Fiji '99: The Reefs of Beqa
October 19-31, 1999
LAST MINUTE OPENING AVAILABLE!

Trip Overview

This program combines snorkeling Fiji's extraordinary marine wilderness with excellent insights into Fijian village life, history, and culture.

The marine biology of Fiji offers an incredible variety of fish, coral, and a profusion of invertebrates. Huge flat-topped coral heads called "bommies" rise from the deep to within a few feet of the surface, which along with the protected interiors of barrier reefs, make Fiji one of the world's great snorkeling venues.

In contrast with the Caribbean, Fiji's reefs offer prolific soft corals, presenting the snorkeler with resplendent views of brilliant reds, yellows, and pinks. While the Caribbean has 68 species of coral, the South Pacific boasts over 700 (so far) and over 3000 species of fish. Striped, spotted, dappled, and dotted, these fish come in colors and shapes only nature could inspire.

Unique creatures that we can expect to see include lion fish with their elegant plume-like fins, amusing and very approachable clownfish in their host anemones, crown of thorns starfish, brilliantly colored and patterned butterfly fish, triggerfish, and wrasse, plus the possibility of manta rays, schooling barracudas, and the occasional reef shark.

Our program is based at the Marlin Bay Resort on Beqa Island, the mysterious island of the Firewalkers. Rich in tradition and culture, Beqa Island remains one of the last untouched islands of the South Pacific. Marlin Bay Resort is comprised of 12 individual bures, each with private bath, spacious sitting room, and expansive porch overlooking the lagoon.

Skill Level

This program will be enjoyed by all snorkelers, from novice to expert. Joel will gladly provide any needed snorkeling instruction, from floating to freediving. Whenever possible we will seek out protected water for our snorkeling excursions, but at times the surface may be choppy due to wind.

While Sea For Yourself programs consider snorkeling the top priority, this particular occasion provides certified SCUBA divers with excellent diving opportunities.

Trip Limit

The Fiji '99 - The Reefs of Beqa tour is limited to 22 participants, with a minimum of 10. Due to the limited space available for this tour, reservations for space will be accepted in the order deposits are received.

Weather

Daytime temperatures in Fiji during the month of October range from the low 80's to the high 90's, and cool to a refreshing 65-70 degrees at night. Rain showers usually end in April and begin again in mid-November- however in the tropics, there is always a chance of rain. Also typical of October are trade winds from the East.

A Note About Snorkeling

Water temperatures are expected to be approximately 78-82 degrees F. Thermal tolerance obviously varies with each individual. As a guideline, many people wear a thin wet suit when in the water longer than 30 or 40 minutes. Please remember that some kind of covering (such as a Lycra suit or even pajamas!) when in the water is highly recommended as protection from sun, occasional stinging zooplankton, or to prevent coral abrasions.

Financial Information

Tour fee is based on land and air package. The cost of Fiji '99 - The Reefs of Beqa tour is $3650.00 per person, based on double occupancy, and includes international airfare from Los Angeles to Fiji.

For those requesting a single room an additional supplement of $750.00 will be added to the tour cost. Please be advised that single space is limited and subject to availability.