LIVEABOARD VACATIONS – “SLEEP, EAT & DIVE”

Liveaboard vacations are a whole other beast when compared to land-based scuba vacations.  For some it is the ultimate and only type of dive vacation.  Climb aboard your charter and sail toward the horizon, bound for remote dive destinations.  Once you’ve set sail, you simply have to roll out of bed each morning, stumble to the salon to fuel up for your dives, then head out to the deck to gear up and climb into your tender, or stride directly of the swimstep into the water, to start yet another day of four to five dives.  Repeat this for 7 to 10 days and you have your liveaboard vacation fantasy fulfilled.

So why, you ask, are so many divers drawn to the attraction of a liveaboard vacation?  Well here are just a few reasons:

The “all-inclusive” cost

Due to the nature of these types of vacations, the upfront package price is frequently more than your typical land-based vacation, but when you compare apples to apples, there are savings to be found in the overall price of your vacation, like the amount of diving included, the expense of food and beverages, and the list can go on.

Unpack once and done

Unpack your gear on the deck and your clothes in the cabin and you are done for the rest of the vacation.  And when it comes to your clothes, remember to pack light.  No need for extra shoes or formal wear on this cruise.  A couple of t-shirts and shorts, and fleece to keep you warm from the cool ocean breeze or air-conditioned cabins, and you are good to go.

However, when it comes to your scuba gear, don’t skimp on back-ups.  Remember, you wanted to get away from civilization, and because of that, there is no dive shop around the corner to replace that broken fin strap or dead computer battery.

Dive to your heart’s content 

On the average liveaboard, you can typically dive four or five times a day if you want (depending on surface intervals and conditions, of course).  For the diver who can’t seem to get wet often enough, a liveaboard vacation has a clear advantage over a land-based operation.

More diving flexibility

The beauty of a liveaboard is its ability to go where the diving is good.  If conditions at one site are not favorable, the boat can simply pull anchor and head to another site.  Also, let the crew know what you are looking for and that could influence what sites the boat may go to.

Less explored dive sites

The beauty of a liveaboard is its ability to go to (and sometimes stay at) dive sites that can’t be reached by your average land-based day boat in a reasonable amount of time.  This means you sometimes find yourself diving sites that few have ever dived.

Smaller groups

Whether it be because the liveaboard doesn’t sail with a lot of divers, or it staggers the divers it does sail with, you get to enjoy your dive sites without having a crowd bumping into you left and right.  Also, the remoteness of the dive sites adds to the chances that you won’t see divers other than those in your group.

Some liveaboards really cater to underwater photographers and videographers

Are you a diver aspiring to expand your photography or videography skills?  Often times, liveaboards are designed to provide special areas for photo/video equipment and will also provide the ability for you to see your work while under sail.  And with a little research, you can find boats offering special sailings with expert instructor workshops to improve your skills.

So if sailing the open seas to remote destinations and setting anchor at dive sites away from civilization sounds like your cup of tea, then you may need to rethink how you prepare for your scuba vacation. Remember to do some research to find the liveaboard that's right for you.  And check out my expert tips for trip preparation, and packing your bags for this adventure, in my liveaboard information guide available FREE to you.

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Forget Resolutions. Make Plans for 2018.

Travel More

The beauty of travel is it is a cure for what ails us.  The act of traveling provides us with a sense of escape.  An abandoning of the everyday stressors.  Travel helps us feel more relaxed, happier, healthier, rejuvenated and prepared to be more successful upon our return to work.

Worried about when to take that well-deserved vacation?  Pick a slow time of the year for your business.  Then commit.  Book well in advance.

Be a Global Citizen

Travel enforces the reality that we are all part of a larger global community.  Travel across international borders fosters a greater appreciation for other countries & cultures.  Make a concerted effort to spread your wings and travel farther from home.

Be Kind to the Environment

Select a destination that is eco-concious and offers sustainable travel and conservation programs.  Make a pledge this year to give back to Mother Nature.  Be conscientious, appreciate your beautiful surroundings, and be a good steward.  Be aware of and limit your plastic use, and choose coral-safe sunscreen and body-care products.

