Day cruise in Fiji

My husband and I began planning our January ’04 trip to Australia and New Zealand about a year ahead. Several people mentioned that a stopover in Fiji would be a good way to end it. About that time, we read about a “Whale’s Tale day cruise.” We had our trip coordinator, ElderTreks (Toronto, Ontario; phone 800/741-7956), check it out and then made arrangements to include it in our trip.

On the morning of Jan. 22, we were picked up at our hotel in Nadi, Fiji, at 9 and entertained on the short bus trip by Mike, who was to be our guide for the day. We went through the check-in process and boarded the 2-masted, 30-meter-long ship The Whale’s Tale, where we were greeted by the captain.

As soon as we were on board, we were offered champagne, juices and fruit. There was never a lack of food or drink during the entire trip as Rosie, the cook, kept things hopping in the galley. Mike and the crew entertained us with music and conversation as we made our way to our destinations. There were staterooms below for changing clothes or using rest rooms.

We would stop at two uninhabited islands to snorkel. When my husband couldn’t find a pair of fins that fit, a new pair was waiting for him when we arrived at the first beach on Honeymoon Island.

The snorkelers were to go out together, but when no one else took advantage of the offer, Mike personally escorted the two of us on a wonderful trip over the reef. We had previously snorkeled in similar warm ocean areas but had never seen the colors in the coral and the variety of fish that we saw as he led us through the water. It was an unforgettable experience.

A great buffet lunch was waiting when we arrived back on the ship, and while we ate we moved on to the second island, Mala Mala. Once again we were free to snorkel, sun or just kick back.

This time we went out on the reef on our own and found more coral and fish varieties. We both had underwater cameras, and the clarity of the water enabled us to get really good pictures of what we were seeing.

It was almost 4 o’clock when we began the cruise back to Nadi. Rosie had baked a birthday cake for someone on board, so we had cake and scones with our tea or coffee.

This was a terrific trip that was made even better by the friendliness of the captain, Paul; the first mate, Jim; our terrific guide, Mike; the cook, Rosie, and the rest of the crew. They were wonderful and really helped make the day enjoyable.

The bar was always open, at no extra charge, for juices, sodas and drinks. The food was outstanding and plentiful, even though we had several teenage boys with endless appetites. We were sorry to see the dock come into sight.

The day cruise cost approximately 165 Fijian dollars (near US$92), and we found it well worth the price. We would recommend this trip to anyone.

To set up a Whale’s Tale cruise, contact William at Oceanic Schooner Company (P.O. Box 9625, Nadi Airport, Fiji Islands; phone 679-666-4611, fax 679-666-4688 or e-mail funcruises@connect.com.fj).

CHARLOTTE PROBST
Riverside, CA