NORTHERN LAU EXPEDITION

DAY 1.

TIVUA PRIVATE ISLAND

Arrive at the Captain Cook Cruises Fiji check-in counter in Port Denarau this morning to check in for your cruise. Board Caledonian Sky and set sail over a light lunch as we cruise to Tivua Island. Spend the afternoon exploring the coral gardens, coral planting and clam rearing cages or a scenic walk through the island before enjoying a South Pacific sunset back onboard.

DAY 2.

MAKOGAI

Discover a fascinating piece of Pacific history on your locally guided walking tour through the jungle. You’ll explore the ruins of a former leper colony and snorkel over giant clam gardens in the island’s turtle sanctuary. Back onshore, you’ll have the opportunity to join the island’s church service and be entertained by the local villagers and children with their traditional song and dance.

DAY 3.

VATUVARA

Today you’ll explore one of Fiji’s most beautiful marine parks at Vatu Vara. This majestic island rises out of the Pacific with a 305-metre-high summit, giving it the nickname ‘Hat Island’. The volcanic and limestone island is just three kilometres in diameter and home to both a bird sanctuary and a National Park. Vatu Vara is also home to the world’s largest land arthropods, the coconut crab.

DAY 4.

WAILAGILALA

Today includes a discovery of its seabird nesting colony and marine ecosystem that makes it a nationally significant island. Literally translated as "no water or rain", Wailagi Lala is famous for crystal-clear waters and many say that the tiny atoll is the only true atoll in Fiji. Dominated by a 1909 cast iron lighthouse (now abandoned and reaching some 29 metres in height) the sand island is surrounded by spectacular lagoon and coral reefs. Feel chalky white sand between your toes as you explore paradise.

DAY 5.

QILA QILA & MAGO ISLAND

On today’s visit you’ll encounter hot springs and have a chance to swim in crystal-clear waters amidst a labyrinth of mushroom-shaped rock formations and islets. Spot an endemic Fijian free-tailed bat as you explore and swim through the easily accessible caves.

Enjoy lunch onboard as we steam towards Mago Island. On today’s visit you’ll have the opportunity to visit the cult village, Namalata. The reefs around Mago Island are diverse and pristine, making diving a must-do.

DAY 6.

LAKEBA

Discover interesting historical sites and Chiefly Village on a guided tour. Key figures in Fiji’s political history including Ratu Sukuna and Ratu Mara are buried here as are the remains of the Tongan King and conqueror of much of the Lau, Ma’afu. Next follow the path of explorer Captain William Bligh who travelled in his 12-foot boat from Tonga through Lomaivit to Vatu-I-ra.

DAY 7.

VATU-I-RA & NANNAU-I-RA

Natural beauty surrounds you in this large conservation park where you’ll enjoy Vatu-i-ra island as well as explore the large surrounding barrier reef. The island is a haven for breeding seabirds, earning it the nickname “Bird Island”. Dolphins, whales, sea turtles and more than 100 species of fish populate the diverse marine ecosystems surrounding the island Today we’ll visit the northern coast of Fiji’s largest island Viti Levu for our customary swim, snorkel, beachcombing or possibly take a hike. After lunch we go ashore before we begin our homeward journey. Don your favourite island attire and join all the celebrations of our Pacific Island Night Finale.

DAY 8.

LAUTOKA

Enjoy breakfast onboard as we return to Lautoka for a 9:00am disembarkation. Our crew bid you farewell in song including their traditional Fijian ‘Isa Lei’ as they say ‘sototale’ or ‘see you again’. Transfers will be available to the Airport, Port Denarau hotels and the Port Denarau Marina.