Scuba or snorkel?

While snorkelling is a lot of fun and allows you to explore the surface of the ocean, scuba diving allows you to go deeper and stay down for longer, as you are not limited by the length of time that you can hold your breath. While there are some risks associated with both scuba and snorkelling, modern diving regulators and tanks (the equipment that supplies you with oxygen) are of a high quality, and with high quality training and safety awareness, you will be able to have underwater adventures that snorkelers can only dream of.

The beautiful experience

Scuba diving is one of the most spectacular, exciting and enjoyable experiences on planet Earth. You can float through the ocean observing amazing coral reefs, spotting unusual creatures, swimming in between rock canyons and rediscovering lost treasures or shipwrecks. Perhaps you will see tropical fish on a coral reef, or maybe an octopus, turtle, dolphin or even a whale. The sights are amazing in themselves, but the experience of swimming and breathing underwater is also surreal. It wasn’t long ago that such an experience wasn’t even possible, but with the latest gear and training, it is now! So, if you’re weighing up whether or not to try scuba diving, you can stop now. Scuba diving is a must do activity, and should be on everyone’s bucket list of experiences.

Gear and training

While experienced divers will no doubt have all of their own gear, including face masks, tanks, regulators, wetsuits, fins, dive computers and even cameras – when you’re starting out, it’s really not necessary to purchase it all. Instead, you can hire gear from a reputable training provider, where it is regularly tested and maintained to a high standard. Scuba is a sport that requires training, so using hire gear first is a necessity, especially as it will be an important way to learn the proper way to assemble, wear and utilise the equipment. Ask as many questions as you need to, but keep in mind that a highly regarded training program (such as from a certified PADI Dive Centres) will help you get in the water quickly, safely and with all the necessary training that you need to enjoy the experience.

PADI stands for the Professional Association of Diving Instructors, and is the world’s leading scuba diver training organisation. It’s a great way to feel assured of the quality of instruction, gear and training and to know that you are in safe hands. Look for a PADI certification first, as this will give you reassurance that the gear and instruction you will be given is up to a high standard. Also consider the industry reputation of the provider, as this can also be an indication of the quality and value of the experience that you are paying for.

Staying safe

While all of the safety aspects will be covered in detail as you undergo training for a dive, many people will want to have an understanding of what’s involved at an early stage. Some key principles are: dive with others (a qualified instructor when starting out), follow the rules, don’t hold your breath, control your breathing, and never rush to the surface.

Diving down

A common problem for some people is the inability to equalise as they dive deeper. This is one of the most important requirements of diving, and if you have ever done some snorkelling, you will probably already know what this experience feels like. If you hold your nose and blow briefly, you will feel a small pop and the pressure is removed. You should only dive at a speed and rate that allows you to fully equalise your sinuses and ear canals – otherwise you can cause damage to your ears. Having a cold prior to diving can cause difficulty with this, and for a very small percentage of people, they are simply unable to equalise. If you have had a cold or have been unwell prior to diving, make sure that you are fully recovered before diving.

Going up

The ascent is also very important for divers, and the key is to do it slowly. If you ascend too quickly your body will not be able to adjust to the changing pressure at a quick enough rate, and you can cause serious injury to yourself (and possibly even death). A rough guide is to swim up slower than the bubbles issued from your exhale, but a dive instructor will be able to provide you with more information.

Scuba diving in Fiji – a tropical oasis

So you’re ready for an adventure, but where to start? There’s so many world class dive sites around, but Fiji is certainly one of the best – and even so for new divers itching for an amazing underwater adventure. Fiji is a well known tourist destination that offers a range of diving experiences from beginners to advanced and experienced divers. There are literally hundreds of dive sites on offer, with warm sea temperatures making winter diving comfortable (think 25C!) and visibility is typically regarded as ‘good to excellent’. Fiji offers world class reefs, with features such as caves, coral gardens and abundant marine life. Diving season is all year round, although April through to October is the busiest period. It’s better to dive in winter, where the reduced visibility from the run off caused by rain filled rivers is not an issue. However, in saying that, there are a lot of options for diving in nearly any part of the year.

With something for everyone, Fiji is a paradise for divers – whether brand new to the sport, or possessing years of experience. If you’re intrigued by the idea of scuba diving, a spectacular experience awaits you. Be sensible, take instruction from a certified professional and enjoy all that the ocean has to offer. Captain Cook Cruises Fiji have a number of different Cruise and Diving Packages available to suit all skill levels, group sizes and holiday lengths.  Scuba diving is a great experience, and if you’re looking for a great escape – why not head to Fiji to experience it all? Explore the unknown, dive in some of the most beautiful locations on earth and have the time of your life!

