11 Night Lau & Kadavu Discovery Cruise by Captain Cook

Embark on a voyage of discovery to a part of Fiji rarely seen by tourists - the Lau Islands and Kadavu.

ABOUT THE CRUISE

• Discover islands and reefs rarely visited by tourists.
• Visit the amazing Bay of Islands – a magnificent location with many limestone islands.
• Be treated to a song and dance by children of all ages from a local village.
• Snorkelling, glass bottom boat & dive opportunities daily.
• Swim in some of the most pristine and clear waters that the Lau group has to offer.
• Island Night, kava, meke & lovo feast.

Departing from Port Denarau, Nadi the first stop is on the southern coast of Taveuni the Garden Island. Lavena is on a rugged coast of waterfalls and you will have the opportunity to hike along a village track for a freshwater swim. We cruise on to the most northern island of Lau – Wailagilala where we will explore the island, the ruin of an old lighthouse, nesting turtles, snorkel untouched reefs.

Next stop, Vanuabalavu the largest island of the Lau. Here learn about Ma’âfu, the Tongan Prince and explore the pristine waters. From here we cruise to the nearby Qilaqila, known for its pristine waters and mushroom-shaped islands. Explore some amazing caves and incredible reefs in aqua lagoons.

Continuing on we pass Lakeba & Moce to Oneata where the village invites us to their Church on the hill. Fulaga or Komo Island is our next stop. Both are extinct volcano craters and known for their crystal lagoons and amazing corals.  This afternoon we arrive at one of the Yagasa Islands, for snorkelling, swimming, coral viewing or kayaking. We then visit uninhabited Vuaqava and its central lake where you can explore and view turtles, snakes & amazing bird life.

Be welcomed & entertained by the people of Naikeleyaga Village on the island of Kabara or Komo known for their woodturning and Tongan heritage. Experience a traditional Meke, Sevusevu & lovo quite different from the traditional Fijian.

Horse-shoe shaped Totoya Island is our destination today. We will visit a local school and the children will surprise you with their entertainment and show you their work.  We will also have the opportunity to explore their reefs.

Most days offer the opportunity to snorkel, swim and Scuba Dive the pristine waters of the beautiful Lau group.

Day 1 Tuesday – TIVUA ISLAND
Enjoy an afternoon of beach activities at Tivua Island, followed by a wonderful welcome dinner as you cruise into a south pacific sunset.

Day 2 Wednesday – MAKOGAI ISLAND
Take part in a traditional Fijian ceremony at Makogai Island and a walking tour of the old leper colony, closed to lepers since mid last century. Snorkel over giant clam gardens in this turtle sanctuary and be visited by the local primary school children who will entertain you with their traditional song and dance.

Day 3 Thursday – TAVEUNI
Explore a beautiful beach on the rugged southern coastline of Taveuni at Lavena, hike to a spectacular waterfall and freshwater pool and, enjoy a picnic lunch ashore and a chat with the locals. There is also a guided kayak tour along the coast, weather permitting.

Day 4 Friday – WAILAGILALA
Explore the remains of a disused lighthouse and snorkel with the abundant fish life on Wailagilala, the most northern island of Lau.

Day 5 Saturday – VANUA BALAVU
Immerse yourself in the amazing scenery, pristine reefs, strange mushroom-shaped islands and hidden caves of the Bay of Island at Qilaqila, on the northwest end of Vanua Balavu.

Day 6 Sunday – ONEATA
We will arrive at Oneata where the local people will welcome us at their Methodist Tongan Church for a Sunday Service. The harmonies of the Oneata choir will inspire you.

Day 7 Monday – FULAGA ISLAND/KOMO ISLAND
The ship has an early start today to cruise to Fulaga Island or Komo Island. Both are extinct volcano craters and known for their crystal lagoons and amazing corals. This afternoon we arrive at one of the Yagasa Islands, for snorkelling, swimming, coral viewing or kayaking.

Day 8 Tuesday – VUAQAVA ISLAND
Explore the uninhabited sacred island of Vuaqava in the centre of a lake, known for turtles, snakes and amazing bird life. You may be treated to a locally prepared delicacy of coconut crabs on the beach.

Day 9 Wednesday – KABARA ISLAND
Be welcomed and entertained by the people of Naikeleyaga Village on the island of Kabara, known for their woodturning and Tongan heritage and experience a traditional Meke, Sevusevu and lovo quite different from the traditional Fijian.

Day 10 Thursday – TOTOYA ISLAND
Horse-shoe shaped Totoya Island is our destination today. We will visit a local school and the children will surprise you with their entertainment and show you their work. We will also have the opportunity to explore their reefs.

Day 11 Friday – KADAVU ISLAND
We arrive in Kadavu and head to the Village of Nalotu for a welcome Sevusevu then a tour of the village where you can witness the making of traditional fishing traps and pottery. The women of Nalotu village still make clay pottery in the time honoured traditions that are rarely seen in Fiji.

Day 12 Saturday – PORT DENARAU
Disembark at Port Denarau feeling refreshed, relaxed and ready to do it all again.

CRUISE ACTIVITIES & INCLUSIONS

• All meals & entertainment
• Daily island stopovers & water activities
• Guided island, village & school tours
• 24-hour self-service tea & coffee bar
• Use of snorkelling equipment & mini gym
• Tropical island lovo feast & kava ceremony
• Snorkelling & glass bottom boat tours to reefs rarely visited
• Kids Club including early dinner (5-9yrs)
• Transfers at the end of your cruise

BONUS FEATURES

• Swimming pool and a top deck spa pool
• Massage & beauty services (optional)
• Scuba diving - certified & introductory (optional)
• Mini-gym & meeting room
• Easy access small boat launching platform
• Choice of 4 accommodation levels
• Friendly Fijian crew with a wealth of local knowledge
• A mix of both male & female crew
• WIFI located in the Tabua Suites, Yasawa Lounge, Pool Deck and on the sundeck

ABOUT THE SHIP

MV Reef Endeavour is a small cruise ship catering for 130 passengers over 4 accommodation levels. Her small size allows her to negotiate remote islands, reefs & shallow bays where bigger ships are unable to go, showcasing the real Fiji and giving our passengers a true cultural experience.

Reef Endeavour Accommodation Features

• A total of 64 suites, staterooms and cabins
• Private bathroom ensuite
• On/off air-conditioning
• Hair dryer & international shaver point
• 240-volt power
• Shampoo, soaps and towels
• Internal telephone
• Serviced daily
• Each cabin is approximately 14 sq metres

• Rates valid till the 31st March 2019, for prices beyond this date please contact us at info@hotfiji.deals
• Cruise Dates: 6th November 2018 and 5th March 2019
• Departs Denarau Marina at 1.00pm on Reef Endeavour.
• Returns Denarau Marina at 9:00am on Reef Endeavour.
• Book at least 30 days in advance of travel to get our special prices, these include extra discounts taken from our own commission PLUS save big time with NO credit card charges!

Book at least 30 days in advance of travel date to take advantage of our Early Bird Special (EBS) prices.