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Sport & Activities
Watersports: Particularly well known for their soft coral reefs, Fiji’s islands offer excellent scuba diving and snorkelling. On Viti Levu, the best dive sites are found on the Coral Coast and Pacific Harbour (both on the western side), where the well-known Beqa Lagoon, the crater of an extinct volcano that measures 16km (10 miles) across, is often frequented by groups. About 12km (7 miles) off the Viti Levu coast, Vatulele is known for its red prawns, regarded as sacred by local people. Northwest of Viti Levu, divers may head to the Yasawa and Mamanuca island groups; to the south lies Kadavua, where the Astrolabe, Solo, Namalata and Tavuki reefs are located. Vanua Levua and Taveuni are particularly good for land-based diving, and ecologically-minded operators have buoyed dozens of sites to prevent damage from anchors. The best sites around these islands include the Somosomo Straits (home to the Great White Wall, one of Fiji’s most famous dive sites) and the Rainbow Reef (where over 20 dive sites can be found). Live-aboard dive tours are available to the more remote islands, such as Ngau, which has no resorts and where the local chief has to grant permission to dive the waters. Many hotels and resorts also offer opportunities to go sailing, windsurfing, waterskiing, canoeing, kayaking, parasailing, and game fishing. Surfing is a popular activity and surfers have a seemingly endless choice of locations to choose from. The famous ‘Cloud Breaker’ (six-metre wave) was found off shore at Tavarua, attracting surfers from around the world. Fiji’s waves typically break on coral reefs. Most of the well-known spots are on or near Viti Levu and can often only be reached by boat. Tavarua Island is another favourite surfing spot. There are several surf camps, notably on Beqa and Yanuca islands. Visitors should note that there are dangerous rip tides along the reefs, and should take appropriate precautions.
Adventure sports: The mangrove-lined tidal corridors can be explored on jet-boating trips, which depart every 15 minutes from Port Denauru, 7km (4 miles) from Nadi Town. Bamboo rafting (referred to locally as a ‘bilibili’ ride) is available along the streams and rivers.
Hiking: Fiji’s network of marked nature trails can be explored either individually or on organised guided walks. Activities such as birdwatching (as for example in the Colo-i-Suva Forest Park), ecotourism (studying the local fauna and flora) and swimming at the waterfalls are often combined with hiking tours. Visitors are reminded to respect local customs when passing through villages (see Social Conventions in the Social Profile section). The Lavena Coastal Walk starts at Lavena and follows the southeastern coastline of Taveuni, ending at the Wainabau Waterfalls; the Vidawa Forest Walk is a guided trip through the Bouma Forest Park. Marked trails (including wooden walkways and bridges) also exist in the Kula Eco Park, an area of coastal rainforest rich in wildlife (including fruit bats, parrots and marine turtles).
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