The post A Beginner’s Guide to Scuba Diving (and Why Fiji is a Great Place to Learn) appeared first on Captain Cook Cruises Fiji.

Team building, when done right, builds trust, mitigates conflict, encourages communication, and increases collaboration. Effective team building secures highly engaged, confident and competent employees, loyal attitudes, and greater morale and respect. These qualities are hugely beneficial to company culture and boosting the bottom line.

What makes a successful team building experience?

The most successful, memorable team building events are the ones that don’t feel like another day at the office. They’re ones that don’t overtly aim to draw in leadership and practical takeaways, and instead focus on a shared experience or working towards a common goal.

It turns out that happiness and learning are tied very closely to each other. If you choose an activity based on happiness, the learning will naturally come.

Choosing something unique and slightly out of ‘the norm’ will encourage your staff to come together in new ways. It’s not a splurge – it’s an investment. Aim for laughter and a sense of excitement, throw in a dash of accomplishment, and without a doubt, your team building exercise will boost your business by making your staff feel appreciated. And as you know, appreciated staff always go the extra mile.

Why a trip to Fiji makes the perfect team building activity

Your team works hard, and because of that, they deserve to be treated with something special from time to time. At Captain Cook Cruises, we can help you put together a tailored package to offer an experience that’s not only special, but completely unlike anything your team has done before.

At Captain Cook Cruises, we’ve come up with a fantastic range of corporate team building exercises and experiences that will captivate your team and make them feel appreciated. We’ll work closely with you so that our program reflects the needs of your business and to ensure that every participant leaves feeling inspired, rejuvenated and motivated.

Whether you’re looking for action or adventure, relaxation or reward, we can create a cruise to suit. Our fleet of four ships in varying sizes and types are equipped with everything you need for a fun time, plus we even have our own private island for you to enjoy!

Choose between our 130 passenger accommodated ship, Reef Endeavour, two tall ships or a sailing catamaran, all of which can be chartered for your special team building event. If your group is at least 80 people, we can offer Tivua Island for your exclusive use, a coral atoll surrounded by 500 acres of coral reef.

Investing in Fiji

You might be thinking that this all sounds expensive, but you’ll be surprised how affordable our adventures can be. Besides, can you really put a price on something that’s guaranteed to boost the growth of your business?

When cruising around Fiji you can choose from traditional Fijian culture experiences to remote island visits. You can learn how to make a Fijian BBQ during a lovo feast, explore an amazing underwater world when snorkelling or diving, or relax with sunrise yoga and morning meditation on the beach. Try shipwrecking your guests on a deserted island while setting a teamwork challenge (think ‘survivor-style’), play rugby against a local village, or enjoy a round of coconut shot-put, beach volleyball or mini beach Olympics.

You name it, you can do it here in Fiji.

Team building games to try in Fiji

While Fiji is an experience in itself, to make the most of your team building exercise you will want to use the incredible setting to explore a variety of games and challenges. Not only educational and enjoyable, games and challenges help a team learn more about one another – how a person thinks, works, solves problems, and has fun.

Scavenger hunt

The rules of a scavenger hunt are to break into teams of two or more and give each team a list of things to find or goofy tasks to complete. The objective is to break up office cliques by encouraging people to work with colleagues from other teams, departments or social circles.

Mine field

The rules of the minefield game are to place a range of objects sporadically across the beach. Have everyone pair up, and make one person from each pair put on a blindfold. The other must then lead the ‘blind’ person to the other side of the beach without allowing them to step on a mine – using only verbal instructions. The blindfolded person cannot speak at all. The objective is to focus on trust, communication and effective listening.

Build a raft

The rules of the build a raft game are to do just that – build a raft! One of the highest energy activities you can do, it will ignite your team’s competitiveness and collaborative fire as they work together to build and race their very own makeshift rafts. The objective is to use ingenuity, creativity and problem-solving skills, but you can also foster exceptional spirit and enthusiasm by offering additional points for performing sea chanteys, creating a colourful flag, or simply being good, energetic team workers.

What to expect from team building in Fiji

Team building events are designed to take people away from the office and put them in an unfamiliar place. It is in this place that, dressed informally, participants behave differently. In Fiji, positions in the office are often forgotten, and the true self thus appears.

The psychology behind team building events is quite simple, and you will likely see tangible improvement in workplace productivity. Your Fiji experience encourages employees to take pride in being part of a group of individuals, all with similar goals. By forging friendships and by learning the art of good problem solving skills within a group, you will have effectively engaged greater communication within your team.

The ethos of team building activities relates to the idea of a group of ‘whole’ competitors learning to increase output and work together in a more harmonious environment. Once your employees see the value in effective communication and tapping into the strengths of their coworkers, their confidence increases and they feel greater loyalty to their employer.

