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17 September 2010

Fiji surfers to conquer Melanesian swell - FijiTimes.com

Fiji surfers to conquer Melanesian swell
Josefa Makaba
Friday, September 17, 2010

FIJI has a sent one of its biggest surfing team this week to take part in the inaugural Melanesian Cup to be held in Noumea, New Caledonia.

The three-day tournament will start tomorrow and end on Monday. Fiji Surfing President John Philip said the team to the Melanesian Cup is the biggest ever to represent the country in an international event.

Philip said the Melanesian Cup would give our surfers good competition and test before next year's Pacific Games.

"The meet with provide much needed top level competition at the venue of the Pacific Games Surfing event exactly twelve months before the games start."

Philip said the team would also be performing their new team challenge dance.

Philip said the challenge dance called Rere Ni Cava was choreographed by Manoa Rasigatale.

"This will also be the first time the dance will be performed in public."

Philip said he expected the team to do well.

"A giant swell is predicted to hit on the weekend and we expect good results from this team which has been training at the world famous Cloudbreak off Nadi," Philip said.

The team: Isao Ishihara - coach; Romeo McKellar - manager. Open men's: Isei Tokovou, Inia Nakalevu, Ratu Aca Raculo Lalabalavu, Paul Chongsue, Tim McBride. Junior under-16: Kalani Muller, Alifereti Kamanalagi; Junior under-18: Sunia Tabuseresere; Women's: Kaye Lepper, Kimberley Bennett.

8 September 2010

Mangroves For Fiji - Beqa Adventure Divers


Mangroves are the rainforests by the Sea, and equally threatened.
They are vital habitats that not only protect the coasts against tsunamis, hurricanes and Sea level change, but directly benefit the adjacent reefs by exporting life-building carbon and above all, by being the nursery areas of countless marine organisms from crustaceans all the way to Sharks. They are also largely overlooked excellent carbon sinks that sequester multiple amounts of carbon when compared to tropical and temperate forests.

2010 has been declared the Year of Biodiversity.
Beqa Adventure Divers are one of Fiji’s premier ecotourism operators and have decided to make a contribution. This is a privately funded project that combines the advantages of planting Mangroves with the advantages of offsetting one’s carbon footprint.
Global carbon trading is on the increase and BAD could have easily paid money to an intermediary who would have then financed a forest or windmills in a far away country. Being however beholden to Fiji, BAD has searched for a home-grown alternative, alas in vain.
BAD has decided to run such a project. See blog post
More information at  Mangroves For Fiji.

19 August 2010

Brodie pair in flying finish

FijiTimes.com
Josefa Makaba

A POWERFUL performance from the husband and wife team of Shayne and Torika Brodie saw them take second place in the Oceania Hobie Championships which was held in the country recently..
The Brodies, along with veteran sailor Graham Southwick, were all part of the Fiji team which took part in the Oceania and South Pacific Hobie championships.
"The Brodies successful performance proves that there are very talented sailors in Fiji, who can provide strong competition for experienced overseas sailors despite not having exposure to as many competitions as the overseas entrants", said Adrienne Ali, Administrator of Fiji Hobie.
Fiji team coach, Australian Aaron Worrall and crew, Brad "Worsty" Wilson, title holders in the Fiji regattas for the past three years, and Philippine sailors, Maria Vidoeira and Katie Wuori all assisted in organising the ANZ South Pacific Hobie Youth Challenge.
"Hobie sailing is a thrilling sport, full of challenges and excitement, and Fiji is the perfect place for it," Fiji Surfing Association president John Philip said.
The regatta is now on its 7th year ù the Air Pacific Oceania Championships (renamed from South Pacific Championships because of the truly international level of entries).
There are three categories in the Air Pacific Oceania Championships: Open (all ages); Masters (skipper must be over 45 years) and Grand Masters (skipper must be over 55 years and the crew over 40).
Competitors began the two days of course racing at 9.30am on Saturday morning in the bay in front of The Pearl in 20 to 25 knot winds, overcast weather and choppy seas and finished at 4.30pm after 6 races and a break for lunch.
A mystery guest sailor, Mick Butler, whose identity was not revealed until he appeared at the welcome function, joined the competitors for this event.
Mick and his crew, Yu Chan Ting of Hong Kong, are currently participating in the Open category at the 19th Hobie World Championships now being held in Weihai, China from 16-30 August.
Representing Fiji were several local youth teams and several notable sailing figures, including Fiji sailing couple, Shayne and Torika Brodie, the pride of the Fiji Team when they finished second in the Air Pacific Oceania Championships and third overall in the five-day Suzuki Fiji Hobie Challenge despite a three-year absence from sailing.
"The Brodies successful performance proves that there are very talented sailors in Fiji, who can provide strong competition for experienced overseas sailors despite not having exposure to as many competitions as the overseas entrants", said Adrienne Ali, Administrator of Fiji Hobie.
"The Fiji Yachting Association designated this event as part of the selection criteria for the South Pacific Games so with a year to practice before the South Pacific Games, we're confident the Brodies will win a gold medal."
Philp was a strong contender early in the Oceania Championships but ultimately placed 10th due to his absence on the last day of racing to attend the wedding of his nephew, Tony Philp Jnr.
Grahame Southwick, President of Fleet 252 and a very well-known figure on the domestic and international sailing scenes, won the Grand Masters category of the Air Pacific Oceania Championships and received the Fossil Cup, a skull & crossbones trophy, in person from Andrew "Fossil" Thompson, a long time world renowned who travels to Fiji each year from Papua New Guinea to cheer on the sailors during the regattas.
Southwick suffered a severe setback during the Suzuki Fiji Hobie Challenge, which is an open category only, when his mast collapsed during the race from Treasure Island to Vomo Island and that set him back a few placings to 10th place.
Three local youth teams, the top achieving teams in the ANZ South Pacific Youth Challenge held last month also participated in the regattas and managed to hold their own against some of the overseas teams.

