Southern Lau - Pacific Islands Cruise

Before the sun sets, take an afternoon snorkel, swim or dive on the third largest reef in the world, the Great Sea Reef. Settle into a sunset cocktail and enjoy a welcome dinner on board as you are introduced to the crew onboard MS Caledonian Sky

Located right on the edge of the Great Astrolabe Reef, Buliya is bordered by white sandy beaches and slender coconut palms, a picture-postcard Fijian paradise. Buliya is Fiji’s fourth largest island whose villages and residents are discovered on a welcome guided hike with our ship’s crew. It’s a beautiful island base to complete a refreshing ocean swim or take a book and laze on its magnificent white sandy beaches. There’s a chance to swim and snorkel with serene manta rays in Buliya’s pristine shallow waters and for divers, the world’s fourth largest reef Great Astrolabe is calling!

The volcanic island of Matuku is part of a group of islands in the Lau archipelago known as Yasayasa Moala. The island is historically significant as it is the subject of debate as to whether or not the island was conquered by the Tongans led by the Tongan Prince Enele Ma'afu. Today, the residents are proudly Fijian in their culture and in defiance of the Tongans Matuku is the only island in Lau where the villagers do not wear the traditional Masi or Ta’ovala around their waist. Between 1840 and 1853 when Ma’afu was trying invade the island, the Cakobau (King) of Fiji was protected on Matuku by the people and ultimately returned to his home island of Bau. Evidence of the fierce battles remain including ring ditches and war fortifications from the era can be found around the island. Highlights of a visit include joining a guided hike to discover the island’s history and visit Lomati, one of its five villages.

This morning you’ll visit one of the Lau islands’ most twinkling jewels, Fulaga Island. Sometimes known as Komo Island, Fulaga is an extinct volcano crater and is famous for its crystal-clear lagoons, colourful tropical fish and vibrant corals. You’ll have a chance to swim in this magnificent aqua blue paradise and meet local villagers who’ll be happy to welcome you to their home and share their traditionally crafted woodcarvings and handicrafts.

This afternoon we arrive at Yagasa Island for snorkelling, swimming, coral viewing and kayaking. Plan your snorkel around the magnificent collection of coral bommies rich with marine life and beautiful coral gardens. Sea life is diverse and abundant here at Yagasa.

Come ashore on the chalky white beach of this uninhabited and sacred island of Vuaqava. A beautiful, guided hike through the lush vegetation leads to the centre of the island where an inland lake - known for its resident turtles, snakes and amazing bird life -spreads out before you. It’s a great spot to have a swim or just enjoy the tranquility. On the return you may notice the relics from a time last century when the island was used to isolate Cholera victims during an outbreak. When you return to the island’s shore you may be treated to a locally prepared delicacy of coconut crabs on the beach, or perhaps take a refreshing swim in the aqua blue water?

This afternoon you’ll be welcomed and entertained by the people of the Naikeleyaga Village on the island of Kabara. Legend has it that the extraordinary white sand of Kabara is so fine you can’t wash it out of your hair. Known for its wood turning and Tongan heritage, Kabara is famous in Fiji as the home of wood carving. Experience a traditional Meke, Sevusevu & lovo here which is quite different  from most you will find in Fiji.

Today’s island visit heads to the tiny horse-shoe shaped Totoya Island with its deep-water volcanic crater. Totoya is the smallest island in the Yasayasa Moala Group. The high reef surrounding Totoya makes it a popular boating destination with its fascinating water passages and it’s also home to a world-famous surfing break. An important part of Totoya is the sacred passage "Daveta Tabu". Tradition has it that if visitors or locals wish to pass through this passage, they must follow traditional protocol by observing utter complete silence and to be seated in the traditional manner (seated cross-legged with feet resting beneath the knees for gentlemen and for ladies, legs bent at knees resting on the side). This protocol is adhered to to this day.

The island also runs a successful coconut farming operation, which is its main export. We visit a local school and the children will surprise you with their entertainment and be proud to show you their work. We’ll also have the opportunity to explore the local reefs for some outstanding diving and snorkeling. If you thought the snorkeling and coral viewing in Fiji couldn’t get any better, it just did.

Spend the afternoon experiencing one of Fiji’s most beautiful islands, Vatulele. A beautiful aquamarine lagoon surrounds Vatulele which offers fabulous snorkelling and some extraordinary dive sites. Vatulele is the most famous place in Fiji for the craft of tapa, the traditional bark cloth. The ladies of the village might share their knowledge and teach you how it is done. As you explore the island, you’ll discover the sacred and protected red prawns.

An exiting island stop including Fiji’s famous firewalking tradition and ceremonies. The story of firewalking in Fiji begins around 500 years ago here on the island of Beqa, when there were only around 50 people living in the village of Nakarovu. The special firewalking powers are specific to the descendent of Tuinaiviqalita, the subject of legend. Beqa also offers the opportunity to dive with sharks, and there’s also a chance to book in for an optional sport fishing experience at Beqa.

Return to Nadi for a 9:00am disembarkation. After breakfast, the crew will bid you farewell in song including their traditional Fijian ‘Isa Lei’ as they say ‘sototale’ or ‘see you again’.

Itineraries subject to change due to weather and other operational requirement.