FrugalMonkey Discount Travel News

Tag: diving

  • Enjoy Adventure Activities in Fiji – Water Sports and Hiking in Polynesian Paradise

    Fiji is a laid back country which jokingly runs on “Fiji Time.” It’s easy to adjust to this relaxed way of life, particularly once you’ve savored a traditional hangi feast, then spent a few hours on a sparkling white beach.

    But Fiji doesn't forget adrenalin junkies, with a range of experiences designed to get your blood pumping. Most adventure activities in Fiji will see your heading to the water. Strap on a snorkel, or a scuba if you’re feeling more daring, and marvel at all the beauty that lies beneath the surface. The country offers some of the best soft-coral diving in the world, and most resorts can organize an expedition for you. The clear waters of Fiji offer an excellent view of the native coral and marine life. If you want to ramp up the excitement consider shark diving in the Bega Lagoon. Surfing is another popular activity in Fiji. The most popular waves are at Cloudbreak, on the southern side of the Mamanuca Islands. There are also breaks nearby at Namotu Left and Wilkes Passage. If you hope to enjoy a surfing vacation you'll need to plan for it though, as access to these popular beaches is restricted to guests of the Tavura Island and Namotu Island Resorts. If you can't afford the sky-high rates of the resorts, the Beqa Barrier Reef and Sigatoka River are popular amongst visiting backpackers. [caption id="attachment_2880" align="alignright" width="150" caption="The national flag of Fiji"]The national flag of Fiji[/caption] If you prefer messing about in boats, you might like to try ocean kayaking or whitewater rafting. Most of the major tourist resorts will loan kayaks to their guests, but if you're serious consider joining an organized tour group. These visit sheltered lagoons around the Yasawa and Kadavu Islands. If you'd prefer to get out of the sheltered waters and experience some real action, whitewater rafting is for you. Rivers Fiji leads rubber raft trips around the Upper Navua Gorge every day but Sunday. These are class III rapids, so leave small children at your resort's kids club and hang onto your hat! But not all of Fiji's adventure activities happen on the ocean. The Polynesian nation has many hiking trails to suit beginners and more experiences trekkers. Koroyanitu National Park has some of the country's best trails. Along the way you can visit the local falls, the Abacu village, and breathtaking Mount Batiluva. If mountains excite you consider climbing the country’s highest summit, Mount Victoria. Most hikers should be able to reach the apex in a day with plenty of time to enjoy the views at the top. For something a little more relaxed, enjoy the coastal walk which runs from Shangri-La's Fijian Resort to Natadola Beach. So don't let resort lethargy set in; Fiji offers plenty of activities to get you moving!

  • Australia’s Best Diving Vacations – More to Oz Than the Great Barrier Reef

    If you’re a seasoned diver, or looking to become one, there’s no better place to stretch your sea legs than Australia.

    The jewel of this island nation is the Great Barrier Reef, but there are plenty of other marine havens to explore. Newcomers might like to venture out with Ocean Spirit Cruises. Their one-day Great Barrier Reef Sail and Dive Trip allows guests to snorkel or take an introductory dive at Oyster or Arlington Reef. From there you'll head to Upolu Cay, which offers sheltered conditions and a sandy bottom for novices. More experienced divers may want to try the three-night Yalonga Wreck and Great Barrier Reef dive trip from Adrenalin Dive. You'll need open water certification and at least six logged dives with deep dive training to participate, but it's worth getting involved. The Yalonga wreck site is known around the world for attracting some of the biggest fish in the reef. Further south there's Indepth Scuba, which has dive centers in Canberra and Batemans Bay. [caption id="attachment_3227" align="alignright" width="150" caption="A starfish on coral in the Great Barrier Reef"]A starfish on coral in the Great Barrier Reef[/caption] It offers a diverse range of PADI courses, including wreck diving, Nitrox diving, and deep cavern diving. To the west, look to Dolphin Dive Fremantle. This Western Australia dive shop runs diving and snorkeling trips to idyllic Rottnest Island. This nature reserve has deep crevices, caverns, and caves for divers to explore. Keep your eyes peeled for the wildlife too: in spring you’ll likely spot humpback whales, while gray nurse sharks like to visit the Western waters in fall.