Conquer a Fear

Push yourself out of your comfort zone.  Broaden your horizons.  Voyage to a resort off-the-beaten path.  Go on a shark dive.  Zipline through a jungle canopy.  Be adventurous.  Be bold.  Try something new.  The options are endless.

Get in Scuba Shape

Outsiders and newbies may not realize this, but as an experienced diver, you know scuba requires strength, muscular endurance, and a good range of motion.  As divers, our experience with conditions like strong currents, cold water, poor visibility, and other challenging conditions can sometimes test our metal.  As a fit diver, we are more likely to dive more often, be safer, and push ourselves to advance our training.  The benefits of being a fit scuba diver include easier handling of gear, better use of air, and a greater enjoyment of the sport.

Strengthen a Relationship

Travel has a magic which brings people together and deepens relationships through shared experiences.  Whether it be a spouse, parent, sibling, or dive buddy, spending quality time together forges a lifetime of memories and strengthens those existing bonds.

Go Slow and Take Time

Go slow and discover things most "tourists" might miss.  You've traveled half-way around the world to experience this destination. Take time to soak in the sun, learn the history, absorb the culture, and savor a delectable delight as you encounter all the different and wonderful things this corner of the world has to offer.

Inspiration is the impetus for planning.  I hope I have inspired you to discover our big, beautiful world in a way that will satisfy your soul.  Time to make those plans.

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Five Fun Facts About Fiji

1)  Fiji is an archipelago

Fiji is an archipelago consisting of 333 islands with pristine white sandy beaches, tropical lagoons and beautiful underwater soft corals.

2)  Fiji's two main islands are Viti Levu and Vanua Levu

Fiji's two main islands are Viti Levu and Vanua Levu.  Viti Levu is the mainland on which Nadi (pronounced nandi), one of Fiji's major cities and home to the international airport, is located.

3)  Fiji is known as the "Soft Coral Capital of the World"

Fiji is known as the "Soft Coral Capital of the World".  Named after the famous Captain Bligh of The Bounty, Bligh Water is the stretch of sea that separates Fiji's two main islands: Vanua Levu and Viti Levu.  Here is only one location in Fijian seas where currents provide nutrient-rich waters, feeding an abundance of soft corals in a stunning array of colors.

4)  Kava is the national drink of Fiji

Kava is the national drink of Fiji.  Perhaps nothing reflects the Fijians’ reverence for tradition like yaqona (kava) drinking.  Made from the pulverised root of a plant in the pepper family, this muddy-colored drink has a tingling numbing effect on the tongue.  In Fiji, yaqona drinking was and is the social cement that bonds society.

5)  Fiji actually has three official languages

Fiji actually has three official languages: Fijian, Hindi & English, but English is widely spoken throughout, so no worries.  Here are a few key words & sayings:

English                Fijian (pronunciation)
Good Morning      Ni Sa Yadra (ni sah yan dra)
Hello                   Bula (mbula)
Goodbye              Ni Sa Moce (nee sa mothey)
Thank You            Vinaka (vinahka)
Great Fiji             Viti Levu  (vee tee le voo)
Great Land           Vanua Levu  (va noo a le voo)

Fijian Village Etiquette:

Please remember when traveling to the Fijian islands to dress modestly when visiting outside of your resort.  For the ladies, do not wear shorts and make sure to cover your shoulders in some manner (no halter or bikini tops).  It is always handy to carry a sulu (sarong) with you to cover up.  Please do not wear hats or touch anyone's head.  These things are taken as a sign of disrespect.  And please speak softly as raised voices are interpreted as a sign of anger.  Fijians are known as some of the friendliest people in the world.  Respect for the Fijian customs and traditions will add a satisfying dimension to your visit and make you a welcome guest in their villages and homes.

Like what you've read? Want to learn how to better enjoy your scuba diving vacation? Maybe you'd like to travel with Delightful Departures on an upcoming adventure? Become part of the Delightful Departures community. Discover different destinations and travel tips in our biweekly newsletter. In addition, you'll receive our FREE "Know Before You Go" guide just because. Join today.

