Fiji is all those images of the tropical island paradise you have ever dreamed of on a cold, wet day in Europe. Gentle, warm breezes, crystal clear seas lapping deserted beachs, swaying palms, friendly, smiling people – it is a slice of heaven on earth, where ‘Fiji time’ prevails, ensuring that life is experienced at a more relaxed pace.
Sunny, unique and unspoiled, Fiji lies between 15’ and 22’ south of the equator and has over 330 islands with miles of pristine white sand beaches, fabulous coral gardens and verdant tropical rainforests that cling to mountains that were volcanic in origin.
The islands are a fascinating blend of cultures and colour and have something to offer all yacht visitors. Once known as the Cannibal Isles because of their ferocious natives, Fiji is now renowned for the friendliness of its people.
The islands were first settled by the Lapita people – ancient Polynesians – and later Melanesians. The first European to visit them was Dutchman Abel Tasman who stopped off in 1643 while looking for the Great Southern Continent. Captain Cook also anchored off the islands in 1774, but credit for their ‘discovery’ and recording goes to Captain William Bligh who sailed through the islands in 1789 and 1792 following the mutiny on HMS Bounty. The first European settlers were shipwrecked sailors and runaway convicts from the Australian penal colonies, followed by missionaries and sandalwood traders.
Fiji was ceded to Britain in 1874, soon after which a measles epidemic wiped out nearly a third of the population. However, the colonial government forbade land sales, implemented health campaigns and gradually the population recovered. In 1970 the country gained independence. Just over 50 per cent of the present day population is Fijian, and a large chunk of the balance is made up of Indians (descendants of the indentured labourers who were brought in from 1879 to 1916 to work on the sugar plantations), with a smaller proportion being part-Europeans, Chinese and other Pacific islanders.
Port Denarau is the ideal place to start a Fijian cruise as it is located only 15 minutes from Nadi International Airport and can berth yachts up 60 metres with on the dock fuel, power, water and WiFi. Within walking distance there are seven high end hotels, an international 18 hole golf course, a supermarket, shopping centre, bars, restaurants and marine services. However, if you want to experience the true nature and generous hospitality of the Fijian people a voyage to the outer islands is essential.
Fiji enjoys a mild, tropical climate, with warm dry winters from May to October and a warmer wet season from November to April. The word ‘winter’ may be misleading as temperatures average around 29 degrees and the weather is settled with blue sunny skies. At all seasons the winds over Fiji are light or moderate and the trade winds are predominant from the east to south-east.
Itinerary 10 day cruise around Fiji’s Mamanuca and Yasawa IslandsWalk deserted beaches, snorkel in azure waters, swim with manta rays, hike up island peaks and share kava with villagers on this cruise through two leeward island chains in Fiji |
Feature Port Denarau Marina – Fiji’s first superyacht marinaFiji's first superport has berths for visiting superyachts up to 75m, a retail hub with everything from restaurants and bars to doctors and beauty salons and a boat yard for essential maintenance and repairs |
Fact file Fiji fact fileThe lowdown on all the practicalities and preparation, cultural nous and knowledge of local customs needed to make any cruise around Fiji a holiday in paradise |
&qlt=65&resMode=sharp4)
&qlt=65&resMode=sharp4)
&qlt=65&resMode=sharp4)
