The island nation has been independent since 1970, after more than a century as a British colony. However, there has been political unrest in the country, after a coup by the military in 2006. Travelers are advised to check with the State Department for any Travel Warnings before planning a trip and before leaving for one.
Here are five unusual things to do in Fiji, both underwater and in the air:
Snorkel the Reef
Right near the beaches of Kuata and Waya Lailai Island is an amazing reef teeming with wildlife. You can explore the area and even check out the reef sharks around the outer reef, which are fed by the guides. Be sure to bring an underwater camera to capture the action. Snorkeling allows anyone to get under the water to see all the fish and sea creatures without scuba equipment or training. Check with your hotel or local guides. We used a local outfit called awesomefiji.com and they delivered what they promised.
Learn to Dive
Love snorkeling? Why not take some time to get certified as a PADI scuba diver. Anyone over age 10 can get certified and there is PADI, an international organization that sets safety standards. You can even start the learning process online at home, and finish in the water once you arrive in Fiji. Check PADI.COM for a local certified dive instructor in Fiji.
Sawailau Cave Diving
Many tourists take the boat trip to see the amazing caverns on the Yasawa Islands but the best experience is to swim to the main cavern, reachable only by swimming. Using an experienced guide or tour operator, they will guide you to swim through an underwater tunnel, swimming underwater, leading you to the main cavern, which is truly breathtaking. It's like a church, but all made by nature. This was one of the highlights of our trip. We traveled to the cave by boat, no scuba equipment was required and it was not very strenuous. We used awesomefiji.com for this trip as well, who were recommended by our hotel.
Jump Out of A Plane
Check out Fiji's beautiful waters and reefs from an airplane and really see the formation and geology of the area. Then jump out of the plane at 14,000 feet, harnessed to a tandem parachute and a professional skydiver. After a few minutes of sheer terror as you freefall through the air, your chute opens and you float towards the islands below. Prices start from about $215. for 15 seconds of freefall and go up, the higher you do, up to 60 seconds of freefall for about $315. You will also want to pay the additional fee for your own DVD and photos of the experience.
Skydive Fiji
PO Box 9892
Nadi Airport, Fiji
Phone: (679) 9924079
skydivefiji.com.fj
Visit A Museum
The Fiji Museum is wonderful collection of both artwork and artifacts representing the history of islands. The artwork is amazing, but we loved both the furniture and the ancient tools and artifacts. Its a great way to spend a quiet afternoon after your outdoor adventures and will also help you learn about the history of this special island and it's people.
Fiji Museum
PO Box 2023 Govt. Bldgs,
Suva, Fiji Islands
Phone: (679) 3315944
fijimuseum.org.fj
Political information from United States Central Intelligence Agency The World Factbook Fiji
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