2020 FIJI & TONGA - Wild Earth Expeditions
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2020 FIJI & TONGA
FIJI & TONGA
HUMPBACK WHALES & SOFT CORALS
25 AUG – 10 SEP 2020 ● 18 DAYS ● 10 GUESTS
Travel into the heart of the Pacific, where cultural traditions, island hospitality, marine encounters
coupled with picturesque surroundings and gorgeous island resorts will dazzle your senses. This is
an extraordinary voyage to experience one of the world’s greatest underwater events.
Swim alongside Humpback whales in the deep blue breeding grounds off the Kingdom of Tonga.
Breaching, spy hopping, fin-slapping and tail-lobbing are a few of the behaviors regularly
encountered on the surface of the water. Music fills the waters as male Humpback whales sing to
their heart’s content. Lay on the surface of the water and be drawn into their haunting song.
When not with the whales, snorkel coral reefs, visit a local village, take a stroll on beautiful beaches,
or simply relax and enjoy the incredible scenery around you. Explore Tongatapu’s colorful local
market, visit the Royal palace and Royal tombs, witness majestic blowholes on the rugged south
coast and see hundreds of fruit bats dangle from trees.
Slip your mask on and splash into Fiji’s bountiful underwater world. Dive and snorkel its world-famous
Rainbow Reef with coral gardens bursting with vibrant soft corals, dramatic coral encrusted walls
and overhangs teeming with a myriad of colorful fish.
Bathe in tropical sun on palm-fringed white sandy beaches, hike breathtaking nature trails to stunning
waterfalls, stand on the Date line and relax in your luxurious private ocean front villa. Take a moment
to treat yourself to a massage and simply allow rustling palms and fragrant frangipani to lull you into
Fiji mode as pampered guests of one of Fiji’s leading 5* boutique resorts.
On the Shark Diving Pre-Extension, scuba divers get ready for a heart stopping frenzy of Apex
predators, groupers, remoras, snappers and other predatory fish on one of the world’s most thrilling
shark dives. Come face to face with up to seven species of sharks, including; Bull, Tiger, Silvertip,
Lemon, Tawny Nurse sharks and several species of reef sharks. This Pre-Extension to Fiji’s Beqa
Lagoon will have you rolling in with some of the most revered sharks in the world.
HIGHLIGHTS
• Swim alongside Humpback whales in the deep blue breeding grounds off the Kingdom of Tonga
• Explore Fiji’s amazing Rainbow Reef, known as “the soft coral capital of the world”
• Luxuriate and be pampered in remote Island getaways and in one of Fiji’s top boutique resorts
• Bathe in tropical sun on palm fringed white sandy beaches
• Heart-stopping frenzy of apex predators with the chance to see up to 7 species of sharks.
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VIEW IN GOOGLE MAPS BEQA SHARKS 21-26 AUG 2020 • 4 DAYS • 10 GUESTS Day 01 | Aug 21 Depart home en route to Nadi (Fiji). Loose a day crossing Date Line from US. Day 02 | Aug 22 Arrive Nadi / Transfer to Pacific Harbour. Day 03 | Aug 23 Soft Coral diving at Beqa Island. Day 04-05 | Aug 24-25 2 thrilling days of Shark diving. Day 06 | Aug 26 Travel to Suva / Fly Suva-Taveuni / start Main Expedition. HUMPBACK WHALE & SOFT CORALS 25 AUG - 10 SEP 2020 • 18 DAYS • 10 GUESTS Day 01 | Aug 24/25 Depart home en route to Nadi (Fiji). Loose a day crossing Date Line from US. Day 02 | Aug 26 Arrive early into Nadi / Fly to Taveuni island. Day 03-05 | Aug 27-29 Diving and snorkeling Rainbow Reef and island exploration. Day 06 | Aug 30 Lavena Coastal walk / Fly to Nadi. Day 07 | Aug 31 Fly to Tonga / Tongatapu Tour / Fafa Island. Day 08-10 | Sep 01-03 Fafa Island / Whale swimming. Day 11 | Sep 04 Fly to Vava’u / The Reef Resort. Day 12-15 | Sep 05-08 The Reef Resort / Whale swimming and village visit. Day 16 | Sep 09 Fly to Nuku’alofa / farewell dinner. Day 17 | Sep 10 Fly home. If flying to US gain a day crossing the Date Line and arrive same day. Day 18 | Sep 11 Arrive home. WWW.WILDEARTHEXPEDITIONS.COM 3 INFO@WILDEARTHEXPEDITIONS.COM
PRE-EXTENSION ITINERARY
BEQA SHARKS DIVING
21-26 AUG 2020 ● 4 DAYS ● 10 GUESTS
Day 01. Aug 21, 2020 - Depart home en route to Nadi (Fiji)
Depart home and fly to Fiji. For those flying from North America, depart late evening Aug 20 as you
will lose a day crossing the dateline. We always recommend arriving a day early, to ensure you don’t
miss the trip, but also to acclimatize and get over any jetlag. We can assist with extra nights at The
Pearl Resort in Pacific Harbour if you wish.
