Vatulele Activities & Tours

The legendary Red Prawns
This involves a short boat trip and pleasant fifteen-minute walk along the base of our sandstone cliffs, through tropical rainforest until finally arriving at the tidal rock pools which house Vatulele’s sacred red prawns. Along the way you will be able to view ancient petroglyphs, one of which our logo is based upon. The legend surrounding the red
prawns is well described in the dark green booklet (located in your bure). You will need to wear shoes (preferably reef walkers) and insect repellent at certain times of the year.

Cave walk
This hike takes about 30 minutes in each direction. Along the way you will be informed of the local Fijian bush medicine and see small plantations of young mulberry trees used to make tapa cloth. There are two caves, one of, which contains a crystal clear pool of water, deep enough to dive off surrounding rocks and allowing enough daylight in to see the multitude of stalegtites overhead. You will need sturdy walking shoes,your swimming costume, towel and insect repellent at certain times of the year.

Hike to the Lighthouse
More of a hard walk than a hike, this trip takes approximately 25 minutes through the rainforest. The path is rocky and uneven in some places, so good walking shoes are required.
Vatulele does not recommend the lighthouse itself, but the view from the top is spectacular.

Village day trip
The mini van will take you to one of four of Vatulele’s resident native villages, where you will meet the chief of the island, who will welcome the guest with the official Fijian Kava ceremony. After a brief wander through the village, you will have the opportunity to buy local shells, jewellery and tapa cloth made by the villagers themselves. We recommend that you take small denomination of Fijian currency ($1, $2 or $5) and a camera. The resort asks that guests dress somewhat conservatively; long skirts or shorts and have shoulders covered. At some times of the year, guests like to watch a local football game (Rugby).

Snorkelling
While you are free to snorkel at your own leisure in and around the resort, most visitors must be taken to the reef by boat, as it is actually located some distance from the shore. The boat will moor on the deep side allowing you to see the varying types of marine life as the coral wall descends. Take your towel and plenty of sunscreen. Snorkels, masks and fins are available upon request from the activities bure located on the main beach.

Picnics
Picnic breakfasts and lunches are available for visits to Nooki Nooki Island or at the Long Beach. The resort will provide you with shade, transportation and a picnic hamper of your choice. You will need shoes (preferably ones that you do not mind getting wet) and general beach items (eg towel, sunscreen, etc). It is suggested you pre-book with the Island Management a couple of days in advance as these activities are very popular. Snorkelling equipment may also be of some enjoyment to you.

Sunday Church Service
The Vatulele mini bus will take you one of the four villages located on Vatulele, for the
local church service with the local residents. The singing is magnificent but the service is
conducted in Fijian and is rather lengthy – one and a half-hours – if you wish to depart
prior to the completion, please do not hesitate to ask your guide.

Private dinners
It is possible to organise private meals for two in a number of locations on Vatulele. Guests may choose from the wine cellar, on the beach, the terrace in their bure, the folly overlooking the resort, or in the library in the main bure. It is advised that the guest book these meals in advance with the island managament as the resort is only able to accept one couple at a time, in any one place.

Scuba diving
Scuba Diving is available at the resort on a daily basis. We have a PADI certified Gold Palm 5 star resort with two resident instructors. You will not be in large groups and your instruction will be very one-on-one. It would be difficult to find better circumstances to obtain a scuba certification.

Fishing
Is not one of our advertised or included activities. However you should contact us if you are interested in the status of fishing because our new co-General Manager, Grant (joining in January 2003) was a professional fly fishing guide for a time in New Zealand. He is keen to get fishing on the agenda and is investigating BONE fishing as an option. Fishing will be at additional cost if we decide to go ahead with it.

For those of you who are interested in GAME fishing, a boat can be chartered from the mainland. As it has to travel some distance, there are relocation fees involved.

Massage
We have a number of Fijian therapists offering massage at an additional modest charge (approximately US$45 for one hour at current exchange rates).

Please note that the above activities are rotated on a weekly basis, however, should
you wish to schedule something for a particular day during your day, we would welcome
your requests.