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4 Must Do Things in Taveuni Fiji

 

Visit a Village

The magic of Fiji is not only in the beauty of its lush landscapes and amazing waters, but also in the beauty of its people. While enjoying your stay on Taveuni, you must make time to take a guided visit to a village. Duivosavosa Village hosts a wonderful cultural experience where the villagers welcome you to learn about their Fijian lifestyle. During your visit they will demonstrate to you the Fijian crafts of basket making, mat-weaving, coconut husking and all the uses of coconut, fire-making, how to cook in an earth oven (know as a lovo), and of course, preparation of the traditional drink,  Yaqona, more widely known as kava. They will teach you how this drink is made, all the way from the live yaqona plant through the many preparatory phases before it is ready to be mixed into their ceremonial drink.  Enjoy an afternoon tea session (cakes and tea) and a Fijian Meke (songs & dance) with your gracious hosts.

Please remember to wear appropriate village attire; no hats and no sunglasses to be worn in the Village and women should cover their shoulders. Bring your cameras and get some fantastic and memorable pictures.  The children love to be photographed and enjoy receiving your letters and photos by mail!

Stand at the International Date Line

Taveuni is the island "where a new day begins...and where every day ends". Well, technically that is no longer true, but once upon a time Fiji's third largest island had the confusing distinction of being a "dual day" island thanks to the International Date Line, an imaginary line of longitude located at 180 degrees east (or west) of the Greenwich Meridian. The eastern half of the island was enjoying Sunday, while the western half was passing time on Monday. Later on the powers that be decided they should adjust the line so that no island, or island nation, was divided into two.

That's ok, you can still have fun with jumping back and forth between yesterday and today if you make time to visit the unassuming monument up on a hill in the middle of a field. Depending on where you are staying on Taveuni, you can arrange for transport to the date line, or if you are close enough to walk, just ask a local for directions. It is really quite easy to find. And the fun part about walking is you might make some new friends along the way, as I did back in 2009. During my visit, the sign marking the line was a little tattered from a typhoon the year before, but surfing the web, I see the islanders have built a new sign to proudly mark this infamous location.

And for all you single men out there with a lovely lady in your life, if you are thinking it is time to pop the question, book a wonderful vacation to Taveuni to make your proposal extra special. My now husband did an excellent job of proposing to me at the dateline..."I think of myself as your boyfriend yesterday, hopefully your fiance today, and your husband forever in the future." Great job baby!! Of course I said yes!

Visit a Pearl Farm

The natural environment of the Fijian islands is a veritable treasure trove of colors. In the fertile waters of Fiji, its oysters produce some of the most rare and unusual pearls in the world. Fijian pearls set themselves apart from the traditional shapes and colors commonly seen in pearls with their expansive color palette of rare hues including gold, champagne, green, cranberry, chocolate, peacock, lilac, turquoise, dusty rose and deep sapphire. These are totally natural colors derived from - and unique to - the Fijian environment; they are not dyed or enhanced in any way. The distinctive traits of Fijian pearls are due to the specific qualities of the natural environment and the oysters chosen, as well as innovative farming techniques.

Make sure to take time out to visit a pearl farm during your surface interval on Taveuni. Conditions allowing, you will be able to take a boat ride out to where the oysters are growing and snorkel around the farm. Here you will learn the techniques to produce such beautiful and unusual pearls. These farms pride themselves on keeping their production small - quality over quantity - and adhere to local traditional fishing rights guidelines which promote sustainable farm operations and a reinvestment in the community. Buying pearls from their establishments benefits the community through scholarship funds, village development projects and empowerment village workshops.

Get Wet at a Waterfall

A visit to the island of Taveuni would not be complete without venturing to Bouma National Heritage Park. On the windward side of the island, this park was created to protect the lush landscape of the "garden island", as well as creating a means of income through park entrance fees for the 4 villages who are bounded by the park. You can choose to make this a half-day or full-day adventure, depending on how rigorous a hike you are looking to do. Above all else, remember to wear water shoes and a swimsuit under your clothes so you can cool off with a quick dip in the inviting pools beneath the refreshing falls.

