Page 34 - Explore Magazine Autumn 2017

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ADVENTURE

SNAPSHOT

Walks, bikes, rides and thrills

SNORKEL WITH SHARKS IN THE FIJI ISLANDS
Snorkelling with sharks in Fiji’s stunning Yasawa Islands is an
experience of a lifetime. The day trip on board South Sea Cruises’
Yasawa Flyer departs from Denarau and heads to Kuata Island,
the closest of the Yasawa Islands to Nadi, a small hidden gem
in the Yasawa Island archipelago. Here visitors are greeted with
a picture-postcard beach, clear turquoise-coloured waters,
towering rock formations and warm Fijian hospitality.
After donning snorkelling gear it’s off to the shark reef site with
one of a team of experienced guides who have spent hundreds of
hours getting to know the resident school of sharks.
You’ll spot two main species of sharks on the trip: Whitetip Reef
Sharks and Blacktip Reef Sharks, both of which are common in the
warm tropical waters of the South Pacific. Each species can grow to
a length of just over 1.5 metres although under the water they appear
25% larger thanks to a snorkelling face mask optical illusion.
Whitetips are the dominant species and by nature are an
inquisitive shark and not frightened to check you out. Their
Blacktip relatives, by contrast, are timid and will shy away if they
feel threatened.
Buoyancy aids are available for less confident swimmers and
because the sharks prefer shallow waters there’s no need to even
dive under the water to get a thrilling view. Non-snorkellers too
can thoroughly enjoy the day by watching from the boat.

EXPLORE TAHITI’S OUTER ISLANDS ON BOARD A WORKING SHIP
Tahiti-based Aranui Cruises offers a unique cruising option around
Tahiti’s picturesque islands on board Aranui 5.
Aranui 5 is an incredibly great-value way to experience Tahiti while also
offering an authentic seafaring adventure on board a working ship.
The 14-day itinerary takes guests to nine islands across three French
Polynesian archipelagos – the Marquesas, the Tuamotus and the
Society Islands – showing off some of the most naturally beautiful and
untouched islands in the world.
As a working ship, Aranui 5 offers the rare first-hand experience of
seeing a freighter delivering a lifeline of food, fuel and other staples
to remote island ports.
The destination-rich itinerary includes Bora Bora and its famed blue
lagoon; the chance to walk in the footsteps of Robert Louis Stevenson,
Herman Melville and Paul Gauguin on Nuka Hiva; the islands of Ua Pou, Ua
Huka, Tahuata, Fatu Hiva and Hiva Oa in the far-flung Marquesas, and the
picturesque Tuamotu ports of Rangiroa and Takapoto.
During the round-trip cruise from Papeete, the freighter drops off cargo
while guests disembark and explore a range of complimentary excursions
including hikes, 4WD tours, visits to archaeological sites and a picnic on
a secluded beach in Bora Bora. Throughout the journey, guests enjoy the
comforts of a cruise ship including a restaurant, two conference rooms,
lounges, a library, a computer room, a boutique, a swimming pool, a
fitness room, a spa and four bars including the popular Sky Bar.

HELLOWORLD : EXPLORE : AUTUMN EDITION