Your Fiji experience serves to not only bond organisation members horizontally (between subordinates), it will also improve the vertical (managers and subordinates) bond. This interaction can be hugely powerful for your company and, like we said earlier, can prove to be one of the best investments you’ll ever make.

The post Why a Trip to Fiji is the Perfect Corporate Team Bonding Experience appeared first on Captain Cook Cruises Fiji.

The 300+ islands were once covered by miles of dry forests and dense tree populations and while centuries of human intervention have encroached somewhat, native and endemic flora and fauna still thrives. For any botanist, biologist, ecologist, naturalist, ornithologist or zoologist, Fiji is an excellent source of discovery, but you don’t have to be an expert to enjoy the wonders that Fiji has to offer.

The Animals of Fiji

Birds

Fiji has 76 native land and sea bird species, 27 of which are endemic (only found in Fiji). The Red-throated Lorikeet is a critically endangered lorikeet around 18cm long, and is bright green with red cheeks, throat and thighs. The Fiji Petrel (also known as MacGillivray’s Petrel) is a small, dark gadfly petrel with a short neck and stout black bill. Other birds to look out for include:

• Three species of Shining Parrots (Kaka)
• The Collared Lory (Kula)
• Boobys
• Doves
• Fantails
• Honeyeaters
• Noddies

Fiji also has four raptors: the Pacific Harrier, the Barn Owl, Peregrine Falcon, and the endemic Fiji Goshawk.

Marine life

Fiji’s marine life is  varied and includes dolphins, whales, sea turtles, eels, sea snakes, corals and an abundance of exotic and colourful fish. Home to five species of sea turtles you can find the Hawksbill, Loggerhead, Green, Pacific Ridley and Leatherback. Three of these species lay eggs on the beaches from November through to March, a site not to be missed.

Another site not to be missed (especially if you’re into sharks) is Shark Reef Marine Reserve off Pacific Harbour on Viti Levu. Here, 8 different species could turn up to feed, including Tawny Nurse, White Tip, Black Tip, Grey Reef, Sicklefin Lemon, Silvertips, Bull and Tiger. And out in the open seas, you’ll see Hammerheads and more.

As for the fish, Fiji is the “soft coral capital of the world” meaning there’s plenty to look for. Home to over 1200 species of reef fish, you’ll also find Moray Eels, giant Manta Rays and more.

Bats

Fiji is home to six species of bats, including the Fiji Monkey-faced Bat. Endemic to Fiji, it’s restricted to the summit region of Des Voeux Peak on the island of Taveuni (Koroturanga Mountain to the locals). Four of the six species only eat fruit, while the other two – the Polynesian Sheath-tail Bat and the Fijian Mastiff Bat, also eat insects.

Reptiles and amphibians

Fiji is home to two endemic frog species, the Fijian Tree Frog and the Fijian Ground Frog. Both males and females produce a mating call, an unusual characteristic for frogs, and Ground Frogs are a threatened species.

The Fiji Banded Iguana is a spectacularly beautiful and large lizard with emerald green colours. The extremely long tail makes up more than two thirds of its total length and the body presents broad vertical blue and green stripes that give the iguana its name.

The Plants of Fiji

Trees

The stunning beaches of Fiji are covered in a variety of pine trees, such as Silver, Fishtail, Fantail, Umbrella and the iconic Coconut Palm. The Coconut Palms provide Fiji with one of its most versatile manufacturing resource – coconut oil – and are believed to have self seeded on the islands. Other common species include the Mallotus tiliifolous, a small deciduous tree with hairy leaves and spiny fruit and the Indian-beech with its aromatic flowers and medicinal bark and roots.

Flowers

The Tahitian Gardenia is one of Fiji’s most iconic flowering species, offering glossy green leaves and gnarled branches. Prized for their fragrant, tubular white flowers they can be found in almost every resort and produce yellow-green fruits that have medicinal use. Any fans of the Perry Mason TV series should visit The Garden of the Sleeping Giant in Nadi, which was founded in 1985 by the show’s actor Raymond Burr. A lover of orchids, the garden is packed with exotic orchids and native trees and is a real treat.

Mangroves

Mangroves are crucial to Fiji’s geography because they strengthen the coastlines of the islands and protect the beautiful reefs by absorbing much of the force from high ocean waves. Mangroves are particularly vulnerable to climate change and sealevel rise, and there is a strong possibility that they may be lost in the future.

Your Fiji Holiday

Everybody has their own idea of a Fijian holiday and if yours is the opportunity to discover Fiji’s most incredible flora and fauna, it pays to have an idea of what to look for. Create a list of search items and see how you go. The beauty of Fiji is that it’s there for the taking so you might not have to search that hard. With little effort you could tick of a list that includes:

• Whales
• Dolphins
• Turtles
• Lorikeets
• Petrels
• Manta rays
• Iguanas
• Frogs
• Bats
• Gardenias
• Coconut palms
• Orchids
• Mangroves
• Pines
• Sharks
• Honeyeaters
• And more!