11 August 2010

Adventure Playground

Adventure Playground by Rob McFarland - CourierMail.com.au
Take a paddle or flight on the "other" side of Fiji. 

It's Good Friday and I'm being guided by Moses. Ahead of us lies 24km of tumultuous white water, dozens of spectacular waterfalls and an impenetrable canvas of lush, dense jungle. Moses is a guide with Rivers Fiji and I'm on their Upper Navua rafting trip, an all-day adventure that follows the river as it slices through a chasm of black volcanic rock in the remote highlands of Viti Levu. At times the sheer-sided walls of the canyon narrow to just 7m wide while waterfalls tumble down through a canopy of ferns and bamboo. All around is the unmistakable background music of the jungle.

Rivers Fiji has been running this trip for 12 years after negotiating leases on a narrow strip of land along the river from local landowners. Having stopped the logging that threatened to decimate much of the rainforest in this area, the initiative has won the company several awards, including a Highly Commended in last year's Virgin Holidays Responsible Tourism Awards.

Getting to the river involves a 6am start, a bumpy two-hour drive up a logging track and a 30-minute hike through the jungle. All day, Moses and his fellow guides entertain us with anecdotes about their childhood and the colourful characters they've met in this line of work.

After stopping on a sandy beach for a buffet-style lunch, we make our way to Massage Waterfall where we take it in turns to be pummelled by a torrent of water cascading from the rocks high above.

After an early start and four hours of paddling, almost everyone falls asleep on the bus on the way back to a town that has become known as the adventure capital of Fiji – Pacific Harbour. This is the “other” side of Fiji, the place to come if you want to interact with the locals and gain access to a wide range of adventure activities. I'm staying at Uprising Beach Resort, a laid-back property that looks out over one of Fiji's finest beaches. Offering a range of accommodation from a backpacker-style bunkhouse to spacious, self-contained beachfront bures, it's the ideal base from which to explore the region. People flock here for the range of adventure activities on offer: white-water rafting, shark diving, horseriding, jetskiing, surfing, sailing, golf, game fishing, hiking, kite boarding and ziplining. I spoke to a guy who has dived all over the world and he said the shark dive here was the best he's done. No cage, just you sitting on the ocean floor while 5m tiger sharks slowly circle above. Gulp.

The following morning I try my hand at ziplining. Zip Fiji has built a 1km course comprising eight lines that range from 15 to 220m. What's impressive is that the platforms are suspended from the trees, not bolted into them, and the pathways for the lines were cleared by gently pulling the trees apart, not cutting them down.

After a quick safety briefing I'm flying Tarzan-style at 60 km/h through a lush canopy of towering rainforest. The whole experience takes about an hour and during a short hike between two of the lines, our guide Kitty points out some of the plants that the locals still use in their traditional medicines.

Pacific Harbour's Arts Village offers an entertaining tour that includes a canoe ride through ancient Fiji, a look around a chief's house and a show by the renowned Beqa firewalkers who walk barefoot across white-hot coals and perform a series of war dances. It's a reminder that as recently as 100 years ago, Fijian tribes would kill and eat their enemies. Now that's one adventure activity I'm happy to pass on.

19 July 2010

Long Live the Shark!

