Fiji is a group of about 350 islands in the Pacific Ocean that lie between New Zealand and Hawaii. Only about 100 of these beautiful islands are populated. A vacation in Fiji must include scuba diving, surfing and island hopping cruises. Just like a Bahamas vacation.
These Pacific islands, rich in local tribal culture are also famous for manta rays, harmless leopard sharks and whale sharks congregating near the beaches. You can even swim with manatees. Underwater, you can see vast expanses of colorful rainbow gardens corals and underwater creatures. The White Wall and Astrolabe Reef are perhaps the most famous dive sites in Fiji and are popular rendezvous with the diving community worldwide. The Cloud Breaker, is the name of six-metre (20 ft) waves found at Tavarua island is a magnet for surfers from around the world especially from Australia.
If you prefer a vacation that is more relaxing, there are numerous spa resorts to relax in, take an island hopping cruise, take a walk in lush rainforests or simply laze on pristine white beaches of Fiji's many quiet blue lagoons. As they say in Fijian "Bula".
Fijians is where people wear flowers tucked in their hair and you are encourage to do so by its friendly natives. You will greeted with genuine enthusiasm on the streets of Suva (capital city) and Nadi. Many Fijians, whether in busy streets, in the villages or market places like to be dressed in traditional garb.
Since English is the official language of Fiji, and most Fijians speak English, communication should not be a major problem and you don't have to use a diver's hand signal to communicate.
There are about 60 vacation beach resorts in Fiji. Some resorts occupy an entire island and many more modest ones are along the beaches. There are several large world class international hotels like The Sheraton and The Outrigger if you prefer a touch of classy vacationing. Most of these hotels can also offer you scuba diving tours and island hopping cruises.
Anyone had any diving or surfing rendezvous in Fiji before? If so, I would like to hear your comments here.
The author of this article is Chris Chew. To read more of his articles visit his blog: Asia Travel Best.