Day 02. Aug 22, 2020 - Arrive to Nadi / Transfer to Pacific Harbour
Arrive into Nadi, Fiji. Take the scenic 2 ½ hour drive along Viti Levu’s Coral Coast to the small town
of Pacific Harbour. After checking into your Fijian beach resort, enjoy a relaxing lunch and leisurely
afternoon exploring the resort grounds or going for a dip in the pool.
Join your Expedition Leaders for the official ‘Welcome cocktails and dinner’ before retiring for the
evening for a much-needed rest after your long journey.
Overnight: The Pearl Resort (Premium Ocean View Rooms) (L, D)
*Please note: if you are arriving on the early morning Fiji Airways flight and wish to get a guaranteed
early check in at the hotel, they offer an early check-in rate as normal check in is at 15:00 (3PM). If
your room is available and you are willing to take the chance, you may get to your room early. We
have included lunch at the main restaurant, as most will arrive on that early morning flight.
Day 03. Aug 23, 2020 – Soft Coral diving
Fiji is known as the ‘soft coral capital of the world’, rolling reefs, distinctive pinnacles all covered in
luscious soft corals and an abundance of marine life. Revel in the kaleidoscope of colors of the
swaying coral with the clouds of anthias and cascading fusiliers surrounding them. Enjoy a great
introduction to the beauty of the Fijian waters diving the wonderful coral gardens of Beqa Island and
Lagoon. In the afternoon after lunch back in Pacific Harbour, indulge in a massage, take a stroll
along the beach, or go for a swim in the pool. At dinner prepare yourself for the exhilarating shark
encounters to come.
Overnight: The Pearl Resort (Premium Ocean View Room) (B, L, D)
Day 04-05. Aug 24-25, 2020 - 2 days of Shark Diving
Scuba divers prepare for 2 days of a heart-stopping frenzy of apex predators, with the chance to see
up to 7 different species of sharks including; Tiger, Bull, Tawny nurse, Silver-tip and a variety of reef
sharks. We gather together on the bottom of the reef and watch the action unfold in front of us, as
swarms of fish cloud the water around us. Be prepared to experience some of the best shark diving
in the world. After the excitement of shark diving, relax and enjoy your beach front location at Pacific
Harbour. Sip on a cocktail as the sun sets and enjoy a meal overlooking the sea as you swap stories
of your jaw-dropping encounters. On one of the 2 evenings enjoy an evening walk to the nearby
small town of Pacific Harbour for a sumptuous dinner at a local restaurant.
Overnight: The Pearl Resort (Premium Ocean View Room) (B, L, D)
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Day 06. Aug 26, 2020 - Travel to Nadi / Fly to Taveuni
After a very early breakfast, bid farewell to Pacific Harbour as you head along the Coastal road to
Suva for your mid-morning flight to Taveuni and transfer to the award-winning 5* Taveuni Island
Resort & Spa to settle into your tropical paradise. After lunch have a wander around the resort
grounds, go for a swim in the infinity pool or from the beach, grab a kayak and explore the shoreline,
indulge in a massage at the spa, or simply listen to the sway of palm trees as you laze on your
balcony. Dinner and overnight at the Taveuni Island Resort.
Overnight: Taveuni Island Resort (luxury Ocean Front villa). (B, L, D)
PLEASE NOT E
ITINERARY
Wild Earth Expeditions will make every reasonable effort to operate the expedition as advertised,
but alterations may occur, mainly due to weather or changes in the flight schedules. We will discuss
our planned itinerary daily with our local expert guides and will always chose the best available
option. Accommodations and arranged tours are subject to change or cancellation at any time due
to unforeseen circumstances or circumstances beyond Wild Earth Expeditions control.
