Tours
Since Fiji is comprised of a few hundred islands scattered around the South Pacific Ocean, package tours are not the forced marches that people have in mind. They're often an efficient way to see as much as you can as cheaply as you can, consolidating air and water transfers, island-hopping, and village stays into one easy experience.
A seven-day all-inclusive kayaking tour around the island of Kadavu with Tamarillo Tropical Expeditions, for example, is about USD$1,705. The "Lei Low" travel package with Feejee Experience is a six-day tour around Viti Levu, including sandboarding, a village visit, snorkeling, and a visit to Beachcomber Island for USD$380.
Tour Operators
Fiji is an outdoor playground, and tour companies thrive on marketing what the country has to offer. Whether it's bird-watching or diving, Fiji has something for everyone.
Tamarillo Tropical Expeditions, run by a New Zealander, an Italian, and a Fijian chief, offers unique kayaking tours around the island of Kadavu, overnighting at local beachfront resorts and villages. Since Fijians co-own the company, there's a wealth of local knowledge and a vested interest in giving back to the community.
Feejee Experience has a lively, backpacker-vibe to it. The company specializes in three- to four-day trips around Viti Levu and Beachcomber Island. It's a great deal for backpackers or travelers on a budget.
Awesome Adventures Fiji offers tour packages ranging from diving, to spas, to adventure tourism. There literally is something for everyone.
Recommended Companies
Awesome Adventures Fiji. Build your own itinerary through the Yasawa Islands staying at accommodations that suit your budget. Activities include everything from sunset tube rides to snorkeling with sharks. Nadi, Viti Levu. 675--0499; www.awesomefiji.com.
Captain Cook Cruises Fiji. This small ship cruising company runs a number of day and evening cruises on windjammers with 7 and 11 day itineraries around the outer islands. Their flagship, the MV Reef Endeavour takes just 80 guests on cruises, which include island stopovers for school and village visits (complete with Lovo feast and kava ceremony), other land activities including waterfall treks, and on-water activities such as scuba diving and snorkeling, kayaking and glass-bottom boat tours. Port Denarau Marina, Nadi, Viti Levu. 670--1823; www.captaincookcruisesfiji.com.
Feejee Experience. Explore action-packed adventures such as billibilli rafting (traditional bamboo rafts), mud pool soaks, and jungle treks. Accommodation is usually located along the coast allowing guests the opportunity to relax in the afternoon with a tropical reef snorkel and a comfortable bed at the end of long day. Nadi, Viti Levu. 672–5950; www.feejeeexperience.com.
Tamarillo Tropical Expeditions. All inclusive private kayaking tours are available for F$3083 for a five-day trip. Kadavu, Kadavu. 4/239–9885; www.tamarillo.co.nz.
