I travelled to Fiji in November 2024 as part of a 33 day cruise to the South Pacific. I had no idea that Fiji is made up of over 300 islands! Beautiful landscapes, palm-fronted beaches and coral reefs abound in this amazing archipelago. The capital Suva is located on the main island of Viti Levu and is a bustling city full of interesting architecture. But I headed out of the town on an island adventure called ‘The Jewel of Fiji’.
Raiwaqa Village
First stop was Raiwaqa village. It is a historical place where you can experience Fijian culture and take part in a traditional Kava ceremony and guided tours. I really enjoyed meeting the villagers and experiencing the Kava ceremony which is used to welcome new visitors and promote new friendships.
We were then served a traditional Fijian meal of rice, breadfruit (which tastes exactly as it sounds), Kaddu (a kind of pumpkin curry) and Rourou (a dish made from taro leaves stewed in coconut milk). It was absolutely delicious. And of course Fiji bottled water!
River Ride
Next we boarded motor-powered canoes to head up the Navua river. The scenery was spectacular as we drifted past tiny settlements with locals enjoying the refreshing river and waterfalls surrounded by lush greenery.
Navua Waterfall
Reaching the jetty, we disembarked and headed up to see the main attraction: Navua waterfall. We had the opportunity to swim in the pool and watched in amazement as our brave guide dove from the top of the waterfall into the pool below. It was a stunning place to visit and cool off.
Our canoe captain Joe was one of the highlights, as he overtook other canoes and gave us a thrilling ride through the rapids back to the village. We were all grateful for the soaking we got given how hot it was in Fiji!
This trip was a great way for me to see the incredible scenery and I got to know so much more about Fijian culture and their traditional way of life.