WILDLIFE ENCOUNTERS
Although we have reported honestly and accurately about sightings and experiences, we would like
to point out that we are working in the wilderness and despite all of our good intentions and utmost
preparation, Mother Nature may not always cooperate with us. We believe that with good planning
and a realistic approach, you will have a successful time witnessing the natural behavior of the
wildlife we have set out to see. Whale encounters on our expeditions in recent years have been
outstanding, but obviously they can never be guaranteed. 2019 was in fact a very quiet whale year
throughout the South Pacific, but the in-water encounters were apparently still fabulous.
WHAT TO EXPECT
All Wild Earth Expeditions are very active, and participants need to be in good general health. For
most activities a moderate to good level of fitness is required. We have exclusively chartered a
private dive boat in Taveuni and have two boats for each of our whale swimming days in Tonga to
maximize your time in the water (as only 4 guests are allowed in the water with the whales at one
time). In Beqa we may have to share the boat with other shark divers due to the large size of the
vessel.
During your time in Fiji and Tonga, you will have plenty of time to relax, unwind and do as much or
as little as you wish. For the Shark diving Pre-extension, the focus is 100% on scuba diving with
sharks. In Tonga at the Fafa Island Resort and the Reef Resort our main focus is Humpback whales,
but there will also be opportunities to snorkel and enjoy the beautiful islands. This expedition is active
and will include snorkeling with whales, snorkeling/scuba diving coral reefs in Fiji, hiking nature trails
and other activities like island tours, village and market visits.
You must be able to climb in and out of dive boats with ladders.
Accommodations will range from the nice 4* Pearl Resort, to traditional island Fales at Fafa Island
Resort and the boutique The Reef Resort, to the very luxurious villas at 5* Taveuni Island Resort
which is a stunning award-winning property with a spa.
Food throughout the expedition will be excellent and varied. All meals will either be where we
overnight, or at local restaurants, or en route when traveling.
Detailed Pre-Departure information will be sent to you 4 months prior to the expedition. Your
expedition will be led by 2 Wild Earth Expeditions leaders, including a dive master and snorkel guide
and the best, most experienced local guides.
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FIJI & TONGA – HUMPBACK WHALES & SOFT CORALS
25 AUG – 10 SEP 2020 ● 18 DAYS ● 10 GUESTS
Day 01. Aug 25, 2020 - Travel to Fiji
Depart home and fly to Fiji. For those flying from North America, depart the evening of Aug 24 as
you will lose a day crossing the dateline. If booking your flights with Fiji Airways, make sure you
check your luggage all the way through to Taveuni, so you get the same luggage allowance for the
local hopper flight as for the international flights. We always recommend arriving a day early, to
ensure you don’t miss the trip, but also to acclimatize and get over any jetlag. We can assist with
booking extra nights at the wonderful 5* Taveuni Island Resort & Spa. There are several Nadi airport
hotel options, with the Fiji Gateway Hotel right at the airport.
Day 02. Aug 26, 2020 - Arrive Nadi / Fly to Taveuni
Arrive into Nadi international airport and transfer across to the domestic terminal. Enjoy an early
morning scenic flight from Nadi across Fiji’s northern islands and reefs to Taveuni, the Garden Island
of Fiji.
Taveuni island is a magical paradise, nestled in tropical Fiji. The island is home to dense rainforest
with spectacular waterfalls and rivers, great birding, warm Fijian hospitality and world-famous dive
sites at nearby Rainbow Reef.
On arrival transfer to the nearby 5* Taveuni Island Resort & Spa, consistently voted one of Fiji’s top
luxury resorts. Set amidst ten acres of immaculate manicured tropical gardens with sweeping views
across the Somosomo straight, this boutique property only accommodates 12 couples with each villa
positioned for maximum privacy to take advantage of the spectacular views over the surrounding
islands. We have upgraded all our guests to Luxury Ocean Front villas for the ultimate tropical
island experience. The Pre-Extension shark diving group arrives from Suva late morning. After lunch
have a wander around the resort grounds, go for a swim in the infinity pool or from the beach, grab
a kayak and explore the shoreline, indulge in a massage at the spa, or simply listen to the sway of
palm trees as you laze on the white sandy beach. Let the caring Fijian staff pamper and spoil you.
Watch the sunset with a welcome cocktail in hand, followed by a welcome dinner on the deck
overlooking distant Vanua Levu island beyond the Somosomo straight.
Overnight: Taveuni Island Resort (luxury Ocean Front villa). (L, D)
Day 03-05. Aug 27-29, 2020 - Taveuni Island & Rainbow Reef
Over the next days, do as much, or as little as you please. Join your 2 leaders for 3 full days of diving
and snorkeling stunning coral reefs. Stand on the official dateline, visit a traditional village and meet
the lovely locals; or simply indulge in a massage and get pampered at the wonderful 5* boutique
resort. The talented chefs take the islands daily bounty and the freshest local ingredients to create
a delight of culinary experiences, a fusion of local Fijian and international cuisine.