Long live the shark 

by Samuela Loanakadavu

Sunday, July 18, 2010
FIJI'S Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZ) is close to 1.3 million square kilometres compared to the land area of about 18,300 square kilometres.
With a population of about 850,000, more than half of our people live in rural areas - depending on land and sea for their survival.
Like most of the other parts of the Pacific, the most challenging food security towards the next 20 to 40 years is to sustain food production levels in line with food demand. In Fiji, marine lives are predominant given that we have more sea space than land. But too little has been done to protect it. EEZs are vast and the region is rich in coral reefs and marine life.
It also has unique biodiversity values.
Mangroves and coral reefs provide fish and shellfish for subsistence and commercial sale. Offshore waters provide fish for exports while coral islands and reefs support growing tourism industries.
In fact, our marine environment is under pressure from growing human populations and development.
Mismanagement of ocean resources is rife and new approaches are needed to assist communities, the private sector and national governments in sustainable development of marine resources.
Unfortunately, very few are taking their time to look into the very nature of our existence taking into account the livelihood of our children in the future.
While they enjoy their fish in meals, most are not aware of what is really happening to their food security.
The writing was on the wall in Galoa Island when I caught up with a group of man who had slaughtered 11 different sizes of two species of sharks.
I was stunned because I had never seen a large number of sharks caught in a single fishing trip in recent years.
It was also a shame to see the lack of awareness on what they were doing as their commercial need overgrew their care for the environment.
I discovered the problem was rooted in the lack of knowledge and mere ignorance.
It's a failure because there doesn't seem to be any laws against shark finning in Fiji and we probably have not considered the long term implications of the extinction of sharks.
Last year, Mike Neumann the owner of the Beqa Adventure Divers came to the fore advocating a ban on the shark fin trade. Mr Neumann believes sharks play a very important role in the survival of coral reefs which are home to other marine species.
"Sharks are keystone species, meaning they have a disproportionate effect on their environment relative to their biomass," he said.
"Such species affect many other organisms in an ecosystem and help to determine the types and numbers of various other species in a community."

More here on Fiji Times

12 July 2010

Fiji Surfing Decree Becomes Law

Island Surf Spots -- including those on Tavarua and Namotu -- now opened to all
By: Paul Holmes
  
There was no evidence of foot dragging in Fiji this week as the government moved swiftly to sign into law its Surfing Decree, making it effective July 9, 2010. Now anyone with a surfboard and a boat can access Cloudbreak and Restaurants on Tavarua, or Swimming Pools on nearby Namotu -- and any other surf spot that previously may have been restricted -- no fees, no fuss, no argument.

"Police ready to enforce Surfing Decree," headlined a story on FijiLive.com, with Richard Naidu reporting: "Fiji's police force says it is ready to enforce the provisions of a decree that provides unrestricted access to surfing and marine sports areas to tourists and locals alike. Police spokeswoman Ema Mua said the force will have to quickly understand the decree and provide enforcement."   

Indeed, those trying to shoo encroachers off their would-be exclusive surf spots face harsh penalties: a fine of $10,000 for a company or $1,000 for an individual, plus a possible two years in jail. If anyone is concerned that a world-class break like Cloudbreak will soon see the same kind of rough justice that constitutes crowd control at Pipeline, hold your judgment. A close reading of the Decree reveals that acts of localism will be subject to the same penalties.

But the Fiji Surfing Association's John Philp believes that it will never have come to any of that. Reached by phone today he said of the Decree: "We are very happy about it. It's in many ways a civil rights thing--you feel you're living here in your own country and yet you can't surf certain places. So local people are ecstatic about the new law." And, he hastens to emphasize, "We want to make this a win-win for everyone, including the surf resorts at Tavarua and Namotu. We are asking everyone to be cool. In this transition people need to behave responsibly and safely, so that everyone can enjoy the great waves."

11 July 2010

Fiji expected to experience a partial solar eclipse


Fiji is expected to experience a partial solar eclipse starting from around 5:15 this afternoon.

The NASA Website confirmed that there will be a total solar eclipse in the South Pacific region with French Polynesia falling directly in the path of the total eclipse.

It said that on Sunday, July 11th, the new Moon will pass directly in front of the sun, producing a total eclipse over the South Pacific and the path of totality stretches across more than a thousand miles of ocean, making landfall in the Cook Islands, Easter Island, a number of French Polynesian atolls, and the southern tip of South America.

Hundreds of Scientists and photographers from around the world have flocked in numbers to the Cook Islands to experience this phenomenon.

Weather permitting the partial eclipse will be visible in Fiji starting at around 5:15pm and finishes at around 5:45pm.