The "Bouma" falls actually consist of 3 waterfalls along the Tavoro river with the path leading to each becoming more challenging than the last. The trail starts out with a 10 minute walk to the first and most famous waterfall of Fiji, where you can then decide if you desire to continue onward up a series of switchbacks, past gorgeous panoramic views to the second and third falls. Don't forget to soak in the beauty of your environs along the way. Be on the lookout for crabs, geckos, and unusual birds like Taveuni's orange dove.

So there you go. My list of 4 things you must do while visiting the amazing "garden island" of Taveuni. Have you been to Taveuni before? Won't you share your "must-dos" with me in the comment section down below ? I'd love to hear all about them.

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10 Things to Bring with You on a Dive Boat

When packing for a dive vacation, you generally think of all the equipment you will need while in the water, or things you will need for when you are back at the resort.  But what about for those times you are cruising to your dive site or resting out your surface interval on your dive boat?  What items would make these times more comfortable?

Well, here is my list of things I take along with me on a dive boat.  The list is not exhaustive, and of course you'll personalize it, but I think it is a good starting point for any diver.  Keep in mind some of the items may vary depending on the climate you are diving in.  I composed this list with tropical waters in mind.

Dry Bag

First, I suggest purchasing a good dry bag from your local dive shop or outdoor recreational sporting goods store. It does not have to be humongous. Just big enough to carry the personal essentials you want to keep dry on a dive boat. Everyone knows no matter where you put your things on a dive boat, water is everywhere and always seems to find your stuff.

Sunglasses

Personally, I never pack the most expensive pair of sunglasses I could possibly find. I have a tendency to break or lose sunglasses all the time. I do, however, make sure that the budget glasses I do buy have at least 100% UVA and UVB protection to provide essential protection from the sun’s ultraviolet rays. I do prefer polarized sunglasses to reduce glare when spending a lot of time on the water. Also, you might want to think of purchasing sunglasses that fully cover your eyes. Although not my personal style, some people prefer wrap-around lenses to block out light and glare from the side, as well as the front.

Hat

Remember to pack a hat for added sun protection. Your dive boat may not have a canopy. Or maybe you want to catch some rays during your surface interval but want to hide your eyes from the glare. A great sun hat can do this for you. You can find some great hats at your local outdoor recreational retailer or online as well. What I look for in a hat is good ventilation, wicking material, washable, and easily foldable for packing convenience. Make sure it has a good strap to keep it on your head when you encounter strong sea breezes. And you might want to consider the extra protection of a neck cape to protect you from becoming a "redneck".

Sunscreen

Believe it  or not, sunburn is one of the leading injuries of scuba divers. Make sure to prevent this by remembering to pack sunscreen in your bag. And, just like equalizing, remember to apply it early and often while on the boat. If you can, try to purchase a "coral reef safe" sunscreen to prevent killing the reefs we love to dive. There are a number of organic or biodegradable sunscreens out there now that can be found by an easy search online. Look for a brand that uses physical sunblocks such as titanium dioxide and zinc oxide instead of chemical ones. Look at the ingredient lists to make sure reef-damaging substances such as oxybenzone, butylparaben, octinoxate and 4-methylbenzylidine camphor (all of which have been shown to cause coral bleaching even at low levels) aren’t included.

Lip Balm

The sun and wind can also be damaging to your lips as well. I always like to throw a lip balm into my bag and use it in between dives to prevent my lips from cracking. There are also a number of lip balms out there today with sunscreen for that extra prevention against skin cancer.

Cover-Up

While still on the subject of sun protection, remember to always wear or bring some type of cover-up on the boat with you whether it be a rashguard, T-shirt, or even a sarong. Something comfy and quick-drying to cover and protect you from the sun and is easy to throw on between dive sites, or for the ride from and back to the resort. A rash guard is not only good for between dives to protect you from the sun and keep you cool while it air dries, but if you are not wearing some type of wet suit, this type of cover-up can protect you from jelly fish stings or accidental coral scrapes.