The ocean surrounding Taveuni Island is home to some of the world’s most beautiful coral gardens
and has an abundance of marine life. We will explore the crystal-clear waters of the Somosomo
Strait and witness the famous Rainbow Reef, known as “the soft coral capital of the world” from our
privately chartered dive boat. The reef is 30km long and boasts magnificent multi-colored soft corals,
as well as stunning hard corals. Plummeting walls and coral gardens provide a unique habitat for a
vibrant marine life. The owner of Taveuni Island Resort & Spa discovered most of the sites on the
Rainbow Reef which are now legendary throughout the world. At the right tide, the dazzling
WWW.WILDEARTHEXPEDITIONS.COM 6 INFO@WILDEARTHEXPEDITIONS.COMkaleidoscope of soft corals reach tree-like proportions and are teeming with a myriad of colorful little reef fish. Take in the spectacular sunsets with a tropical cocktail in hand while sharing your day’s stories with your fellow travelers and enjoying marine lecture presentations by our Marine Biologist. Overnight: Taveuni Island Resort (luxury Ocean Front villa). (B, L, D) Day 06, Aug 30, 2020 – Lavena Coastal walk / Fly to Nadi After breakfast travel to the remote South coast of Taveuni island. Follow the forest edge along the stunning white-sand Lavena beach to a contrasting volcanic black-sand beach, past a peaceful village and walk through unique rainforest trails, before cooling off in a stunning waterfall. Return to the resort for lunch and bid farewell to our friends at Taveuni Island Resort as you head to the airport for your late afternoon flight back to Nadi. On arrival transfer to the nearby Gateway hotel and enjoy dinner at the resort before retiring for the night in preparation for your very early morning flight connection to Tonga. Overnight: Fiji Gateway Hotel – Deluxe room (B, L, D) Day 07, Aug 31, 2020 – Fly to Tonga / Fafa Island After an early morning check out, fly from Nadi to Tongatapu, the Kingdom of Tonga. On arrival into Tonga, spend the morning and early afternoon exploring the highlights of Tongatapu and Nuku’alofa on a cultural and scenic tour, visiting the Royal palace and Royal tombs, lunch in town and witnessing the majestic blowholes on the rugged south coast. Mid-afternoon take the short boat transfer across to your island home for the next 4 nights, Fafa Island Resort. The traditional Fales with high ceilings, all built in Tongan style with natural materials, coconut palm poles, coconut thatched walls, and a wooden shingle roof are only a few steps from the gorgeous white-sand beach. Enjoy a breathtaking view of the endless Pacific Ocean whilst lazing in a hammock, with shimmering white sandy beaches and a turquoise lagoon. This private tropical island paradise within the offshore islands of Nuku’alofa is the perfect place to start your Tongan adventure. Overnight: Fafa Island Resort (Superior fale) (B, L, D) Day 08-10. Sep 01-03, 2020 – Fafa Resort / Swimming with Humpback whales Spend the next three days swimming with Humpback whales in their natural habitat and breeding grounds. Breaching, spy hopping, fin slapping, and tail lobbing are a few of the behaviors regularly encountered on the surface of the water. Music fills the waters as male Humpback whales sing to their heart’s content. Lie on the surface of the water and be drawn into their haunting song. Spend your days spotting, observing, photographing and swimming with whales from our privately chartered boats. This opportunity is a special and rare kind of ocean adventure in a particularly picturesque part of the world. It's no wonder the whales like it here. When not swimming with the whales, enjoy spectacular sunsets, stroll along the pristine, palm-fringed white-sand beach of your private island getaway, go paddle boarding, or simply relax and enjoy the peaceful serenity of this idyllic island. Overnight: Fafa Island Resort (Superior fale) (B, L, D) Day 11. Sep 04, 2020 - Fly to Vava’u / The Reef Resort After breakfast it is time to return to the main island of Tongatapu for your onward flight to the remote northern islands of Vava’u, your next stop on your Tongan adventure. Transfer across to the small island of Kapa. The Reef Resort is an intimate private island resort with only five stunning bungalows, secluded and tranquil, situated amongst palm trees. It is the only resort on this pristine tropical island. Your private terrace offers grand views of the beach and the turquoise lagoon and reef. Lay back in a hammock and enjoy a cocktail as the sun sets, before a delicious dinner. Overnight: Reef Resort (Bungalows) (B, L, D) Day 12-15. Sep 05-08, 2020 – Reef Resort / Whale swimming Enjoy the gentleness and the majesty of the humpback whales as we take to the sea for 3 more days of awe-inspiring interactions in the pristine waters surrounding you. Our private boat charters allow us the flexibility to follow the action and give you the opportunity to maximize your time in the water with the whales. On Sunday, when in Tonga no guided activities or tours are allowed, visit the church WWW.WILDEARTHEXPEDITIONS.COM 7 INFO@WILDEARTHEXPEDITIONS.COM
