Kayaking, Culture and Manta Rays.... July 2024
Day 1 - Saturday, 20th
As the sun dipped below the horizon, our team gathered at the bar of our hotel in Nadi. Cocktails in hand, laughter filled the air as introductions flowed effortlessly. It felt as if we had been lifelong friends, the kind of instant connection that only happens when like-minded adventurers come together.
Our fabulous team dinner was a delightful mix of delicious food and lively conversation, punctuated with the excitement of receiving some fantastic WEA goodies and our team shirts. The highlight was the kayak tour briefing with Devin, our superstar guide from last year’s incredible trip, reigniting our confidence and excitement.
As we headed to bed, a mix of anticipation and nerves filled the air. Tomorrow, we set off to our base camp on Tavewa in the Yasawa Islands. The adventure of the next ten days awaited us, and we were more than ready to embrace it.
Day 2 - Sunday, 21st
We rose early for breakfast and took a bus to Port Denarau to board the Yasawa Flyer to Tavewa. Warm "Bulas!" greeted us as we boarded, and we quickly made friends with the beautiful local people. The five-hour boat ride was an adventure in itself, showcasing Fiji's stunning resorts and natural beauty. A surprise upgrade to the Captain’s Lounge made the journey even more special.
Disembarking was a thrilling adventure as we transferred our luggage from the big boat to a smaller one, praying our bags wouldn't end up in the ocean. Sione and Semi, our Fijian guides, welcomed us to our new home with open arms.
Walking up the most stunning beach to our base camp felt like stepping into a dream. Palm trees hung over the water, the sun shone on our faces, and the warm ocean lapped at our feet. Our kayaks awaited us, our tents were set up, and a traditional Lovo dinner was cooking—pure perfection!
A quick practice paddle, our first swim in Fijian waters, followed by Champagne as the sun set over the calm turquoise ocean. As if that wasn't magical enough, a full moon rose over the palm trees, creating an unforgettable backdrop.
Dinner was a feast of fish, chicken, pork, potatoes, sweet potatoes, and pumpkin cooked in coconut. Before dining, we shared our gratitudes, feeling immensely grateful for just the first 24 hours of this dreamlike adventure.
Day 3 - Monday, 22nd
Today’s Fijian word of the day: Yadra (Good morning).
And a good morning it was! We started the day by singing happy birthday to our beautiful Renee. After breakfast, we kayaked over to the actual Blue Lagoon for some morning kayaking, snorkeling, fish feeding, and more birthday songs and dancing.
Returning to base camp for lunch, we then spent the afternoon circumnavigating Tavewa Island. We encountered turtles, rays, and jumping fish during our first real sea kayak experience. Riding the waves back into camp left us on an exhilarating high, having paddled approximately 16 kms today—a super effort from these fabulous ladies.
We ended the day with a leisurely swim, a bit of Fireball and Baileys, and another amazing meal prepared by our incredible guides. A debrief about tomorrow’s plans, followed by lots of laughter over sleepy tea, and we were in bed by 8:30. For sea kayakers, that’s practically midnight!
Day 4 - Tuesday, 23rd
After breakfast, we packed the kayaks and started our paddle to Navotua—Sione’s village and our home for the next two nights. Paddling 12.6 kilometers into the wind over rolling waves, we stopped for lunch at the aptly named Sandy Banana Bread Beach for a much-needed rest.
With renewed energy, we tackled the final stretch around the point and into the village, pushing against the wind all the way. Encouragement and motivation from the team saw us land on the sandy beach of beautiful Navotua, where the village welcomed us like family. We visited the village chief's home, presenting a small bundle of kava to seek permission to enter their communal lands—a touching and meaningful tradition.
After setting up tents or settling into our simple but homely beach bures, we reflected on a big day with a total of 19.5 kms paddled. The sounds of the wind in the coconut palms and the ocean lapping the shores lulled us to sleep.
Today's Fijian words of the day: Sega na Lega (No worries) and Totoka (Awesome).
Day 5 - Wednesday, 24th
Happy birthday Melissa!
We boated from Navotua to Sawa-I-Lau Cave, and what a fun and wild ride it was! We were the first to arrive, allowing us to explore the cave on our own. Some of us ventured into the second chamber, an underwater swim of about three meters into a dimly lit cave. Robyn, a classically trained singer, sang "Amazing Grace," her voice echoing through the chamber, bringing tears to our eyes.