Towel - Quick Dry Towel

Now if your boat doesn't provide towels, you may want to borrow one from your room to dry off your face, rub down after a dive, or lay out on the boat deck to catch some rays. If the room towels are too bulky to pack in your dry back, you may want to invest in a "quick-dry" towel. Once again, things like this can be purchased from any outdoor recreation retailer. Quick dry towels are lightweight, compact and often come in a handy mesh pouch for easier packing.

Water Bottle

If your dive boat does not provide refreshments, you may want to throw a well-sealed water bottle into your bag - preferably a reusable one if you want to promote good stewardship of our environment.

Snack

Along with water, if your the type that needs a bite to eat between dives and your dive boat doesn't provide any food, pack a snack. I might grab some fruit from my breakfast or maybe a muffin. Or if you like to back snack/energy bars for your flights to and from your destination, you may want to throw in a few more for the boats. You can always ask your travel agent before you go if snacks are provided on the boat as part of your package so you can plan ahead.

Camera

Finally, I love to snap shots of everyone on the boat or scenery we are passing by, but I don't want to drag my underwater camera and housing out of the camera bucket, so I pack my "land" camera in among the other things in my dry bag. I also include backup batteries and memory cards for whatever camera I bring (including my underwater camera) and a lens cleaner kit just in case.




So there it is. My list of 10 thing I can't do without so I throw them into my dry bag to haul onto the dive boat with me along with my other gear. I'm sure you have other items you may consider essential. I'd love to know. Be sure to share your "must-haves" down below if you do.

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Experience the Beauty of Beqa, Fiji

Just say the word, Fiji, and images of a pristine tropical island paradise immediately come to mind.  White sand beaches, verdant hills thick with palm trees, azure lagoons beckoning to be explored, and the warm hospitality of the Fijian people enveloping you. Fiji is a destination a traveler will never tire of experiencing again and again.  Especially a scuba diver looking for that unforgettable dive vacation.

Located in the heart of the South Pacific, Fiji is blessed with 333 tropical islands...

A particular gem for me among the 300 some islands that make up Fiji is the island of Beqa.  It holds a special place in my heart because it was here that I experienced my first international dive vacation.  A 45-minute boat ride south of the main island of Viti Levu, you depart from the Coral Coast, and as you are transported across Beqa Lagoon’s crystal clear waters, you can feel the stress within your body just melt away.

Fiji is most widely celebrated for its culture, which uniquely welcomes visitors home...

One of the magical features of Beqa is its isolation and its traditional island-life feel. Beqa is an island without roads.  Sparsely populated, it only has 9 traditional villages.  On Beqa visitors experience an authentic glimpse into the true Melanesian way of life, largely unaffected by the tourism trade or modern developments.  Take the time to get to know the staff at your resort and you may be surprised with an invitation to visit their home.  It is because of the rural nature of Beqa that the local villagers are naturally more welcoming.  They simply see fewer visitors and retain their genuine Fijian warmth and charm.

Beqa Lagoon is a gateway to a wonderland of marine life...

Now let’s not forget the world-class diving that draws divers to Beqa’s shores.  A marvelous barrier reef surrounds and protects the lagoon.  Here you will find a spectacular array of marine life, including spotted rays, blue ribbon eels, lion fish, clown triggerfish, groupers and sharks, just to name a few.  And of course, Fiji is known as the soft coral capital of the world.  You cannot dive without experiencing the rainbow of spectacular colors of its living reefs.  There are wrecks to be dived as well, but I believe Beqa Lagoon is known best for its shark dives.  With luck, you may encounter, up close and personal, up to 9 different species of sharks.  Now that is a dive to get your adrenaline pumping.

In Fiji you arrive as a guest, but you leave as family...

When you are drying out on your surface interval make time to discover the beauty of Beqa and its people.  Take a hike up its craggy hills to a nearby waterfall. Traipse along its beaches and into the jungle, to find your way to a nearby village for a visit.  Take part in a cultural activity to learn about and appreciate the traditions. Or, just relax, soak in the warmth of the sun, and as the day comes to an end, enjoy a magnificent island sunset.

Ready to book your flight and jet off to Fiji for yourself?  Here is my FREE gift to you...Five can't-miss activities you have to experience for yourself when visiting Beqa.  Just click here.

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