From village ceremonies and volcanic islands to world-famous surf breaks and deserted sand cays, a week aboard a fully crewed catamaran reveals another side of Fiji
Fiji has long been synonymous with luxurious resorts and palm-fringed beaches. But for travellers who want to do more than admire the view from a poolside lounger, TradeWinds offers another way to experience the South Pacific nation - by yacht, moving among volcanic islands, coral reefs, traditional villages and tiny sand cays that appear and disappear with the tide.
TradeWinds’ seven-night Fiji sailing, which accommodates up to 10 guests onboard a fully crewed luxury catamaran, explores the remote Yasawa and Mamanuca island groups. Rather than staying in one place for the week, guests can spend their week experiencing some of Fiji’s best opportunities for snorkeling, diving and exploring by boat, with a new island every day.
Fiji may seem like a far-flung proposition for American and Canadian travellers, but the South Pacific destination is easier to reach than its map position suggests. Regular nonstop flights to Nadi are available from Los Angeles, San Francisco and Dallas, putting Fiji within a single flight for travellers in three major U.S. markets with easy connections from Canada.
“Fiji is a destination that people dream about for years, and there’s so much more to it than the beautiful resort experience,” said Neil Parsons, President of TradeWinds. “Sailing gives you the freedom to experience Fiji on its own terms—to move with the weather, discover different islands and connect with the people and places along the way. One day might bring snorkeling and a village visit; another might mean watching surfers at Cloudbreak followed by a sunset cocktail. And at the end of the day, you always return to the comfort of the yacht.”
TradeWinds’ Fiji sailing begins at Port Denarau on Viti Levu before heading toward Waya, a dramatic island of volcanic peaks, protected bays and some of the Yasawa Islands’ most renowned snorkeling and diving. Guests can also explore by kayak or paddleboard, swim from secluded beaches or simply take in the landscape from the yacht.
Over the course of the week, the itinerary embraces Fiji’s wilder side, with stops at uninhabited islands and remote sand cays. At Navadra, three small islands are linked by a sand spit at low tide. At Monoriki, guests can walk the beaches and swim in the clear waters surrounding the island that became famous after appearing in Cast Away. And at Mana Sand Caye, a tiny, treeless island surrounded by brilliant blue water, guests can snorkel or dive the “Cabbage Patch” wall to experience Fiji’s array of vibrant marine life.
At Yalobi, a small Fijian village, guests go ashore carrying kava to present to the village chief and take part in a traditional Sevusevu ceremony that formally welcomes visitors to the community. The ceremony is followed by a Meke, with villagers sharing stories through dance and song.
For those drawn to Fiji’s world-class surfing, the yacht sails to the Malolo reef complex and Cloudbreak, one of the world’s most famous surf breaks. Guests can watch surfers tackle the powerful waves from the yacht or opt for their own adventure, exploring a magical sand island that emerges only at low tide. Evenings might mean a sunset cocktails at secluded anchorages or dinners ashore.
TradeWinds yachts carry a maximum of 10 guests, with meals, alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages and a selection of daily activities included. Guests may reserve an individual cabin or arrange a private full-yacht charter. For more information visit www.trade-winds.com, call 1-855-600-5821 or email support@trade-winds.com.