Story by: Roneel Lal - Fijiillage.com

8 July 2010

Surfers can access any area without paying - FijiTimes.com

Surfers can access any area without paying 

Timoci Vula - Fiji Times

Thursday, July 08, 2010
TOURIST and local surfers can, from Friday July 9 this year, access and use any surfing area in Fiji without having to pay or obtain permit or approval from any person.
The decree aims to encourage and promote Fiji as a premier surfing destination, promote surfing as a sport, maximise development and training of local talented surfers, and also for locals to engage more profitably in the surfing industry.
Head of the tourism ministry Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum said the decree had been gazetted following Cabinet's approval on June 30, and it prohibited any exclusive use of any surfing area by any person.
"Any person who obstructs or prevents any person from accessing or using any surfing area for surfing or for any water sport, shall be guilty of an offence and liable to a fine and or imprisonment," Mr Sayed-Khaiyum said
He said previously, a number of surfing areas in Fiji were exclusively licensed to a couple of hotel operators, which deprived other tourists and Fijians access and use of these surfing areas.
He said numerous reports had been received of tourists and Fijian surfers being physically and violently harassed and assaulted for surfing at these exclusive surfing areas.
Responding to claims of a campaign by licence holders of current exclusive surf spots, Mr Sayed-Khaiyum said the free access and use of all surfing areas in Fiji to all tourists and Fijians provided an opportunity for all Fijians, including itaukei landowners in the proximity of these surfing areas, to profit directly and indirectly by way of engaging in businesses themselves.
"The surfing industry is a global USD$10 billion dollar business and Fiji is home to some world class breaks known throughout the surfing world. There is enormous worldwide interest in surfing in Fiji given the quality and range of surf breaks in Fiji," he said. "The Decree paves the way forward for all Fijians to now engage more profitably in the surfing industry as surf-tour operators, life savers, surfing-specialised hotels, backpacker resorts, and home stays."
Mr Sayed-Khaiyum said with the opening up of surfing in Fiji, there could be an additional 20,000 surfing tourists visiting Fiji each year, given the present 10 million plus surfers worldwide.
Meanwhile, Mr Sayed-Khaiyum said any people who use any surfing area in Fiji for surfing or any water sport was required to ensure all surfing areas were utilised in a sustainable and environment-friendly manner, and that no other activity including fishing would be allowed in those areas.

Youths Take to the Waters

Josefa Makaba
Thursday, July 08, 2010

THE Fiji Hobie Class Racing Association will use this month's South Pacific Youth Hobie Challenge as part of its development program for local sailors to represent Fiji to future regional and international competitions.

The build-up starts with the inaugural South Pacific Hobie Youth Challenge in Suva on July 24-25.

Five local youth teams are currently being trained to represent the country in this competition.

The teams consist of youths from settlements in Jittu Estate in Raiwaqa and Kalekana in Lami.

The association says the teams are being groomed for top level competition and the 2011 Pacific Games.

The teams will compete against other Pacific island countries.

The Fiji Sailing Association intends to make the youth challenge an annual event and to be attended by most South Pacific countries.

Following the youth challenge will be the Air Pacific South Pacific Championships.

A training program will also be organised during the youth challenge whereby experienced sailors like Graham Southwick will share their knowledge of the sport.


3 July 2010

South Pacific Championships and Suzuki Fiji Hobie Challenge

eSouth Pacific Championships and Suzuki Fiji Hobie Challenge - www.sail-world.com

Hobie Fleet 252, Fiji has now extended their South Pacific Championships and Suzuki Fiji Hobie Challenge to now include South Pacific Hobie Youth Challenge and 2010 Worlds Training. New for 2010 is an inaugural annual Youth Team Challenge in Fiji on July 24 and 25, upon request by some South Pacific countries.

The event will be preceded and followed by three days of afternoon training sessions with some pretty impressive sailors, Grahame Southwick and Aaron Worrall amongst others, who will be here for Worlds training immediately prior to our events (mornings are reserved for school work) - how lucky are these kids!

Hobie Fleet 252 is planning to make this an annual event that coincides with Australasian school holidays going forward so we look forward to welcoming some Australian youth teams here in the very near future.

Event website click here
International Hobie Class Association website http://www.hobieclass.com/

BY Hobie

21 June 2010

Uto ni Yalo HomeWard Bound

BULA Viti, Rotuma kei Vuravura. Sorry our report yesterday was cut short but we were facing difficulties with our satellite phone and computer hook up.
We have gone forward a day now and are on Tonga time as we approach the International Date Line.
Tuesday evening saw a larger crowd gather at the Anglican Hall at Leifiifi. The word had gone out about Ratu Manoa's story telling and many more Fijians had come to hear his now famous Lui the Chinaman, Koli Lotu Katolika (Catholic Dog), Vei Tavalini and Imaria jokes that we have got accustomed to hearing at each gathering with the Fijian community. After the first round of jokes, people would keep requesting more and more stories, then very late in the evening they wanted to hear a repeat of his famous jokes above.
Even though the crew have heard the jokes many many times, we are still not sick of hearing them. He is such a talented story teller, a real kai Rewa.
Wednesday was more or less a rest day for the crew. We started with an 8am crew meeting and then we all went down to the Apia Marina to await the Fiji rugby team for a photo on board the Uto ni Yalo.
However, there was some miscommunication and when I checked with the team manager, the team had dispersed for a day off and it was difficult for the photo shoot to take place.
So most of the crew walked into town to look around while I took Rupeni and the girls to meet Melina (Keil) Annandale, my wife's sister so she could take them to do the vegetable and meat shopping.
Ratu Manoa also came with us so we could make a few phone calls to Fiji in relation to our arrival in Fiji later this month.


