Southern Lau Expedition

On arrival at Nadi International Airport, proceed through the airport immigration and customs hall. Once cleared our airport representative will be waiting to welcome you and transfer you to your hotel to check-in. You are free to relax or explore your resort and the surrounding area on your own. Overnight stay at hotel.

Arrive at the Captain Cook Cruises Fiji check-in counter at Port Denarau this morning to check in for your cruise. Board MS Caledonian Sky and set sail over a light lunch as we cruise towards Tivua Island. Enjoy an afternoon of beach activities at Captain Cook Cruises’ own Tivua Private Island. As you explore the beautiful coral gardens of Tivua you’ll be surrounded by magnificent aquamarine waters and 500 acres of thriving coral gardens. Paddle, snorkel, dive to explore or join our sustainability journey by planting a coral in our coral nursery while you’re there. Return to the MS Caledonian Sky and enjoy a wonderful welcome dinner as you cruise towards a South Pacific sunset.

Buliya is Fiji’s fourth largest island whose villages and residents are discovered on a guided hike with our ship’s crew. Later 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!

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 include joining a guided hike to discover the island’s history and visit Lomati, one of its five villages.

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. We arrive at Yagasa Island for snorkelling, swimming, coral viewing and kayaking. Snorkel around the magnificent collection of coral bommies rich with diverse and abundant marine life and beautiful coral gardens.

Today’s island visit heads to the tiny horse-shoe shaped Totoya Island with its deep-water volcanic crater. 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. 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.

• The story of firewalking in Fiji begins around 500 years ago on the island of Beqa, when there were only around 50 people living in the village of Nakarovu. Legend says the special firewalking powers are specific to the descendants of Tuinaiviqalita. Beqa also offers the opportunity to dive with sharks and a chance to book in for an optional sport fishing experience.
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A beautiful aquamarine lagoon surrounds Vatulele offering fabulous snorkelling and 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 share their knowledge and teach you how it is done. Exploring the island, you’ll discover the sacred and protected red prawns.

Enjoy breakfast onboard as we return to Lautoka for a 9:00am disembarkation. Our crew bid you farewell in song including their traditional Fijian ‘Isa Lei’ as they say ‘Soto Tale’ or ‘see you again’. Transfers will be available to the Airport, Port Denarau hotels and the Port Denarau Marina.

Please reconfirm your pick-up time with Tewaka at least 24 hours before departure. Spend the remainder of your time at your leisure. Take a walk to the shops or relax poolside. Your transfer will take you to Nadi International Airport for your return journey home.