Do some research before you go and see how much you can find.

The post Fiji’s Plants and Wildlife: What To Look For on Your Holiday appeared first on Captain Cook Cruises Fiji.

Named Fiji’s first World Heritage Site in 2013 by UNESCO, Levuka combines natural beauty with 19th century architecture, and contains a fantastically preserved hamlet overlooking gorgeous ocean views under the shade of coconut and mango trees.

The town has played a major role in relatively all major political and social changes in the last 200 years and as such, it has relics and buildings ranging from its position as the capital of the Fijian Tui Viti, to housing one of the first Christian churches of the islands. In its modern form, it is a tourist destination, historical and cultural site, and a major economic outlet for Tuna fishing in the South Pacific.

Trader Island and Capital of the King

Levuka was founded near the start of the 19th Century as a trading post and respite for traders and explorers sailing the South Pacific.

Europeans were welcomed to the island by the local chief, known as the Tui Levuka, whose great-great-great-grandson, Ratu Jope Roko Tuinaceva, still holds that position today. Settlers were given land and were able to soon operate a bustling trade port that grew to house about 800 permanent residents, as well as establishing Fiji’s first Catholic church (which still stands today).

Since then, the area has gone through many changes. As one of the few islands that weren’t openly hostile and were willing to trade, Levuka escaped most of the violence that plagued Fiji in the form of brutal tribal wars, culminating in the rise of the crowning of Ratu Seru Cakobau, Tui Viti (or king) of Fiji

Establishing Levuka as his capital, Cakobau ruled with his government for only four years before signing it over to the British Empire. Since then, it’s gone from a sleepy town to a popular tourist destination.

The sights

As part of the eroded volcanic island of Ovalau, the landscape around Levuka is high and mountainous.

In the town, you’ll be able to witness sights from across Fiji’s storied history, from the very spot of the signing of federation in 1874 to the first newspaper, hospital, and post office. Nowadays, there’s a stable population of about 3,500, many of which work in either the tourism sector or in the large deep-sea tuna facility on the island.

Outside of the historical waterfront and numerous landmarks, the town itself affords many modern luxuries. If you’ve had your fill of the lush combination of 19th century European architecture and traditional Fijian stylings, you’ll be able to grab a bite to eat at one of the town’s restaurants, send off a letter at the post office, or catch up on some emails at one of the internet cafes.

Levuka Community Centre

If you’re interested in the history of the island, you can simply take a trip to the Levuka Community Centre, which is home to a division of the Fijian Museum. There’s plenty of historical artefacts on display, as well as some stories and explanations for the many buildings around the island. If you’re feeling a bit lost, heading over there will also let you pick up an annotated map of the town to aid your exploration.

Guided historical walk

If you’d like to experience history by walking through it, rather than reading about it, the Centre also provides a daily historical walking tour around the waterfront with the island’s resident historian. This is heartily recommended for anybody looking to really delve into the specifics and relive the colonial past of the island.

Cession Site and Government House

To simply be in the presence of history is sometimes all that one needs, and there’s no greater place than the very spot in which Fiji became a member of the Commonwealth of nations and the hill that housed the government of the first and only king.

Cession Site is a simple plaque, inlaid over white land, overlooking the waterfront. It marks the exact spot where the Tui Viti signed over his monarchy to Queen Victoria.

Nearby is Niukaube Hill, and while the government buildings of Tui Viti Cakobau are no longer standing, it instead houses a memorial to those Fijians killed during World Wars I and II.

Handicrafts Market

If the history gets to be somewhat overwhelming, or you’re looking for a chance to escape and unwind after some reflection, then to the south of Niukaube you’ll find the local Handicrafts Market. If you’re lucky enough to be swinging by while they’re open, you’ll find a plethora of locally sourced traditional Fijian art and knick-knacks for sale.

With Captain Cook Cruises

If you’re coming as part of our Colonial Cruise, we’ll be taking you around the promenade and famous Beach Street, allowing you some time to soak in the local sights and sounds for yourself, as well as have an opportunity to revel in the history of colonial Fiji.

In the afternoon, we’ll be heading around to the Marist Convent to meet up with some of the children of the island at the attached Primary School. There, you’ll be able to catch a glimpse of life in the town and spend some time with the children.

Try not to tire yourself out too much on this amazing experience, as it only lands on the second day of our seven-day trip! The following morning, you’ll be able to briefly relax on Makogai Island, before we whisk you away for another day of adventure.

