One of the first activities on our trip was a visit to the Garden of the Sleeping Giant. A good chance to observe great numbers of colorful orchids in a natural setting.

Besides local plants, flowers and trees, we also had an opportunity to see some indigenous birds up close and walk through the lush green forest on paved footpaths laid out on the slope of the mountain.

Visiting a farmers market in Sigatoka with our local guide offered an opportunity to learn something about local produce and the way it gets used in Fijian and Indian cooking.

After an interesting presentation from the owner about running a small business on the island, we visited his garment factory in the town of Nadi.

In Kula Ecopark we had a great tour and got to see many local birds and reptiles from the different parts of Fiji. As a special for our group, we were also allowed to visit the captive breeding program for Peregrine Falcons, one of the fastest birds in the world.

We were welcomed in the village with a sevu-sevu, a traditional welcome ceremony with kava, we were entertained with local music, singing, and dancing.

After a wonderful presentation by the local children, and a visit to their school we had some time to walk through the village and mix with the locals.

A Freckled Hawkfish (Paracirrhites forsteri) on a patch of coral. Normally preying on small fish, this one is checking out a snorkeler.

On one particular coral head we found so many Christmastree Worms, that we actually named the site after it. We explored so many new sites that we got to name most of them: Meli's Magnificent Garden, Bear's Bommie, Aquarium and many more.

We saw crinoids in many different colors, both during the day and during our night snorkel. This one climbed on top of a coral head to maximize the current (and food) going through its extended arms.

Active at night, this coneshell came out of the sand to hunt in the dark. Seeing these creatures alive is even more fascinating then finding their empty shell on a beach.

A feast for a nocturnal anemone as it catches small shrimps and worms that are attracted to our dive lights.

Copyright Information

All the photography and text on this site is by Joel Simon, and is © 1990-00 copyright Joel Simon Images. All rights reserved.

None of the images or text may be duplicated or republished without prior written consent of Joel Simon Images, Sea for Yourself, Inc., and any other copyright holder(s).

Sea for Yourself is a registered trademark of the company.