Page 14 - Fiji Traveller 2024 Issue 6
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Yasa guide
Savusavu: A guide to Fiji's hidden paradise
Savusavu Bay is one of Fiji’s most glorious stretches of water and most charming towns.
Formed from the caldera of a volcano, the bay is home to marinas, wonderful swimming and
snorkelling spots, and a world-famous pearl farm. The town itself provides many diversions,
under and on the water, and on land.
Things to do
Diving and snorkeling J. Hunter Pearl Tour
Since 1997, fishing has been banned at Namena Marine An interesting tour where you learn about the pearl farming
Reserve, which means the sea life is spectacular at fancifully- process in the tempting Savusavu showroom of this famous
named sites like Dungeons and Dragons, Alice in Wonderland, company, before jumping on a boat to see work on the pearl
Dreamhouse (frequented by schools of hammerhead sharks) farms in the bay. During our visit, workers were cleaning and
and Dreadlocks. Just 35 minutes from Savusavu, Natewa Bay checking shells, but at other times of the year you may see
is one of Fiji’s best-kept secrets, or you can journey on to the women harvesting infant oysters, the full pearl harvest (usually
Great Sea Reef. March-May and August-October) or pearl technicians seeding
Prime snorkeling sites right off town include Split Rock, oysters. The tour finishes with snorkeling, at the clam nursery or
Lighthouse, David’s Point and Nuggets. Some companies will at Split Rock.
take you to Namena or to visit Natewa. fijipearls.com/farm-tours
Dive and snorkeling operators shops include:
jeanmichelcousteaudiving.com KokoMana
korosundive.com After learning about the time it takes to produce chocolate
(from bean to turtle) at KokoMana, you’ll think twice before
oceanventuresfiji.com quickly scoffing down a chocolate bar. The KokoMana tour
includes an easy walk through the forest where cocoa and many
Vuadomo Waterfall other useful and beautiful plants thrive, a demonstration of the
Vuadomo Waterfall is an easy drive from Savusavu, just near different stages of chocolate production (harvest, fermentation,
Vuadomo Village. While there is no official entrance fee, you drying, grinding) and then a tasting (and buying) session.
should present your sevusevu at the village before proceeding; kokomanafiji.com/tours
women from the koro also sell handicrafts. Don’t forget to dress
appropriately/modestly in the village. You need to walk an easy Also, check out Flora Tropica Gardens and its 300 varieties
five minutes to get to the falls. If you’re staying at a hotel in of palms, the Namaka Hot Springs (where information boards
Savusavu, they can also recommend guides. explain the geological forces at work) and bustling Savusavu
market.
Freediving
The team at Savusavu-based Liquidstate Freediving stress
that freediving is not an extreme sport, but an ability we are all
born with and recommend it to snorkelers, spearfishers, surfers,
scuba divers, yoga practitioners and loves of nature. Courses
start from a half day introductory experience.
liquidstatefreediving.com
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