The post A Guide to Levuka – Fiji’s First World Heritage Site appeared first on Captain Cook Cruises Fiji.

Whether you’re a young explorer, thrill seeker, or want to share in some fun activities with the whole family, there’s more than enough variation to go around, and hundreds of great places to choose from. In fact, with so much to choose from, it can be handy to have a few shortlist guides to pick the best of the best from. We’ve compiled a list here to start you off on your journey, but it’s by no means the end of it. Take a look for yourself, and remember to leave some room on your calendar to squeeze in anything you might have overlooked!

1. Take a dive

There’s far too many dive-sites dotted around the many islands of Fiji to name, but while diving you’ll be able to see some world-famous sea life and ocean formations that you’ll remember for the rest of your life.

If you’ve never seen a Sea Turtle swimming luxuriously by, never swam through a gigantic ocean cave formation, or seen the rainbow of coral that makes up a reef, all while viewing thousands of tiny fish, plants, and other animals up close and personal, then you owe it to yourself to take the plunge and see them all first-hand. It’s an unforgettable experience, and a vibrant glimpse into the true beauty that our world has to offer.

Captain Cook offers dive services for all experience levels through our partner Viti Water Sports, a PADI 5-star Dive Centre on the island.

2. Take a dip

If you’d rather enter the water from dry land, then why not instead bask under a rocky outcrop in the shade of one of the island’s waterfalls?

Sigatoka on the main island is noted for the beauty of its waterfalls, particularly Biausevu falls. If you’re going off of the main island, however, then the Tavoro Falls at Bouma National Heritage Park are a series of three fantastic waterfalls on Taveuni Island that blast most of the competition straight out of the water. Our Colonial Fiji Discovery Cruise visits Tavoro falls on the fifth day of the seven night cruise – the next cruise departs in February 2017.

3. Take a dip at Big Bula

On the other hand, if you like your water controlled and your thrills high, then Big Bula Water Park represents a great place to kick up a splash. Entering through the jaws of a gigantic inflatable shark, you’ll find inside a list of dozens of towering fibreglass rides to excite anybody.

Visitors will be able to venture through obstacle courses, huge looping waterslides, high velocity domes, and more than enough relaxing side-pools and kid-friendly thrills that the entire family, young or old, can find a spot to claim.

Big Bula is located at Nadi on Denarau Island, opening 10am and closing at 5pm, right down the major Queens Road from the Nadi International Airport.

4. Surf’s up!

No surfer can visit Fiji without taking a quick stop to pay respects to Cloudbreak, Fiji’s greatest and most famous surfing wave.

Known colloquially as the ‘perfect wave’, you’ll have to venture out to Tavarua Island to meet it, but if you’ve packed a surfboard (or hired one from the many shops nearby) then you’ll soon be able to meet it’s endless crest.

For optimal conditions, wait until the southerly winds start blowing on a warm, breezy day. Be warned, however, the Cloudbreak might be an amazing experience but it’s best left to experienced surfers. If you’re an amatuer, don’t be too disappointed – you still have the option to choose between a hundred other world-class surf destinations.

5. Wind Surf’s up!

Surfing just not exhilarating enough for you? Why not try your hand at some windsurfing instead? It’s essentially a surfboard with a sailboat fin attached to it.

Fiji is one of the world leaders in surfing’s lesser-known, but higher-calibre cousin. Have a look out for anywhere that does lessons (there’s plenty on Tavarua, and dotted right across Denarau’s whole coast). This isn’t something you’re going to want to dive into without a helping hand guiding you.

6. Kila World

Another spot that you can take the whole family, Kila World, is an adventure park situated a short drive from Suva down the Queens Road. A whopping 427 acres in size, Kila World is a combined residential, organic farming facility, and an eco-adventure tourist park that boasts a selection of jungle walks along scenic waterfalls and towering jungle plants. With plenty of places to stop and take a picnic, it is also home to Fiji’s only major botanical garden.

Explore Fiji

There’s a range of cool family and solo activities to take part in while you’re there, too, from obstacle courses to jungle gyms, a giant swing, ropes courses, abseiling, a huge overland zipline, and much more.

If you’d like any more information on booking your Fiji holiday, or want to know what we have on offer, you can contact Captain Cook here.

The post The 6 Most Exciting Activities in Fiji appeared first on Captain Cook Cruises Fiji.

A good travel blogger becomes an authority because of honesty, because they tell it like it is, and they help you budget, plan and avoid falsely portrayed activities. They keep you safe, give you local knowledge, and provide a narrative you can trust. This is especially important for those who don’t get to travel that often, as it ensures your hard-earned money is well spent.

Considering a holiday soon? Here are 8 bloggers you should consider following.

