Vanua Balavu

DAY 1: UNITED STATES
Late this evening we fly from Los Angeles. (Note: The international airfare is not included)

DAY 2: (Day lost due to time change)

DAY 3: FIJI / NADI (ISLAND OF VITI LEVU), PACIFIC HARBOR RESORT
We arrive in the main city of Nadi, early this morning and transfer to the Pacific Harbor Resort where we spend the next three evenings. The afternoon is free to relax. In the evening we have a welcome dinner.

DAY 4: PACIFIC HARBOR / BEQUE
Today we board a large sailing catamaran and sail 2 hours out to the small island of Benqe. We spend the day sea kayaking and snorkeling. In the afternoon we sail back to the Pacific Harbor for the night.

DAY 5: NAVUA RIVER (Inflatable White Water Kayaking)
Early today we drive up into the mountains to our put in class 2+ Navua River. Pinched between dramatic hundred foot walls and at times no wider than the length of a kayak, this exhilarating stretch of class 2+, warm 72 degree, water is one of the most scenic beginner stretches to be found anywhere in the world. Around every bend we are greeted by beautiful tributary waterfalls cascading dozens of feet from the precipitous walls. Upon taking out we drive to the Pacific Harbor Resort where we spend the evening.

DAY 6: PACIFIC HARBOR / VANUA BALAVU
This morning we depart early for the Suva, the Fijian capital where we catch a one hour charter flight to the remote and enchanted island of Vanua Balavu. The flight from Suva to Vanua Balavu is breathtaking as we fly over remote coral reefs and islands surrounded by water of very shade from azure to turquoise. Landing in Vanua Balavu, we are welcomed by, Tevita, our head Fijian guide. We load into the back of the only truck in the northern half of the island and slowly wind our way, 1/2 hour, on not much more than a dirt path, to the town of Marvana who's only industry is the communal harvesting
of coconuts for coconut oil. In Marvana we are guests of the king and the village throws a wonderful welcome celebration with singing and dancing. After the traditional drinking of Kava root with the king and village elders, they give us their blessing and we are off to the first nights camp. Because it is too late to sea kayak, we board a small motorboat and ride for one hour to the first night's camp, on a beach on the edge of a dramatic mangrove swamp.
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DAY 7-8: VANUA BALAVU
(Sea Kayaking)
During the next few days, the island's wild beauty unfolds in every conceivable way. If there were ever a paradise this is it. Every turn, every glance is a stunning image. Whether inland towards lush old growth forest and blooming flowers, or up at precipitously balanced lime stone sculptures, or out towards breaking waves on the protective coral reef, or down at multi-colored fish and coral beneath your paddle, or around at the enveloping clear turquoise water, this is a place you never want to leave. The absence of anything dangerous or poisonous, accompanied by air and water temperatures
that nearly meet between the high seventies and low eighties, one can comfortably snorkel for hours. Through the transparent water you can view everything from sea turtles to tropical fish of every conceivable shape, pattern and color. With our Fijian guides interpreting the natural history, we explore dramatic sea caves, paddle through a multitude intimate bays, natural bridges and fiord like tidal passage ways. Evening is be spent on gorgeous, pristine beaches cut from the virgin old growth forest and straight out of a Hollywood cast away movie. Meals are traditional Fijian, utilizing the local fruits and vegetables and prepared by local cooks.

DAY 9: VANUA BALAVU / DALIDONI
(SEA KAYAKING)
Today we paddle to the small fishing village of Dalidoni. Upon arriving in the early afternoon we have the traditional kava root ceremony with the king and again are treated to a wonderful Fiji style banquet with native style singing and dancing. The entire village of 100 people is a part of the Festivities.

DAY 10: DALIDONI / SUVA / NADI / UNITED STATES
This morning we transfer to the tiny airport and take the charter flight back to Suva. In the early afternoon we take a 1 hour flight to Nadi where we check into day rooms at a local hotel and take showers. That evening we board the flight back to the United States. We arrive in the United States the same day (due to the time change).

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