to see the wonderfully dressed locals and listen to their beautiful voices as they sing. Enjoy a stroll through a traditional village and snorkel a gorgeous reef near the hotel. Delight in the resort’s gourmet cuisine. Overnight: Reef Resort (Bungalows) (B, L, D) Day 16. Sep 09, 2020 – Fly to Nuku’alofa / Farewell dinner Enjoy a leisurely last morning at your island paradise before flying back to Tongatapu in the afternoon. Head to Nuku’alofa for your Farewell dinner at a fun local restaurant and bar. Overnight: Little Italy (B, L, D) Day 17. Sep 10, 2020 – Local Market and town visit / fly home Enjoy a sleep-in and leisurely breakfast. Go to town and stroll through the bustling local marketplace and purchase some souvenirs. We have included lunch at the Little Italy hotel before heading to the airport for your international flights home. If you are flying home via Nadi with Fiji Airways, depart the hotel after lunch in time for your 16:45 Nuku’alofa-Nadi flight. The Fiji Airways flights to Sydney and LAX connect out of Nadi later that evening. (B, L) **There is also a direct flight from Nuku’alofa/Tonga to Sydney/Australia with Virgin Australia at 07:00 and to Auckland/ New Zealand at 14:40 with Air New Zealand or 21:10 with Virgin Airways Day 18. Sep 11, 2020 – Arrive home Those flying back to the US will enjoy the same day twice, as you gain a day crossing the international date line and will arrive on Sep 10. Please be sure you make note of that for your onwards flights within the US. WWW.WILDEARTHEXPEDITIONS.COM 8 INFO@WILDEARTHEXPEDITIONS.COM
COST & INFO
FIJI & TONGA – HUMPBACK WHALES & SOFT CORALS
Double Occupancy: USD $14,990 per person
Single Supplement Surcharge: USD $8,520 per person
PRE-EXTENSION – BEQA SHARKS DIVING
Double Occupancy: USD $2,980 per person
Single Supplement Surcharge: USD $510 per person
INCLUDED
All accommodations in twin/double share suites/villas/fales as outlined in the itinerary; All group
meals; Welcome and farewell cocktail receptions; Soft drinks, potable drinking water, tea and filter
coffee during lunch/dinner at all hotels; Bottled or potable water while on tour; All group transfers
and baggage handling; All tours, scuba diving, snorkeling and excursions as outlined in the itinerary;
Exclusive services of English speaking professional guides and naturalists; Services of 2 Wild Earth
Expedition Leaders with one Expedition Leader / Dive Master and one Marine Biologist / Snorkel
guide; All gratuities to porters, guides, drivers, resort- and wait staff; Government-, Service- and
Room taxes (including 25% VAT); All Entrance- and National park fees; Complimentary photos and
videos of the trip; Dive Tanks (air) and weights for scuba divers; Donation to conservation project.
NOT INCLUDED
All international and domestic airfares; Airport departure taxes; Passport and visa fees; Immunization
costs; Individual airport transfers, meals and baggage handling outside the group travel itinerary;
Mandatory Travel insurance; Excess baggage charges; Personal items, such as laundry, any
alcoholic beverages or bar charges (unless specified above), Wi-Fi/internet; Tips for your 2 Wild
Earth Leaders and non-group services; Rental of scuba diving or snorkeling equipment and/or other
equipment where needed; Nitrox (not available in Taveuni). Any sudden increase in price, due to
currency fluctuations, a steep hike in fuel cost, change in government tax policy or for any reason
beyond the control of Wild Earth Expeditions, will be adjusted with the final invoice 4 months prior to
the expedition.
SINGLE OCCUPANCY
We only have limited single spaces available and single occupancy rates apply. If you are wanting
to share accommodations, a roommate will be assigned, and double occupancy rates apply. If we
cannot pair you with a roommate, the single supplement applies.
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