18 June 2010

Madly, Truly, Deeply - smh.com.au


Seven bull sharks circle overhead, like grey submarines, bulky and watchful. During the pre-dive briefing, I signed a personal liability insurance form. If I do something stupid I will bear the cost.
The dive master warns me not to point at anything while I'm on the bottom at the feeding station. No sense in offering the sharks something else to bite, I assume. So I lie low.

Scuba-diving with large sharks is an exhilarating experience. On previous shark dives in South Africa I was alone in a cage while great whites eyeballed me. Though these were extraordinarily exciting dives, I felt like a sliced lunch at the seal diner, cold and unappetising. In contrast, this warm-water dive in the Beqa Island channel off Viti Levu's Pacific Harbour is a sheer adrenalin rush: no cage, and open water all around. Here, I'm with five other divers, an equal number of guides and countless sharks. Whitetips, blacktips and grey reefs dominate, mingling with tawny nurses, silvertips and sicklefin lemon sharks.
A guide and I feed a frenzy of whitetips and greys from a small bucket of fishy scraps. Only a few metres away, the sharks dart like silver bullets, missing one another by centimetres.

by Tom Neal Tacker - smh.com.au/travel

19 May 2010

The Pacific Coast lure - FijiTimes.com

The Pacific Coast lure
Wednesday, May 19, 2010

THE branding benefits of The Pacific Coast Fiji's newest destination will receive increased recognition at this year's Bula Fiji Tourism Exchange where more than 20 resorts and activity companies will be marketed as one exciting and distinctive region.
Already known as the Adventure Capital of Fiji, the Pacific Coast includes resorts and tour companies along the Serua coastline, all the way through Pacific Harbour, and ending in a stretch within the outskirts of Navua.
It includes tourism operators on the nearby islands of Beqa and Yanuca.
"We have a unique selling point. You can get everything in this one region and in some cases from one resort only," said Satnesh Sharma, manager of Sublime Water Sports and Tours that operates out of Deuba's Uprising Beach Resort.
"For us at Uprising, we have game fishing, island picnic trip, snorkelling, waterfall tour and the jet ski which can be enjoyed using our facilities.
"But then again we can offer a myriad of activities provided by tour operators like the Navua River trip and diving in Beqa Lagoon for example.
"It is right there."
Mr Sharma said the companies that united included established resorts ranging from five-star resorts and homestays to private villa rentals and backpacker accommodation.
It includes Taunovo Bay Resort & Spa, The Pearl South Pacific Resort, Spa & Championship Golf Course, Crusoe's Retreat, Uprising Beach Resort, Royal Davui Island Resort, Mango Bay Resort, Beqa Lagoon Resort, Lalati Resort & Spa, Royal Davui Island Resort, Batiluva Beach Resort, Club Oceanus, Tsulu Luxury Backpackers, Tiri Villas and Waidroka Bay Surf & Dive Resort.
Mr Sharma said their selling point would have to be "location".
"We are within reach from the Taunovo Bay Airport, a short drive away from Suva and we provide as well are surrounded by all these adventure activities. The Beqa Lagoon named by famous oceanographer Jacques Cousteau as the soft coral capital is a stone throw away. There too world famous shark dives are also featured.
"There's the white water rafting and sea kayaking with Rivers Fiji, Zip-lining the rainforest canopy with ZipFiji, Jet Ski Safaris, game fishing, surfing at Frigates Passage, private island trips as well as golf and shopping."
He said at Pacific Harbour visitors could drop into the Art's village where cultural shows include the traditional fire walking ceremony. Or they could unwind at the Pearl's golf course where the legendary Greg Norman won his first major tournament.
"We've got it all so we believe we have a great package to sell," Mr Sharma said.

21 January 2010

WaterFront Hibiscus Villas

These freehold waterfront villas in Pacific Harbour, Fiji just scream lifestyle; featuring a large open plan with cathedral ceilings which make them ideal for entertaining inside, or outside on the verandah, which has a 9 metre tiled pool and a Fijian Bure, underneath which sits the perfect relax tool, a day bed! The in ground pool is surrounded by the huge deck, leading out from the lounge room, and the bure sits in between the fully tiled pool and the river. Where better to be for those afternoon naps or book reading. RELAX!

