Reflections on Fiji

Fiji The Republic of Fiji is an archipelagic nation in the South Pacific, with over more than 330 islands (approx. a third of them are inhabited) and roughly 900.000 warm-hearted souls. Those Islands might be famous for their stunning white sand beaches, romantic resorts and amazing watersport facilities such as …

Sailing the Islands of Fiji

Mamanuca group Malolo Island For my very last sailing trip around Fiji, part of Melanisia, Captain Craig took me and his friends Thomas & Maureen (Tom & Momo) to the “Island of the resting sun” or Malolo Island part of the Mamanuca group. Again the wind was against us…. so …

Sightseeing around Nadi

Denerau Port – Nadi After sailing for over six weeks, I finally came back to Nadi. It was quite a contrast! A big ship with a very suitable name “Reef Endeavour” is sitting right on the reef to welcome you. We refilled our tanks and got a nice mooring spot. …

Kadavu group

Dravuni Island After leaving Levuka with almost the whole crossing dealing with dead down wind, Captain Craig decided to make a stop for the night at an anchorage in front of Dravuni Island, belonging to the Kadavu group.Just as we got settled in, we received a message from Dravuni to …

Levuka

The old capital city After sailing dead downwind combined with a lot of motoring we arrived around lunchtime at Levuka, the historicaly old capital city and so the oldest modern Fijian town. Levuka is located on Ovalau Island and renowned for its 19th century colonial architecture and as the former …

Makogai

The history of a leper colony Our next island to sail to was Makogai Island, located in Fiji’s Lomaiviti Archipelo. We soon found out about its incredible history. In 1908 the colonial government purchased this island to isolate leprosy patients from the mainland. A hospital was built to be openend …

Namena Marine Reserve

Snorkeling Our next stop for some snorkeling was at the famous Namena Marine Reserve, not far away from Savusavu. Established in 1997, Namena is the largest no-take reserve in Fiji. This reserve’s beautiful high-biodiversity reef boasts an incredible arry of invertebrates and corals, as well as over 1.200 fish species. …

Savusavu

Hidden Paradise Savusavu on Venua Levu is also known as Fiji’s “Hidden Paradise” as it has a lot to offer as a town, besides being a great central spot for several diving options. For me it became a kid of “Base Camp” as I first boarded SV Russula waiting for …

Vanua Levu: Viani Bay

Rabi Island & Buca Bay From Qamea we sailed to our next destination Rabi Island, also part of the Northern Division in Fiji, before heading back to Vanua Levu. Lots of rain… and almost getting there we heard a big squeaky sound. The sound and feeling were totally in sync. …

Qamea

Naiviivi The next morning we crossed over to the volcanic island Qamea, in Fiji’s Northern Division. Characterised by lush vegetation and high hills, this island doesn’t have any public roads. Six small settlements are connected by a footpath or otherwise can be reached by boat. We found a nice Anchorage …