"Diving into the New Year: A Week of Underwater Wonders at Fiji's Voli Voli Beach Resort
Brennan Bushman Feb 13, 2024
"Diving into the New Year: A Week of Underwater Wonders at Fiji's Voli Voli Beach Resort
Bula! Welcome to our dive-centric chronicle of Fiji's Viti Levu Island, where the Voli Voli Beach Resort served as our base for an extraordinary underwater escapade from December 29, 2023, to January 5, 2024.
Day 1: Arrival and First Impressions After an 11-hour flight from LAX, we were greeted by a Fijian sunrise. The three-hour drive from Nadi Airport to Voli Voli Beach Resort revealed the island's rugged beauty, from wandering livestock to village life and sneak peeks of the ocean. Despite the journey, we couldn't resist diving into the house reef — a prelude to the underwater spectacle that awaited us.
Diving: An Underwater Ballet Our dive days were dictated by the whims of the ocean. The Bligh Waters offered a dramatic backdrop of strong currents and dynamic underwater vistas. Even with limited visibility, the marine life put on an unforgettable show. The marine park, with its protected status and thriving ecosystems, was the pinnacle of our underwater adventures. Healthy soft corals and the dance of the gorgonians were the highlights, with our final dive leaving us in awe of the ocean's majesty.
New Year's Eve: A Fijian Celebration As one of the first places to welcome the New Year, Voli Voli's festivities were nothing short of magical. From a beach BBQ to the numbing sips of ceremonial Kava, we rang in the new year with fireworks and dancing under the stars.
Snorkel Adventure & Dolphin Safari Respecting the no-fly rule post-diving, we embarked on a snorkeling adventure that nearly rivaled our SCUBA experiences. The shallow reefs provided an intimate ballet of marine life, just beneath the water's surface, showcasing the ocean's beauty in the light of day.
Cultural Nights: Meke Performance and Fijian Lovo The trip wouldn't have been complete without immersing ourselves in Fijian culture. A traditional Meke performance provided a glimpse into the island's soul, while the Lovo feast introduced us to the tantalizing flavors of local cuisine.
Conclusion: Embracing the Fijian Spirit Our journey through Fiji was as much an exploration of its waters as it was an embrace of its heartwarming culture. With every dive, meal, and dance, Fiji left an indelible mark on us, making it a destination we'll cherish forever.
- Brennan Bushman