The upmarket designed mahogany kitchen is a dream, allowing you to be social with your family and guests while cooking up a storm looking out at the mangrove lined river. Garden views are available from every window and all windows are mahogany louvers.

The doors leading out to the decking are 10mm laminated glass sliding doors. Low maintenance tiles are through out the villa with hard wood timber decking and an internal laundry to your left as you walk out to the double garage with electronic roller doors.

These beautiful waterfront villas sit on 1/4 acre each. The entire plot of land is 1 & 1/4 acres with the two villas and the third soon to be built, including the gorgeous lush landscaped garden. Prime Fiji Real Estate on the water.
Hibiscus Drive, Pacific Harbour, Fiji. Freehold, Waterfront Villas.
Built in 05 and 06. Walking distance to beaches, restaurants, resorts, shopping, golfing etc.
Fantastic opportunity for investment.
FJD $650,000 each villa

See our website for full listings at Fiji Real Estate.

WaterFront Villa For Sale - SOLD





SOLD !
 Noko Noko Circle, Pacific Harbour, Fiji - Waterfront Villa
A gorgeous 3 bedroom waterfront villa complete with vesi floors. Sitting on 1200 sq metres with 45 meters of water front, a concrete sea wall and a jetty for your boat.

The kitchen is mahogany with all the trimmings and is situated perfectly for a sensational outlook over the water.

The swimming pool is sitting on the deck, allowing you to swim and peek out over the river!
All three bedrooms have en suites.All the mahogany louvered windows have security bars placed behind each louver so as not obstruct the view of the lush gardens!


SOLD

See our website for full listings - Pacific Harbour, Fiji Real Estate.

Escape Opened Tourism Field - FijiTimes.com

Escape Opened Tourism Field
Thursday, January 21, 2010

WHEN the MV Reef Escape sailed on her maiden voyage in 1996, the crew and passengers did not realise how instrumental it would be in opening up Fiji to the outside world.

Cruise vessels first visited the Yasawa and Mamanuca groups in April of 1996 when Australia- based cruise vessel company Captain Cook began its three, four and seven-night cruises.

The cruise vessel also had a Northern Fiji Dateline Discovery Cruise that revealed the unique history, art and culture of the northern Fiji Islands and allowed passengers the ultimate experience of standing on the International Dateline.

The cruise was developed after months of extensive research and searching for secluded and exclusive locations. Passengers were taken beyond Yasawa to very remote and exotic tropical islands.

The Captain Cook Cruises is a family-owned company started by Captain Trevor Haworth and his wife Geraldine, who began their business at Number 6 Jetty Circular Quay, Sydney in 1970 and built the business up from a single vessel to be the most recognised Sydney Harbour cruise ship line operating today.

Captain Cook Cruises is now Sydney's premier cruise operator carrying in excess of 750,000 passengers per year on Sydney Harbour and over 20,000 per year on their Australian and Fijian destination cruises.

The fleet of small cruise ships are specially designed to bring passengers as close as possible to the more remote areas of Australia and Fiji's pristine waterways, areas where larger ships cannot go.

The cruise vessel has also carried out day trips that included the historic island of Ovalau, the Bouma Waterfall lagoon on Taveuni Island, the extinct volcanic crater, hot springs and thriving markets in Savusavu, a special children's choral church service at Waiyevo and of course the 180th Meridian the arbitrary Dateline between today and tomorrow on Taveuni Island.

17 January 2010

In Fiji, Dancing With Sharks - NY Times

In Fiji, Dancing With Sharks

Published: January 17, 2010

THERE’S a moment when the sheer awe of being arm’s length from a procession of hungry sharks — so close that you lock eyes with each one as it blitzes by your head — gives way to a sudden burst of clarity, and all your thoughts coalesce into a single edifying idea: “Maybe I should duck.”

Scuba diving in Fiji, a collection of some 300 islands strewn across the South Pacific, poses a kind of recreational Sophie’s Choice for anyone with less than a month on his hands. Do I chase manta rays across the famed Astrolabe Reef off Kadavu Island? Can I make it to the pristine, remote waters between the big islands? What about the legendary soft corals carpeting the Great White Wall in the Somosomo Strait? Shark diving in Pacific Harbor, a couple of hours’ drive from the international airport on Viti Levu, elbowed its way onto my list because it offers a fairly certain chance of seeing what any honest diver will admit to yearn for: lots and lots of big fish.

READ MORE

Read more on Beqa Adventure Divers blog!

9 January 2010

Fiji: So beautiful, its deafening - Press and Journal.co.uk

Fiji: so beautiful, it’s deafening

Xenia Gregoriadis discovered what paradise is all about and lived the celebrity life on a mind-blowing holiday in Fiji

Published: 09/01/2010

IF YOUR experience of nature’s bounty is limited to shrink-wrapped tropical fruit and exotic shower gels, the wondrous reality of Fiji will take some getting used to.

