TRAVEL continued
species and rays. There are many passages, swim-throughs, and caverns between the numerous islands and reef structures for drift dives to encounter manta rays, sharks, turtles, marlin, tuna, giant trevally, mahi-mahi, snappers, and other large and small fish amid the corals in this pristine reef area. A bit of everything can be found here, including a large colony of Cabbage plate corals. Northern Diving – Yasawa Island Group: A flight north of Nadi will take you to the Yasawa Island Group that is part of the Great Sea Reef that is another protective barrier reef that blocks the rest of Fiji from storm surges and giant waves. These islands have a wild western side and calmer eastern shores. This mixture of environments ensures one of
modestly when visiting, covering bare shoulders and legs while not wearing sunglasses or hats. If entering a village building first remove your shoes and don’t take photos of any villagers without first asking permission. One of the most common traditions for visitors is to par- ticipate in a kava ceremony which is usually part of a “sevusevu” welcoming ceremony. Kava is the ground dried root powder from a pepper plant that is added to a straining cloth and mixed with cold water and squeezed out into a co- conut shell cup. Visitors sit on a mat and must first clap once to accept the cup and say “Bula” (which is “hello”). The Fijian host usually asks if you want a “high tide” (full cup) or “low tide” (half cup). The visitor must drink the cup all at
the highest concentrations of marine and coral life in the Great Sea Reef, but the logistics of diving here makes it one of the least explored regions of Fiji. The approximately 300 other smaller islands of Fiji are scattered in the eastern region of the island group and generally are “off the beaten path,” but there is no indication they don’t host just as amazing diving en- vironments as the popular larger is- lands. Fiji’s dive scene has plenty of room for growth. History of Fiji: Melanesian tribes migrated east from the Papua New Guinea area until they inhabited the islands of Fiji between 1,500-1,000 BC and continued eastward. The Melanesian people, a mix of migrants from Africa and the Philippines, have a tribal culture that exists today in separate villages. The discovery of sandalwood in
once and then clap three times and say “Vinaka” (thank you) to show your appreciation. Fiji Logistics: Many major airlines fly into the international airport in Nadi and the country’s own Fiji Air- ways has opened many international non-stop flights to attract tourists. The Fijian Dollar is the main cur- rency on the islands and major credit cards and bank debit cards are ac- cepted in tourist areas and resorts. Tipping is not common as most bills include a service charge. Fiji’s standard voltage is 240 (50 Hz) and the most common plug type is the Type I pat- tern with three flat pins arranged in a triangular shape. Water temperatures range from 82F (28C) in the summer to 77F (25C) in the winter. Fiji primarily has only two seasons with winter months (May to November) offering better visibility during the dry season, while the
1804 in Vanua Levu led to a rush of European traders visiting Fiji. The British annexed Fiji in late 1874 and began establishing plantations across the islands. The British had to import thousands of indentured workers from India for these plantations and descendants now make up about a third of Fiji’s current population. Fiji finally separated from Great Britain in 1970 when it became a commonwealth and later a republic in 1987. Fijian Culture: Visitors to Fijian villages should dress
summer months (December to April) offer calmer seas during the rainy season. If a decompression chamber is needed after a dive emergency, then there is one next to the Nadi Interna- tional Airport.
Fiji is not a ‘one-and-done’ dive trip destination as there are too many islands to explore on just one journey, so be prepared to plan return visits to the “Soft Coral Capital of the World.”
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FORTY-THREE| SCUBA DIVING INDUSTRY
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