Joanna James
Fiji is for the beach bum as well as the adrenaline junky. The country offers a range of thrills and chills in the form of adventure sports. Read on and decide which adventure best suits your tastes.
Tavewa Island's, Cathedral Reef is home to a number of shark species, and if you are in the mood for that extra adrenaline rush, get on your scuba diving gear and head over there. The shark dives should only be attempted if all safety protocols are adhered to and you feel extremely confident. Around this reef you will come across bull sharks, grey reef sharks, white tips, tiger sharks, leopard sharks and hammerheads. Swim amongst these fearsome creatures while admiring the corals and other marine life at the same time. The locals are keen on promoting shark awareness and protecting the environment, hence, a donation of US$ 10 is made to the primary school fund, on behalf of every shark dive participant.
The fabulous Fiji luxury resorts are perfect for relaxing and enjoying the joys of tropical bliss. But if you are prepared to forgo these comforts for one morning, consider a very rewarding, off-road quad bike tour. Explore the main island on an adventure never to be forgotten. Speed through lush pine forests and rustic villages or charge your way across the Sleeping Giant Mountain Range, to arrive at natural pools and soothing mud springs. If you are a serious thrill seeker, check out the Nadi trail which takes you across sugar cane fields, huge muddy holes, pine forests and up the back of a mountain. As you can see, even if you are set for a game of golf at InterContinental Fiji Golf Resort & Spa, the lure of the powerful quad bike is hard to resist; although, a full day of golf or spa, the very next day, may be a divine choice!
Choose from a number of hikes that are accompanied by experienced guides; the experiences range from one day treks to five day sojourns into the highlands. If you are an avid walker, consider the arduous trek up the 1,323 metre high Mount Tomanivi, which is the country's tallest mountain, and also an extinct volcano. The climb to the top of this mountain is well worth it though for you are rewarded with breath-taking views of the surrounding islands and environs. The walks are very rewarding, taking trekkers past glistening rivers, hidden caves, charming villages and dramatic peaks.
If you insist on staying close to the water consider exploring the rivers and rapids of Fiji by kayak. Seek out a real challenge by taking the Upper Navua cut; on this route you pass 70 foot high cascades, huge canyons and exotic wildlife, hiding amongst lush rainforests. For an added thrill try paddling between narrow waterways formed between the steep gorges.
One of the world's most challenging surf destinations, Cloudbreak, is home to the 2016 ISA World SUP and Paddleboard Championships. With waves rising to over 6 metres this is not for the faint hearted, however, located close by are a number of surf schools, ready to teach beginners the ropes, with the hope of challenging Cloudbreak at a later point.
A true believer that the pen is a mighty weapon, ventures into reaching the minds of every reader with the earnest hope of leaving an indelible stream of thought.
A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
