5h 30m
Description
No other Fiji day tour has attracted more glowing and enthusiastic reviews than the Jewel of Fiji trip, a fantastic Fiji Combo Day Tour that includes:
- A motorised longboat cruise up the Navua River
- A refreshing swim at the Magic Waterfall
- Bamboo rafting (the original Fijian mode of transport!)
- A visit to a traditional Fijian village, for an incredible cultural experience
What to Expect
Embark on the remarkable Jewel of Fiji tour, a captivating adventure that immerses you in the natural beauty and vibrant culture of Fiji. Your journey begins with a serene longboat ride along the unspoiled Navua River, where the sights and sounds of nature envelop you, creating a profound sense of tranquility and awe.
The adventure unfolds with an enchanting opportunity to swim in the cascading waterfalls that flow from the lush rainforest. The cool, crystal-clear waters offer a refreshing escape from the tropical heat, rejuvenating your senses with each dive and splash. Navua River’s Largest Waterfall, reachable with an approximate hour’s journey upriver and a five-minute walk into the wilderness to the first pool, can accommodate up to 100 people. For the more adventurous, our guides are on hand to guide you to the grander falls. It’s worth noting that Discover Fiji Tours, as the tour operator, holds the exclusive right from the indigenous owners to access these picturesque waterfalls.
The adventure continues as you embark on an exhilarating bamboo rafting experience, gracefully gliding along the gentle river currents. The rhythmic flow of the river beckons you into a tranquil state of contemplation, revealing a magnificent landscape filled with towering trees, vibrant flora, and the diverse wildlife that call this place home. On the raft tour, you’ll enjoy a leisurely ride on the unsinkable “HMS BILIBILI,” also known as the HMS No Come Back, a reenactment of the age-old means of river transport used by our ancestors before roads and motors were introduced. This smooth, motor-free ride lets you go with the river’s gentle flow for a minimum of 30 minutes.
But the adventure doesn’t conclude there. This tour also includes a visit to an authentic Fijian village, where you have the unique privilege of immersing yourself in the local culture. Warmly welcomed by the villagers, you’ll engage in meaningful interactions that provide a profound appreciation for the Fijian people’s warm hospitality, their deep connection to nature, and their vibrant heritage. During the village visit, a Fijian Warrior will escort you to the village meeting house (bure) for a customary welcome yaqona (kava) ceremony, a sacred ritual reserved for esteemed guests.
Highlights of the village visit include:
- Learning about the village’s history, established by the lone Englishman, John Humphrey Danford, in the early 1800s.
- Thrilling war dance performances by the village’s young men.
- Exploring native root crops, fruits, vegetables, herbal medicine, and kava plants.
- Joining in the “taralala & tuboto” (Snake Dance).
- Shopping for village handicraft souvenirs.
- Witnessing the unveiling of your lovo lunch (cooked underground).
- Observing women weaving Fijian mats.
- Enjoying women’s folk dances.
- Learning about coconut by-products.
- Experiencing Tapa painting.
- Concluding with a farewell song, “Isa Lei.”
The Navua River Jewel of Fiji tour is an unforgettable adventure that captures the essence of Fiji’s natural beauty and rich cultural heritage. It invites you to explore, discover, and connect with this beautiful land, leaving you with cherished memories that will last a lifetime. Embark on this extraordinary journey and let the Navua River enchant you with its breathtaking wonders.