Nomadic Matt

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If you haven’t heard of Nomadic Matt, now is the time to be a part of his inspiring world. He’s been writing about his experiences since travel blogging swept the globe. Nomadic Matt is The New York Times best-selling author of How to Travel the World on 50 a Day. Each month, over 1 million people take guidance from Matt to travel better, cheaper, and longer. This includes his fantastic Fiji Travel Guide, which offers information on destinations, typical costs, budget tips, activities and more.

World of Wanderlust

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Brooke Saward is a 24 year old with restless feet and a desire to see the world. Her blog is filled with lifestyle tips and motivation, DIY projects, and recipes, but it’s her travel tips that draw the most attention. World of Wanderlust is available as an app, has been featured in a number of different magazines, and now has a team of 5 contributors based in different cities around the world. If you’re wondering where to go for your next adventure, Brooke highly recommends Fiji, citing that not only is Fiji as “gloriously cliché” as its sun, sand and coconut sipping description sounds, but that it’s home to “the happiest and most humble people” you could ever hope to encounter.

The Blonde Abroad

Californian blonde Kiersten left a career in corporate finance to become a world traveller. Since then she has visited more than 50 countries and has knocked some big adventures off her bucket list. Among her favourite destinations are: Jordan, Thailand, Bolivia, Australia and Belgium, but for anyone about to head on holiday in April or May she suggests Fiji as the point of call. She describes the waters of Fiji as “world class”, suggests the reefs are comparable to that of the Great Barrier Reef, and recommends visiting colourful Hindu temples, thick tropical jungles, and natural mud pools.

Anna Everywhere

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Anna teaches the world that you don’t need to be born in a privileged country to travel, nor do you have to give up your job, hobbies or family life. She’s been travelling from her North American base since 2007, and has visited over 77 countries in a dress and heels. Her aim is to inspire others to stop saying, “I can’t” and instead say yes to travel. In terms of Fiji, she says it’s possible to have an amazing time – on a strict budget. In fact, she’s written an entire blog post about just how affordable Fiji can be.

Expert Vagabond

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Matthew is a travel addict and photographer that enjoys sharing spectacular images, inspiring videos, great advice, and wonderful stories. He’s been off exploring for five years now, and his readers can’t get enough of his adrenaline-fuelled adventures. With Matt being on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Pinterest, YouTube and SnapChat, he’s an easy guy to follow, and his laid-back approach to travel writing is easy to navigate.

To enjoy the beauty of Fiji through Matt’s striking photography, check out one of his exciting Fiji posts.

Hey Nadine

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Travel vlogger, videographer, blogger and comedy youtuber, Nadine Sykora, travels the world and shares her experience as she goes. Her YouTube channel has more than 270,000 subscribers and she was recently a keynote speaker at the 2016 Women in Travel Summit. Combining comedy with a backpack, beauty, and action-packed adventure, her posts on Fiji are a must-read.

A Stylish Moment

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Who says you can’t look great when travelling? Jenna Mrdak is the go-to girl for all things style, fashion, health and beauty, but she also loves travelling – especially when that travel takes her to beautiful Fiji. Check out her 12 Tips for Travelling to Fiji, which offers advice from flying, to booking activities, to finding the best snorkel spots.

Mouths of Mums

The Mouths of Mums team offer up tips for every aspect of parenting, including travelling with kids. From camping to car travel, from winter holiday fun to overseas adventure, you’ll find a ton of travel advice to make travelling with little ones a whole lot easier. Planning your first family holiday to Fiji? Then check out this great post.

Which blog suits you?

Remember, hunt around the huge variety of travel blogs to find one that suits you, and start getting excited about your upcoming adventures, be them solo, as part of a couple, or with kids in tow.

The post Holidaying In Fiji? 8 Travel Blogs To Read appeared first on Captain Cook Cruises Fiji.

Cruises are a fantastic way for the whole family to enjoy a break. They’re good value for money, as the cost of food is included with your accommodation and transport, and you don’t have to deal with moving from hotel to hotel or stressing about where your seven-year-old has wandered off to. Cruises bundle on-board swimming pools and games with luxurious spas and cozy bars, so there’s something for every age bracket.

Firstly, take note of the differences between cabins, staterooms and suites before deciding which is best for your family. Different rooms have different combinations of beds and amenities: will a cabin with four bunk beds give you the value for money you seek, or would you prefer the extra space of adjoining staterooms?

If you’d like some quality time for yourself, most cruises (including Captain Cook Cruises) offer child minding services. These can vary based on the age of your child, and often need to be booked in advance. Many cruise lines will also have an age minimum, so if you’re planning to cruise with your toddler in tow, definitely check with the cruise company first.

