at nearby Gunu village, Florian briefs us on the cultural observance needed for this visit, where the village community must be respected, by dressing appropriately. The village shares with us a sevu sevu - welcome ceremony, and then lovo - traditional Fijian underground cooked food, prepared by fire heated stone , and the evening concludes with a meke - a spirited performance of dance and song. Visiting Ratu Namasi school on Yasawa Island the next morning, offers more insight into life in the islands, with the children putting on a concert of beautiful singing in their classroom. It's a humbling experience to be in their school environment on the shore of the beach, and afterwards curious to know where we are from, proudly show us through the classrooms.
The blue lagoon
Nearby Sawa- I - Lau Island, with its landmark of dramatic limestone mass, is of both archaeological and mystical interest. The cave entrance from the beach has inscriptions that can only be interpreted as having symbolic or magical meaning, and a cave visit allows an unforgettable experience of swimming in the sanctuary inside. Jagged limestone rock formations continue around the island, and the turquoise water deepens during transfer to the famed Blue Lagoon. Brooke Shields drew quite some attention to this stretch of water in the 1980's movie, and it's easy to see why she was inspired to frolic about. The entire scene is enchanting. If Paris is the location of romance; it has some fierce South Pacific competition with the Blue Lagoon.
An adventurous day concludes on the Reef Endeavor, when we can participate in hermit crab racing. We are assured no crab is harmed in this activity, they are returned to Turtle Island the next day. Having sighted Turtle Island, there are worse places to end up as crab, and with this in mind and knowing the money raised is donated to a school in the Yasawa Islands, there is a lot of laughter generated on the ship as both passengers and crew engage in this amusing spectacle.
There are not many footprints the next day on Yaqeta Island beach, and the clear view across the lagoon at this solitary spot takes in Long Beach and Goat Island, the centre of The Yasawa Island group. Choosing the activity of lazing on the beach, the water is so clear I can still view coral and the no doubt, mesmerized snorkellers. Where turquoise changes again , the divers are. Two children from Yaqeta school, curious to know what part of the world I have landed on their island from , agree this is an excellent swimming beach, and inform me it is also a good place to live and to fish. I chat to a crew member who I observe effortlessly scale a coconut tree to machete palms to adorn the Reef Endeavour for our evening event, and am reluctant to leave this beach, the paradise of Fiji and its people, and the journey at sea.
The ' Ni Sa Moce ' - Goodbye in Fijian
A Pacific themed evening concludes our four day adventure, with the talented crew having transformed the saloon area of the Reef Endeavour. Coconut palms are now cleverly plaited down pillars, and with the dress code as 'bula' a colorful night is ensured. Following a Pacific flavoured feast ,the crew entertain us with their spirited music and song, and the boys perform a stunning meke in grass skirts. We toast a passenger who has fulfilled the quest of qualifying in open water diving, on the voyage. With the crew singing Isa Lei ( Fijian song of farewell ) to us in the morning, we are reminded how talented and rich in nature the people off Fiji Islands are, and say a sad goodbye to the Reef Endeavour family who have made our journey in paradise an incredibly memorable one.
- This trip is available through Captain Cook Cruises, for 7, 4 and 3 nights.
Michele Sainsbury - From New Zealand, I'm influenced by fantastic landscapes and creative people.Travel writing encompasses many of my passions and ...
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