Mangoes and coconuts fall at your feet on this glistening archipelago in the South Pacific, while flame-red hibiscus and fragrant frangipani bloom all around you.

It’s about as close to paradise as you can get.

With more than 800 islands (fewer than 200 are inhabited), it really is postcard perfect: languid sandy beaches, turquoise water, palm trees bending lazily in the breeze, thick rainforest and those truly epic skies.

My first sight of a magnificent Fijian dawn was almost deafening due to the sheer volume of colour and beauty.

Perhaps this natural abundance explains why Fijians, despite their relative poverty, radiate a rare and solid warmth and greet visitors with a high-spirited “Bula” (hello) like long-lost members of one large extended family. They are famous for their incredible generosity of spirit.

It took almost 30 hours and three plane rides to reach our first destination, the Namale resort in the north of Vanua Levu, one of the two main islands. No wonder it is popular with the Hollywood jet-set – Meg Ryan is a regular – and wealthy newlyweds from Australia and America.

My room for a couple of magical nights was the honeymoon suite or “bure” (pronounced boor-eh), which is the name given to the traditional thatched-hut-like dwellings that are everywhere in Fiji.

Perched on top of a large volcanic rock, this one has a hot tub big enough for two. Picture Meg Ryan and a leading man of your choice flinging open the bedroom door and tripping the light fantastic across a little bridge on to a private balcony and an electric blue infinity pool overlooking the ocean.

On the secluded beach below hangs another double bed, which swings to the rhythm of the waves.

Although Namale is described as “affordable” luxury, the cheapest bure at just under $1,000 (about £610) per night makes this a pretty exclusive place to stay.

Having said that, there are tempting deals for group bookings. You could actually get married in Namale to treat your closest friends and family to the trip of a lifetime for less than the average cost of a UK wedding.

Another ideal spot for honeymooners – we counted at least six such couples at breakfast – is a resort called Qamea, located on a tiny islet of the same name.

Here the bures, which are everywhere in Fiji, are closer knit than in Namale and as a result the atmosphere is a little livelier.

Staff mix easily with the guests, and in the evenings everyone comes together in the bar to drink cold beer or kava – the relaxing, intoxicating brew which Fijians drink like tea – and to listen to the musicians, better known as Band Boys.

One of the best things about Qamea is the Jungle Spa, which does exactly what it says on the tin. A warm seashell massage in one of the treatment bures during a heavy downpour was a unique experience, especially the part where, wrapped only in a towel, I had to find my way back to the reception area in the dark, dodging raindrops the size of apples and an army of belching toads hopping around my feet. What an amazing feeling.

Of course, it is all too easy to cocoon yourself in the lush surrounds of resorts like these, but there is a lot to do besides sipping cocktails under the stars.

Adventurous backpackers might fancy zip-lining in the jungle or shark diving in Pacific Harbour.

Surrounded by miles of soft coral reef, the island offers unparalleled snorkelling and scuba diving opportunities.

If you have time and money for just one organised activity, though, I suggest the Sigatoka River Safari, an award-winning tour operation devised by a young American called Jay Whyte.

READ MORE

8 January 2010

Beach Front Land

These breath taking beachfront properties available for purchase are pieces of paradise. With the beach at your door step and lush greenery by your side, you could not feel closer to nature. Build your dream home on your dream property.

Situated a five minute drive away from the main road and only 5 minutes further to all the adventure and amenities offered in the town of Pacific Harbour.



The Beach Front lots are 3,500 sq meters - SPECIAL PRICE FJD$650,000


See our website for full listings at Fiji Real Estate.

Mala Circle Water Front Lots

Fourteen waterfront lots are available in the peaceful town of Pacific Harbour. Starting at 700 sq mtrs to 1300 sq mtrs. The water frontage for these lots range from 20meters to 29meters.

The entire site is 3 and 1/2 acres.
The prices for these lots start at FJD$120,000 to $190,000.
To purchase all 14 lots - $1,750,000.

See our website for full listings at Fiji Real Estate.

WaterFront Land on Viti Levu Drive - SOLD

On a colourful street over flowing with plant life and friendly neighbours, we have a vacant waterfront lot ready for purchase. Approvals are in place to build on this 1200 sq meter block of land and plans similar to the Hibiscus Villas are available if you so desire to have your home built for you.

To purchase the land as is the block is selling for FJD$160,000.

With a villa built on this land, the purchase price is $FJD625,000.

See our website for full listings at Fiji Real Estate.