Our afternoon was spent visiting Navotua Infant School, where the children sang, danced, and shared their dreams with us. Future teachers, nurses, pilots, and engineers filled the room, and we joined in the dancing, pure happiness radiating throughout.
A relaxing afternoon followed, with some wandering the beach, souvenir shopping, getting massages, or chatting with the villagers. Dinner was another delicious feast, with local mud crab and land crab prepared by the village.
To celebrate Melissa and Renee’s birthdays, Sione and Semi baked and decorated a special cake. The evening ended with a MEKE, a celebration of singing and dancing, followed by a kava ceremony—laughter, songs, and a feeling of immense blessing.
Today's saying: Totoka Vakaciriloloma (Very, very, very, very awesome).
Day 6 - Thursday, 25th
Our last paddle day was another big one, but the team tackled it with determination and smiles. We covered 18.5 kilometers, initially paddling into a headwind before catching a tailwind that pushed us back to Tavewa for lunch.
After packing up our kayaking gear, we spent the afternoon snorkeling the beautiful reef just steps from our base camp. Rum punch made by our guides as the sun set was the perfect end to the kayaking section of our adventure. Around the dinner table, we shared the highlights of our journey so far, from kayaking 55.7 kilometers to snorkeling amazing reefs, but most importantly, the connections we made with the Fijian people and our fellow WEA kayakers.
Day 7 - Friday, 26th
The end of part one of our adventure and the start of part two—bittersweet! We packed our small fiberglass boat with all our bags and headed out to meet the Yasawa Flyer, waving goodbye to our new friends, Devin, Sione, Semi, and Mila.
Soon, we were back on the Yasawa Flyer, on our way to Barefoot Manta Island Resort, our home for the next three nights. Greeted with music and dancing, we settled into our fabulous beachfront bungalows. A hot shower after six days felt heavenly, and we gathered for happy hour cocktails, just taking it all in.
Barefoot Manta is a slice of paradise, with warm crystal-clear waters, lush coconut palms, and some of the best snorkeling in Fiji. It’s a very special place.
Day 8 - Saturday, 27th
Paradise, indeed. The people, the setting, the accommodation—everything was perfect. After breakfast, the manta call sounded, and we quickly gathered our snorkel gear to witness these magnificent creatures up close.
Later, we took a guided snorkel with a marine biologist on Sunset Beach, exploring the vibrant reef. Pinch-me moments continued with lunch, a hammock nap, another snorkel, happy hour, sunset drinks, a kava ceremony, dinner, and Fijian singing and dancing. Another glorious day in this beautiful country.
Day 9 - Sunday, 28th
Barefoot Manta proved to be action-packed! The morning started with some swimming with mantas, while others relaxed with a book. A guided snorkel from Sunrise Beach to Manta Beach and a hike to the lookout topped off the morning.
After lunch, we participated in a coral rescue session, planting new coral to keep the reef healthy. Seeing our rope corals from last year thriving was a proud moment. Sunset drinks on the beach followed by a night snorkel revealed a different side of the reef under torchlight—truly unique.
Another fabulous dinner, a cocktail or two, and we were off to bed, reflecting on yet another unforgettable day.
Day 10 - Monday, 29th
Our last day at Barefoot Manta was just as fabulous as the previous two. Manta swims, marine biology talks, guided snorkels, lookouts, lunch cocktails, and a general feeling of relaxation marked our day.
The staff’s heartfelt send-off, with singing and dancing, made our departure even more special. We boarded the Yasawa Flyer, headed back to the Tanoa International Hotel, where we had met 10 days ago as strangers but returned as a united family. Our themed dinner, "Get Your Buff On," saw us creatively wearing our buffs and celebrating the end of an extraordinary trip.
Day 11 - Tuesday, 30th
Departure day was filled with fond farewells. Some left early, while others managed a massage before catching their afternoon flight. As we said our goodbyes, we carried with us the unforgettable memories and deep connections forged during our incredible Women Embrace Adventure Fiji.
If you are keen to join us for this adventure in 2025, click here for all the exciting details: https://www.womenembraceadventure.com.au/events-1/fiji-2025-kayak-culture-mantas
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