Fiji is every inch the Pacific island perfection. Consisting of 322 islands and 522 smaller islets, the two most important islands are Viti Levu and Vanua Levu. They are mountainous, with peaks up to 1,300 metres, and covered with thick tropical forests. A yacht charter in Fiji allows you to experience the country’s melting pot of indigenous, Indian, Chinese and European cultures and traditions. No Fiji yacht charter is complete without a tour of the pristine waters and white-sand beaches of the Yasawa Islands to the north-west coast of Viti Levu.
After landing at Nadi airport and embarking your charter yacht in Denarau Marina, you will slip the lines and cruise to Vanua Levu, Fiji’s second largest island and considered by many to be the tropics’ best-kept secrets. The island’s protected southern bay of Savusavu is popular for mooring, and a great spot from which to head out on snorkelling and scuba diving adventures. Ashore you can hike through the lush tropical forest or visit the quaint villages such as Labasa. In the afternoon, make your way to the Yasawa Islands’ Waya Island and the Namara village to experience the traditional Sevu Sevu welcome ceremony.
After breakfast on the aft deck, enjoy the waters of your anchorage with a kayak expedition to a nearby beach or jump into the water with a snorkel around Fantasy Reef. A picnic lunch on the beach is followed by a cruise to the Blue Lagoon Island, of Hollywood film fame. Next morning, head out for a swim with flocks of majestic manta rays at Tokatokaunu Pass. Round up the day with a traditional beach ‘lovo’ dinner with food cooked on buried hot rocks, with the haunting sound of traditional Fijian music floating on the air.
Head north to the Yasawa group’s outermost island, Liku-Yasawa Ira. From your anchorage it will be impossible to resist the allure of the bright turquoise waters, whether you are enjoying the water toys or bobbing about with a snorkel over the local reef. As evening draws in, have a try at night fishing or the bravest may embark on a night dive. The next day, head out in the tender to explore the island’s shoreline then head to a local village for a ‘meke’ traditional dance performance.
Cruise to Sawa-i-Lau to explore the magical underwater limestone caves, accessed via an underwater tunnel. Enjoy a hike on the island, or stay in the alluring water for more snorkelling and diving, perhaps followed by a massage on board.
En route back to Viti Levu, enjoy one last dive around the resort island of Vomo and a beach picnic before you return to Denarau for the flight home.
With 300 islands dotted around Viti Levu and Vanua Levu, the two major islands, you are spoiled for choice on a yacht charter in Fiji. Divide your time between exploring the world’s most beautiful reefs, visiting the friendly village outposts and hiking through pristine rainforests.
On a Tahiti yacht charter, you truly experience the South Pacific dream. Drop anchor in flat-calm lagoons encircled by chains of uninhabited low islands or ‘motu’, while local Maohi fishermen in outrigger canoes paddle up to offer you the day’s catch.
Recline in the shade of a swaying palm tree, cocktail in hand, while your charter yacht sits in the flat-calm lagoon waters of your own private ‘motu’ and the children explore the local reef with the crew. From the chic restaurants and spas of Papeete to the remote anchorages and pristine forest of the remote islands, Tahiti is a Polynesian Paradise.