WaterFront Land on NokoNoko

Waterfront lot! 8oo square meters of land ready for you to build upon. Concrete sea wall already in place. Gorgeous out look over the water. Situated on a quiet little street in the town of Pacific Harbour. This piece of land is for sale at FJD$185,000. A quick walk away from the beach, the golf course, the Arts Village and the hotels, bars and restaurants.


See our website for full listings at Fiji Real Estate.

7 January 2010

Water Front Land Available - Aerial Shots

Hibiscus Villas WaterFront Aerial Shot. Hibiscus Villas is directly across from the Lagoon Resort. Situated behind the mangroves, each villa has its own jetty to park their pleasure cruise!

Mala Circle WaterFront lots are in a prime position on the water.

The Noko Noko Villa is only a few blocks away from the water front vacant lot. Noko Noko Circle is a peaceful and safe neighbourhood with all villas situated on the water.

See our website for full listings at Fiji Real Estate.

Pacific Harbour "The Adventure Capital Of Fiji"


Pacific Harbour. The Adventure Capital Of Fiji.

Scuba Dive. Snorkelling. Jet Ski. Rafting & Kayaking. Surfing. Fishing. Kite Surfing. Horse Riding. Bike Riding. Walks. Golf. Swimming. Shopping. Restaurants. Hotels.


You are not buying a house… You are buying a lifestyle!

These brand new waterfront villas and vacant waterfront and beach front lots are found in the peaceful and growing resort town of Pacific Harbour. Pacific Harbour is situated on the southern coastline of Viti Levu, the main island of Fiji. Nadi International Airport is only a 2 hours drive west and Suva, the capital of Fiji, is only 45 minutes east with an extra 15 minute drive to Nausori International Airport.
Pacific Harbour is situated along a beautiful stretch of coast line, and with the lush rainforests and pristine beaches looking across to Beqa Island, home to the world famous Beqa Lagoon, you could not hope for a more beautiful place.
Pacific Harbour is immersed in colour, and any walks around Pacific Harbour are bound to set your soul free with the wide open spaces, beaches and tropical rainforests.
On any given day you can head out for kayaking, kite surfing, surfing, fishing, snorkelling, scuba diving (with or without sharks!), bush walks, jet ski tours and more!!
Pacific Harbour is “The Adventure Capital Of Fiji”!
Indulge in game fishing or diving by simply stepping off your deck, onto your jetty and into your boat and cruise off through the mangrove lined river system to the open water.

Beqa Lagoon is home to what is known as “the best shark dive in the world!” If you are not up to the adrenaline rush from swimming with sharks there is also stunning coral dives with a cacophony of colourful soft corals, pretty fish, intriguing wrecks and exhilarating drifts. The snorkeling is also amazing! Only a half an hour boat ride away there is a surf spot known as Frigates Passage where you can find the locals surfing the days away. Fishing is also in abundance on the incredible lagoon. Be it deep sea or just the family out for a day of boating and hand lining you are bound to hook a few fish! If not, just tell those big fish stories about the one that got away!

A short walk from anywhere in Pacific Harbour, you will find an 18 hole, 72 par championship rated Golf Course and Country Club that is one of the most adventurous in the world. This fabulous golf course is set amongst tropical rain forests and alongside mangrove lined river systems, with 66 bunkers and multiple water hazards on 12 of the 18 holes. The Country Club offers all day dining on its outside deck looking over the stunning golf course and Qara ni Qio River. There is café style cuisine and full bar facilities providing you with a mix of food and beverages that you can even have sent out to you while on the course!
A new resort, Uprising Beach Resort has just opened on the beach offering a sensational view of the majestic blue waters to look out over while you enjoy the tasty food on offer or sip on your choice of cocktail or the local and visitor favourite, Fiji Bitter!

A newly renovated 4 star beachside hotel, The Pearl South Pacific, is a perfect addition to this fast growing community, offering excellent dining options in the three restaurants. Jazz on the beach is on Sundays with a buffet style lunch by the beach.

Lagoon Resort is located along the Qara Ni Qio River. This resort also lies adjacent to the 11th green of the Golf Course! One of the three dive operations in Pacific Harbour is run out of this amazingly constructed hotel.The Arts Village is a 5 minute walk from the villa and offers traditional Fijian dances and the famous Beqa Fire Walkers making these cultural shows a must see! Also arriving soon is more restaurants and shops to add to the ice cream shop, juice bar, dvd stores, internet cafés, restaurants and shops already on hand.
What are you waiting for!
Hope to see you soon in
Pacific Harbour, The Adventure Capital of Fiji!

Hot Summer Sale Fares to Fiji - etravelblackboard.com

Thursday, 7 January 2010

Air Pacific is offering an exciting range of Hot Summer return fares from Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne to Nadi for travellers wanting to travel during February and March.

Info HERE

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