Ever since I was a young child, I’d always dreamt of the adventures of Robinson Crusoe and Swiss Family Robinson, there was just something exciting about being stranded on a deserted island that had ignited my adventurous spirit. As I grew older, I realised the practicalities of said dream were less than ideal and the novelty would wear off when I had to put on my hunter gatherer hat and start fending for myself! But what if I told you that you could get a taste of the private island life, but without any of the distractions and all the modern conveniences of home? Welcome to Fiji’s Best Day Excursion, run by Captain Cook Cruises – Day Sail to the unique and secluded Tivua Island. 

The day begins with an included transfer pick up from your hotel to the Denerau Marina, just outside Nadi, where you will pick up your tickets for the day cruise. You can also use this time to purchase a donation for the coral planting activity that you can participate in on the island. For just $5FJD you can plant a piece of coral to assist in the rejuvenation of the coral reefs around Tivua, to which you will receive a certificate after completion.

Wrist bands in tow, you will make your way to the passenger waiting area and then on to the sailing boat to Tivua Island. You will be greeted with a refreshing glass of fresh juice while listening to some traditional live music performed by the friendly and attentive staff. 

Once setting sail you will be given a brief overview of how the day is structured before the entertainment starts, the staff perform traditional music before beginning a kava ceremony and inviting passengers to join in. The sail to the island takes about an hour, but it soon passes and I found myself losing track of time on the upper deck just watching the waves below. There is a cash bar onboard if you fancy a beer or glass of wine to start the festivities. 

On arrival onto the island it really is like walking into a movie set. The water really is that blue and the sand that powdery white. Covered palapas are scattered along the beaches and there’s more than enough for everyone. There is also the option to purchase a rental of one of two deluxe palapas, these book up fast so it’s best to book a little in advance. 

There is a bar on the island, of which all drinks are included in the price of your ticket! Lunch is also included and is  served buffet style next to the main bar under a large Palapa. There is something for all tastes and they can accommodate dietary restrictions with a little advanced notice. You will have a vast selection of salads, coleslaws, bread rolls, pasta and vegetables in addition to fresh cooked fish, chicken and pork sausages. I was pleasantly surprised by the spread that was created for visitors to the island. 

If lazing on the beach all day isn’t for you, there are plenty of activities to keep you entertained for hours during your visit to the island. There are kayaks and stand up paddle boards that are free for guests to use, in addition to snorkelling equipment. The staff also host guided snorkel trips around the island to show you some of the amazing marine life just feet from the shore – don’t be surprised if you see black tipped nurse sharks – they are very docile and will not harm you. We also saw a blue starfish (a first for me!), various corals, coloured fish and a few jellyfish. There is also a glass bottomed boat cruise that you can join in too to see even more of the bustling life below the surface. 

There is a volleyball court on the island and you are welcome to invite the staff to join you in a match against the guests! Also offered are various medicine walks through the island where you can learn about the herbal supplements grown on the island. 

If that wasn’t enough, there is also a spa hut where you can book to have a massage to the sounds of the crashing waves. This cost is extra but I honestly can’t think of a more relaxing location to be pampered!

 

In the late afternoon, guests and staff will start to make their way sleepily back to the boat, after a day of sun, sand and relaxation. You will return back to the marina in Denerau approximately an hour after departure from the island, and then you can hop back on your shuttle back to your hotel, a process which was incredibly seamless (and something I’ve commonly seen problems with following other excursions).

I honestly can’t rave enough about my day trip to Tivua Island, the whole day was effortless and had so many different inclusions throughout the day. Having lunch and drinks included was a huge positive, especially not having to worry about paying for things all the time. But what really blew me away was the island itself – it is so unbelievably breathtaking and I feel so lucky to have had the opportunity to visit it. If you’re like me and have had the Robinson Crusoe dream since childhood, I urge you to book your excursion with Captain Cook Cruises on your next visit to Fiji – I guarantee you will not regret it!  

Inclusions 

• Open bar on the island 
• Full island buffet on the island including chicken, pork, fish, coleslaws, various salads, bread rolls and sides 
• Transfer pick up from your hotel to the marina and drop off at the end of the day 
• Boat ride to and from the island 
• Island activities including the use of kayaks, stand up paddle boards, glass bottom boat rides, guided snorkel tour, medicine walks 
• Entertainment on the boat including the infamous kava ceremony (a must during your visit to Fiji!) 

Ready to book? Click here to book your Private Island Experience!

For more photos and videos, have a look at my “Fiji” highlights reel on Instagram 🙂 @chase.the.rainbows

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