2012 Itinerary
Learn to Sail Fiji
Day 01 (Tuesday): Depart the USA
All of Rustic Pathways scheduled group flights to Fiji depart from Los Angeles. Our carrier is Air Pacific – Fiji's national airline. The flight each week is non-stop to Nadi International Airport and is escorted by a Rustic Pathways Flight Leader. The flight departs LAX in the evening and takes about 10 hours. During your flight take the time to get to know other students, get some sleep in preparation for your arrival in the South Pacific, relax with a movie or two and start to settle into the easy-going and friendly nature of the Fijian's and their legendary hospitality.
Day 02 (Wednesday): In Transit
Today is "lost" as you cross the international dateline, but don't worry too
much… you will get it back on your way home!
Day 03 (Thursday): Bula! Welcome to Fiji!
You will immediately be greeted by our Rustic Pathways staff and start your one-week sailing adventure. Start the trip off right with some breakfast as orientation begins. This morning will be time to meet the rest of your group, go through the schedule for the upcoming week and learn about the boat you will be sailing. After a delicious breakfast it will be time to prepare to board you boat for the week. The skills that you will learn this morning include personal safety and how to handle lines and fenders.
There will be a short sail today and a stop for a swim and a snorkel next to one of Fiji's smaller islands. The water here is crystal clear and visibility can be up to 80 feet. The snorkeling in Fiji is some of the best in the world and is known for the abundance of soft coral and tropical fish. You are guarantied to see some beautiful underwater life.
Tonight watch the sun set off of the bow of the boat before enjoying a delicious dinner below deck. Get some rest this evening, because tomorrow the real sailing begins.
Day 04 (Friday): Sailing 101
This morning wake up with the sun rising over the ocean and enjoy a tropical breakfast before the day begins. After breakfast it will be time for the first sailing lesson of the trip. Today the skills that you will work on are parts of the boat, sea terminology, how sails work and how to hoist the main.
After your lesson this morning it will be time to continue sailing and you and the other students in your group will take turns working the ropes and developing your crewing skills. Once you have worked on your sailing skills there will be time to drop anchor and explore a deserted island. Climb aboard a small dingy and prepare for an afternoon of island exploration. Look for coconuts, walk along a white sandy beach, go swimming or simply relax and talk about the skills that you have been learning over the past day.
Day 05 - 08 (Saturday – Tuesday): Sails and Sunsets
Over the next four days spend the mornings learning new and different techniques about sailing in the Pacific Ocean. Each day you will learn new skills and be able to put them to the test by practicing them yourself on the boat. Some of the skills that you will learn include tying sailing knots, how to find weather information, coastal navigation skills, how to do an engine check, parts of rigging, planning the next passage, driving a dingy and much more. By the end of these four days you will feel like a true sailor. There will even be a change to do some night sailing and learn navigation by the stars, the way sailors did when it first began.
Each day after your sailing lessons there will be time for some exciting excursions. Snorkel in some of the most pristine reefs in Fiji, visit resorts and try parasailing (optional), try your hand at scuba diving (optional), fishing, night snorkeling, and even visit the island Monuriki which was made famous by the movie 'Castaway' staring Tom Hanks. Monuriki is a remote, uninhabited island with the picture perfect setting swaying palm trees and beautiful deserted beaches.
In the evenings relax and play cards, watch stunning sunsets, star gaze or relax with a good book. One evening there will be a chance to enjoy a traditional Fijian "meke" and fire dance at one of the island resorts. Each evening will be different from the next and you will be amazed at the amount of activities and games that you can come up with on a boat. There will also be the opportunity to sleep under the stars at night on the bow of the boat where you can fall asleep to the gentle rocking of the ocean.
Day 09 (Wednesday): Return to the Mainland
Today will be your last day of sailing as you begin to head back towards the mainland and you and your crew will decide this final journey. Use the skills that you have gained over the past few days to set sail and navigate your way back to the mainland. Your captain will be there if you need assistance, but the course you take is up to you. Take pride in the skills that you have learned as you set course for Viti Levu and the Marina.
Once you have arrived back on land and you have gathered all your bags there will be time to shop in the marina and enjoy Fiji's best pizza! This evening you will head to your hotel and relax after a great week at sea.
Day 10 (Thursday): Moce "Goodbye"
Well your time in Fiji has flown by like a dream and today is a chance to do some much desired shopping for souvenirs. You will get the chance to explore town and the local handicraft market for gifts and reminders of your time in Fiji.
If you are departing to the USA tonight, after a final meal with your group, you travel to the airport and bid Fiji farewell (until next year perhaps). You will be escorted to LAX with a Rustic Pathways Flight leader.
For those students who are continuing to another Rustic Pathways program in Fiji or overseas, you will commence your next program this morning.
Extending your Adrenaline Rush.
Weeks Three, Four and beyond….
If you're staying longer there will be new opportunities of service and adventure. Your understanding of Fijian culture will be better, the depth of the friendships you've made will be stronger and your ability to communicate, participate and contribute will be enhanced the greater the amount of time you spend here. You can continue your adventure by adding on the "Learn to Dive" or "Diver's Dream" programs and explore Fiji from below the surface. If you would like to add on an additional country, programs in Australia and New Zealand can be added easily. Trips are easy to add on so get creative when you design the summer of your dreams.
An Important Note about Schedule Changes:
Rustic Pathways reserves the right to change, alter, or amend the daily itinerary for this trip at any time. Changes can be made for various reasons including changes in flight or program schedules, changes in the schedules of various external tours incorporated in our trips, the addition of new activities into a trip, or the substitution of an old activity for a new activity. The itinerary shown here provides a good outline of the anticipated daily schedule for this program. As with any travel program, some changes may occur.
