RIVER TUBING FIJI
I’ve been six times and can’t wait to go again!
I have been fortunate to have been able to experience River Tubing Fiji several times since its inception. There are many wonderful excursions in Fiji that help you learn about this beautiful country and culture. This full day excursion one beats them all!
You travel up the quiet but navigable Navua River in long boats to a remote village where you meet the villagers. In the village you learn about their everyday life and you are taken on a tour of their gardens to learn about native foods and remedies. Next stop in the long boats is a magnificent waterfall of gushing crystal clear Fiji Water (except after heavy rain which I quite prefer). There is a great swimming hole at the base of the waterfall, a welcome refreshing relief on a warm day. If you are lucky some of the boys will entertain you by diving into the waterhole from a great height. It is a short trek up to the waterfall on concrete paths with guide ropes where necessary for extra safety. Long boats then take you on a short trip to a beach (yes, there are beaches in Fiji’s interior) where you enjoy a beautiful lunch of both western and traditional foods. Some of the food is sourced from the village garden. This is a highlight for many!
After lunch the real fun begins, as you float down the river on ‘double hulled’ tyre tubes, floating over gentle rapids, all the time guided by the crew who float with you. The River Tubing team have taken 4 year olds through to 80 year olds, as well as those with physical limitations on their trips so it was great to learn that everyone can be accommodated and that the team at River Tubing Fiji are flexible. Less confident people and young children have their own guide so it is super safe. Most parts of the river you can stand up in. Just a what a wonderful way to finish the day, floating down the river at a gentle pace, enjoying the scenery and listening to the crew serenade you (everyone in Fiji can sing)!
River Tubing Fiji combines adventure, eco and culture tourism into one amazing package. The people I have travelled with have highly valued the fact that you visit a village located deep in the interior as the villagers go about their everyday life. The experience is authentic. While there is no market selling trinkets, you leave knowing part of your fee contributes to improvements in the village. Flushing toilets are an example of what our visits have funded.
For me, it is a must do when you visit Fiji. River Tubing Fiji is a very professional outfit, constantly updating and refining their craft and having taken the tour six times, I have found something new to experience each time. Can’t wait to visit again when borders open.