While some time spent separately might be nice, a cruise is also a fantastic time to reconnect with your kids through shared holiday experiences. Spend some time on a journey of discovery through the Fiji islands as you explore beaches teeming with marine life and villages bursting with vibrant, friendly Fijian culture.

Before you start your cruise, make sure your child knows what to expect, talk to them about safety guidelines, and help them with their packing. One way to help your child enjoy their holiday is to hand them an inexpensive disposable camera and tell them to take photos of what they like best. Then get ready to enjoy a well-earned family break together!

The post Cruising with Kids appeared first on Captain Cook Cruises Fiji.

Fijian culture is vibrant and friendly, and you can expect a warm welcome at any of the villages you may choose to visit. By respecting local customs and traditions, your experience will be even warmer.

Start by making sure you dress conservatively. This means women should make sure their shoulders and knees (and everything in between!) are covered, and aren’t wearing any midriff tops or short shorts. The same applies to men, who should avoid tank tops and shorts when in the village. Avoid wearing hats or sunglasses, as these are considered disrespectful – and if you’re entering someone’s house, remove your shoes first.

Got a loud voice? Try to keep it down – speaking loudly or raising your voice is interpreted as a sign of anger, so try to always speak softly. Don’t point directly at anyone, as this is considered rude, and be careful to watch your language too, as Fijians rarely swear. If you’re offered a sip of kava at a ceremony, do try it. It’s rude to decline.

Home life in Fiji bears a lot of similarities to traditional, conservative Western lifestyles from the 1950’s. Women are traditionally expected to take care of domestic duties, such as cooking, cleaning and raising children, and are often actively involved in helping out with their church as well. Men are the primary providers, working during the day to support the family and coming home to relax in the evening. In some Indo-Fijian households, women will also go off to work during the daytime, but are still responsible for home duties when they return.

Time in Fiji is viewed differently in village and city settings, and also differs between the two major cultural groups (Indo-Fijians and Indigenous Fijians). Indo-Fijians and those living in cities are traditionally very punctual and are careful to always be on time, whereas things are much more relaxed in rural settings, where “Fiji time” is the norm.

Ultimately, Fijians will forgive foreigners for any cultural faux pas they may commit during their stay, but by showing at least a basic knowledge of the Fijian way of life, you’ll be demonstrating your respect for the incredible country and people you visit.

The post Fiji Etiquette You Should Know appeared first on Captain Cook Cruises Fiji.

Tunaiviqalita believed he had been given a powerful gift by the man and his ability to walk on white hot stones has since been passed through his blood line in the Sawau Tribe on Beqa Island. As legend has it, the descendants are today, as promised by the small man, still able to walk on fire!

The descendants of Tunaiviqalita can be found in the villages of Rookwa, Dakubeqa, Dakuni, Soliyaga and Naceva, however many will travel around the islands performing this brilliant act at hotels and village art centres.

Firewalking is a sacred celebration that keeps the culture of Fiji alive for future generations. Part of Fiji’s charm is its close connections to community, tradition and symbolism, and this legendary celebration is a must-see.

Performing firewalking

While this special celebration is a way of life for many generations living in Fiji, firewalking takes a great deal of preparation. Men are chosen as representatives for different villages, and 10 days prior to a celebration, they must segregate themselves from females and stay away from eating coconut. If they fail to do this, legend states that they will be punished with severe burns.

The fire pit where these men will walk is dug out, being 12-15 feet in diameter and 3-4 feet deep. Large river stones are collected and placed in the pit, filling it up. Eight hours before the ceremony, a log fire is built over the top of the stones, heating them up.

When it’s time for the performance, the firewalkers are led to the arena accompanied by dances and chants. Leaves and vines are grazed across the stones to prepare the pit. The men then start their journey across the smoldering stones.

Once every man has crossed, a bundle of grass is placed in the centre of the pit and the men huddle together while chanting a song. Each man wears a band of tree ferns around their ankle for the performance and these are then thrown into the fire pit. Days later these bands are recovered from the now cool pit, ground up, mixed with water and then eaten by the firewalkers.

Experiencing firewalking

A Fijian firewalking celebration is a mix of firewalking, costume, singing, dancing, acrobatics, stunts, storytelling, fighting and more. It truly is a spectacular experience and one you will never forget. From the moment these powerful, muscular men appear in their brightly coloured costumes against an impressive backdrop of the lush green gardens Fiji is so famous for, you’ll be amazed.

Firewalking has been practiced by many people and cultures all over the world, with the earliest reference dating back to Iron Age India (1200 BC). Modern physics may explain the phenomenon, suggesting it’s a combination of poor heat conduction and the amount of time a foot is in contact with the stones – however there remains something magical about the ceremony. Firewalking is not just a right of passage for some islanders, it’s a test of individual strength and courage, or, in religion, as a test of one’s faith.

