Fiji Day 6 - Cruisin’ Fiji

It was another gloriously sunny day in Fiji. Our plan for today was to cruise to some nearby islands. So after breakfast, we headed to the lobby to wait for the tour operator, Cruisin’ Fiji, to pick us up. We were a little worried when they were late to pick us up, but they did show up they were just running on Fiji time.

Morning views

This tour was amazing. Alison and I didn’t have the highest expectations for this tour. We thought it would probably be good, but we also thought it could be a little hokey. Alison chose Cruisin’ Fiji because they were a small local company. The tour group was fairly small. There were 22 total guests and 7 tour operators. 

The plan was to make three stops among the Mamanuca. First, we would go to a sand bar about an hour from Denarau to go snorkeling. Then we would continue on to an island about 30 minutes away to do some more snorkeling. We would then make a stop at a final island about 5 minutes further, where we would eat lunch, explore, and play on the beach. 

The wind picked up on our way out, making for a bumpy ride. The boat was midsized, so it didn’t get tossed too much. When we arrived at the sand bar it was too choppy to safely anchor so the crew made the call to skip this stop. They assured us our next stop has better wind protection and would be much calmer. 

They were correct. The water was nice and smooth near Monu Island. We all jumped overboard and went snorkeling. Alison and I haven’t been into snorkeling since we really got into diving. We have gone a couple of times, but it was mostly disappointing. This snorkeling was excellent. We saw beds of beautiful coral. We also saw lots of clownfish, a couple of octopuses (they were pretty deep), and a Banded sea krait (which Alison hated). Also turns out the Banded sea krait is very toxic. So I should have been more like Alison and started swimming in the other direction when I saw it. I brought a special underwater case so I could bring my DSLR camera with me. I got some pretty great shots under the water. 

Banded Sea Krait

It is hard to see, but there is an octopus in this photo

The group was quite curious about my large underwater camera case

Then we popped over to Monuriki. This is the island featured in the film Castaway. It is also used for the reality TV show survivor. It is uninhabited, but our tour company has set up some canopies for us to use. We ate a traditional Fijian lunch under the canopies, while our tour operators serenaded us. Eating delicious food in this beautiful place with live music was dreamy. 

After lunch, we took a walking tour around the island. We saw the area where the plane crashes, where Tom Hanks catches fish, where he opens the coconut on a rock and more. We also saw the "Help Me" sign (although the driftwood that was in the movie has been long since used and it was recreated with coconuts). 

The rock Tom Hanks used in the movie to break open a coconut

The beach on this island was picture-perfect. The sand was white and soft and the water was clear and warm. We spent the afternoon relaxing in the ocean. This place was incredible. 

On the boat ride back we listened to music and had a great time. Our small group got along well and we became friends.

Back at the port, Alison and I walked back to our hotel to clean up before dinner. 

A common Fiji phrase translates to hello/welcome

The official water bottle of Fiji

One year ago Alison and I were on the adventure of a lifetime going on a safari in Africa. There have been a few moments these past few days that brought back vivid memories from that trip. For example, on the boat today they played the song Africa by Toto. At that moment I closed my eyes and I could smell the rain and see the landscape of the Serengeti. Or as we walk back from the port I caught a glimpse of an acacia tree and just like that my mind pulls me back to Africa.

Tonight we had dinner at Port Denarau. We ate at the Cantina Bar & Grill. It was fabulous. The Mexican food was great, the service was excellent, and for dessert, we had fresh churros with spicy chocolate dipping sauce. We will probably eat here again in the next couple of days. It was one of our better meals in Fiji. 

After dinner, we did some shopping. I bought a new beach shirt and we got a few small souvenirs for ourselves and our family. 

It was another great day in Fiji.