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. Enjoy an afternoon of beach activities at Captain Cook Cruises’ own Tivua Private Island. As you explore the beautiful coral gardens of Tivua you’ll be surrounded by magnificent aquamarine waters and500 acres of thriving coral gardens. Paddle, snorkel, dive to explore or join our sustainability journey by planting a coral in our coral nursery while you’re there. Return to the MS Caledonian Sky and enjoy a wonderful welcome dinner as you cruise towards a South Pacific sunset.

DAY 2.

vatu-i-ra & MAKOGAI

Sealife and natural beauty surround you in this large conservation park where you’ll enjoy Vatu-i-ra island and the surrounding barrier reef. Some of the world’s best coral reef dives await here at Vatu-i-ra. The island is also a haven for breeding seabirds, earning it the nickname “Bird Island”. Black noddies, red-footed and brown boobies, lesser frigatebirds and several species of tern all call Vatu-I-ra home. Dolphins, whales, sea turtles and more than 100 species of fish populate the diverse marine ecosystems surrounding the island. It’s a natural treasure trove just waiting to be discovered!

Discover a fascinating piece of Pacific history on your locally guided walking tour through the jungle on Makogai Island. You'll explore the ruins of a former leper colony which was run by the Catholic nuns from 1911 until the 1960's. 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.

VANUAVATU

Vanuavatu, one of Fiji's least accessible islands, is distinguished by its Barrier Reef, inner shoal, and phosphate richness. Vanuavatu boasts some of Lau's finest beaches and is surrounded by a lagoon. Here we will experience the islands rich culture through performances and here of its interesting oral traditions, where they say Ma’afu was believed to have been killed, and his body taken for burial on Lakeba, the Chiefly Island. Vanuavatu also offers excellent snorkeling and diving.

DAY 4.

CICIA ISLAND

Today explore the pristine beauty of Cicia Island. As the only organic island in Fiji, it boasts untouched landscapes, free from fertilizers, pesticides and herbicides. Renowned for its coconut and Dilo oil, the island offers an authentic taste of nature. Spend the morning on a tour of cultural immersion with village visits, traditional dances, and school interactions. In the afternoon, dive into the crystal-clear waters for beach activities and discover vibrant coral reefs teeming with big fish.

DAY 5.

VANUA BALAVU (BAY OF ISLANDS)

Immerse yourself in the beautiful scenery, pristine reefs, tiny islands and hidden caves of the Bay of Islands at QilaQila, on the northwest end of Vanua Balavu, the main island of the Northern Lau group and the third largest in Fiji’s Lau archipelago. The traditional owners of Qilaqila are the iTaukei, the mataqalis from Mavana Village. All visitors to Qilaqila must do sevu sevu - a ceremony of greeting – on arrival and have received permission from the village elders of Daliconi Village to visit. 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 or a white tailed tropic bird (Phaethon lepturus) as you explore and swim through the easily accessible caves.

DAY 6.

VATUVARA & YACATA ISLANDS

Explore one of Fiji’s most beautiful marine parks at Vatuvara. 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 kilometers in diameter and home to both a bird sanctuary and a National Park. Vatuvara is also home to the world’s largest land arthropods, the coconut crab. The traditional mythical guardian of Vatuvara is the sea goddess or nymph named Sakulawe.

This afternoon discover Yacata Island, another bay adorned with mesmerizing coral formations. The beaches here are nestled between rocky outcrops, creating a magical hideaway. Once inside, the beauty is spellbinding. Sink your toes into the soft sand and marvel at the abundance of coconut crabs scuttling about. Join the locals on the beach for a ‘’sigidrigi’’ or local sing along with Kava. Yacata Island offers a secluded paradise waiting to be explored.

DAY 7.

KORO ISLAND

Embark on an afternoon of wonder at Koro Island's Dere Bay, nestled on the western edge. Dive into the crystal-clear waters to explore vibrant soft coral reefs, renowned as the finest in the Lomoviti group. Later, immerse yourself in the rich cultural tapestry of Nabuna. Indulge in a traditional Lovo feast, while being captivated by cultural dances. Experience genuine cultural immersion under the moonlit sky, fostering positive connections and unforgettable memories.

DAY 8.

DISEMBARK 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 ‘soto tale’ or ‘see you again’. Transfers will be available to the Airport, Port Denarau hotels and the Port Denarau Marina.