Other Fijian ceremonies

Storytelling is a popular and important pastime in Fiji that helps to keep alive the myths from old religion. When in Fiji, it’s important to pull up a stool or take a seat and enjoy the ceremonies that help explain Fijian history and life. The culture of Fiji is a tapestry of indigenous Fijian, Indian, European, Chinese and other nationalities, and today’s practices not only offer insight into Fiji’s indigenous communities but into the modern culture of the beautiful archipelago.

Fijian indigenous society is very communal, with great importance attached to the family unit, the village, and the land. The varying ceremonies performed around the islands strengthen tribal and family ties, and reinforce traditions and ancient myths. The ceremonies most famous in Fiji include:

The Kava Ceremony

In this ceremony, everyone is invited to drink from a bowl of kava, or Yaqona, Fiji’s national drink. Made from the pulverised root of a member of the pepper family, it’s believed to have medicinal qualities, and will leave you feeling mellow and a little tongue tied (kava has a numbing effect on the tongue). Legend has it that the ceremony came from Tonga, where the plant sprang from the grave of a Tongan princess.

The Meke

The Meke ceremony embraces traditional song and dance to tell of legends, love stories, history and spirits of the land. Music is woven into the fabric of Fiji, and can vary from a blood-curdling spear dance to a gentle and graceful fan dance. The Meke combines an orchestra (Vakatara), who sit on the ground and sing or chant, and the dancers (Matana), who tell stories with their movements.

The LOVO

A LOVO ceremony is a celebration of food, cooked in the earth. Think of it like an Australian BBQ, only a little more smoked and steeped in tradition. Taking around two hours to cook, you’ll likely enjoy cassava (tapioca), kumala (sweet potato), yam, taro, pork, lamb, chicken or fish. The feast is covered with banana leaves or coconut stalks to provide insulation.

Visiting Fiji?

If you’re visiting Fiji, be sure to add another dimension to your journey by experiencing a traditional firewalking ceremony, or many of the other ceremonies steeped in traditional Fijian culture.

The post What is Firewalking in Fiji? appeared first on Captain Cook Cruises Fiji.

FIJIAN WEDDINGS

The numerous resorts and hotels offer a smorgasbord of delightful wedding options. The idea of a simple barefoot ceremony on a white sand beach might appeal to you, with flowers in your hair and serenaded by a joyous chorus of Fijian villagers.

Or what about a traditional Fijian wedding ceremony, where the bride is escorted to her waiting groom by Fijian warriors, accompanied by the beating of drums and the trumpeting of conch shells?

The choice of venues is also seemingly endless, from the hilltop chapel at the Outrigger on the Lagoon on the Coral Coast, to the many island resorts including those on Mana, Matamatoa, Tokoriki, Denarau and Taveuni.

Many hotels and resorts offer complete wedding packages, where everything is taken care of from the ceremony and reception to the guests’ accommodation. Captain Cook Cruises offer weddings on the Tivua Island day cruise or on any beach they visit on the Reef Endeavour – and they even provide a wedding organiser to make sure the day is perfect and the licence is in place.

It all depends on what kind of wedding you and your partner want, because Fiji has it all; from five-star with all the trimmings, to a simple ceremony with sand between your toes.

FIJIAN HONEYMOONS

Once you’ve said your vows, it’s time to swap your wedding clothes for a swimsuit and dive headlong into the delights of this tropical paradise. Some of the many Fijian honeymoon options include:

• A small ship cruise through the islands, where you’ll enjoy cocktails at sunset, exploring deserted white sand beaches and snorkelling amongst myriads of tropical fish in sparkling lagoons.
• Discover the rich Fijian culture and enjoy a lovo feast, traditional village song and dance and the breathtaking firewalking ceremony, where Fijian warriors walk unscathed across red hot coals.
• Kick back on the beach in your own private bure by the water, sipping cocktails on the deck or relaxing under the soothing hands of a local Fijian masseur.
• Explore lush volcanic landscapes of tropical rainforest, cascading waterfalls, secret jungle pools and colourful birdlife.

Captain Cook Cruises even offer a honeymoon package which features breakfast in bed, sparkling wine and luxurious massages during your cruise through the islands.

WEDDING REGISTRATION

If you’re planning to get married in Fiji, you’ll need to take care of a few formalities beforehand. Couples will need to attend a registry office on one of the islands with their passports, birth certificates and written parental consent if under 21.

You’ll also need to send photocopies of these documents at least two weeks ahead of time and then sign a marriage license when you arrive.

Apart from that, getting married and honeymooning in Fiji is pretty straightforward. Just decide on your wedding theme, book your accommodation and get ready for the most beautiful and romantic time of your life.

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