Fiji/New Caledonia/Vanuatu
Fascinating Fiji: Exploring Above and Below its Shores
Program No. 23554RJ
Don your snorkeling mask to discover the coral reefs and aquatic biodiversity of Fiji with experts — then go on land to meet the locals and share in their culture and traditions.
Participant Reviews
Based on 16 Reviews
SHOWING
Since returning home, I appreciate more and more the care and effort put forward by our guides in making the Fiji trip a truly unique adventure. I have been on 14 Road Scholar trips and have, with one exception, known the most knowledgeable and prepared instructors I have personally ever met. Fiji ranks at the top and I do not say that lightly. The logistics of bus and boat travel, two lane highways, long distances with 14 "strangers" to learn their needs quickly and MEET those needs. How wise to begin with Bega Island where we could unwind and begin to learn about and appreciate Fiji life. That first long day I was handed a bright blue starfish when we "practiced" snorkeling in the bay of the resort. I thought it was a child's toy! We carefully returned it. The presentations on Fiji and its fragile ecosystem were of high standards and carry global weight. We also saw the reef destruction personally. I hope Bega Island remains on the program. Rooms, food, service were above standard. Please on future trips, encourage RS members to buy from the "Ladies in the Woods", the locals villagers selling their crafts. I wish I had bought more. Are quality, unique and now special. Volivoli provided Namena Marine Reserve and Bird Island. Terrific all day tours with guides who found unique sealife for us as well as helped with gear and always supportive smiles. Our RS guides were always there for my extra questions or needs, i.e. better snorkel tube. As a retired high school teacher and single mother of three, I could not have kept up this efficient schedule with a ready smile always. I don't know how long the Fiji programs have existed, but I hope the caliber of your guides in Fiji remains where it is right now. I wish I could return tomorrow.
— Review left February 5, 2026
Five Stars: A dream come true, I was able to visit an amazing place and to snorkel in the South Pacific. The Fijians are kind and great people. Also, the quality and health of the coral reefs and the numerous and vibrant fish was fantastic. For a more pleasant snorkeling experience consider wearing a swim cap.
— Review left November 22, 2025
I snorkeled the great barrier reef in Australia six weeks prior to the beginning of my trip to Fiji. The snorkeling in Fiji was easier and the reefs were healthier. If you love snorkeling, I highly recommend Fiji. The people are amazingly kind and welcoming.
— Review left November 20, 2025
Fabulous snorkeling on perhaps the last healthy coral in the world. This program is for people who want to do several hours per day of serious snorkeling, are comfortable in the water and have swimming skills.
— Review left November 19, 2025
Fiji experience was wonderful. It was great to experience the Fiji culture and country. The accomodations were perfect. The fish and corals experienced during snorkeling were amazing. Road Scholar provides the right combination of education, activity and affordability. The experience overcomes the length of travel to get there and back.
— Review left March 4, 2025
Reach out and see the underwater planet. Gurantee you'll never see an Ocean so big as the Pacific Great Sea. I made friends for life. Fascinating Fiji Above and Below!
— Review left March 1, 2025
What an amazing adventure! We learned so much from our group leader, who is a marine biologist. The accommodations, people, snorkeling, and overall quality of this program were well put together. The daily activities and free time was a perfect mixture. Our group had married couples and singles. Don't hesitate to put this trip on your bucket list!
— Review left February 23, 2025
I loved this program. The snorkeling was spectacular but even better were our (unofficial) encounters with local villagers and residents who worked at the resorts. Take every opportunity to find ways to interact with them. They are friendly and eager to talk and exchange experiences.
— Review left February 21, 2025
Great Trip! Amazing snorkeling sites. I felt like Nemo in the fish tank at the dentist's office! My friends don't think my photos are "real"! Ron was an awesome tour guide. I wish Road Scholar had more snorkeling trips!
— Review left February 21, 2025
The pristine waters of Fiji proved to be an underwater paradise that exceeded all expectations. The coral reefs were nothing short of magnificent, and it was a pleasure to see a marine and land environment so clean and well cared for.
— Review left February 20, 2025
If you love to snorkel in a beautiful environment, this is the program for you!
— Review left January 31, 2025
We can not say enough positive things about our trip to Fiji through Road Scholar! We came for the snorkeling but fell in love with the people and the country. Everyone was so kind, wonderfully helpful and seemed to enjoy sharing their love of their home with us. Back to the snorkeling aspect; it was the most amazing snorkeling of our lives! We have never seen such vast amounts, and variety, of coral and of course the fish (and other marine life) were plentiful and beautiful. We found the itinerary to be perfect, going first to Beqa Island then on to Rakiraki. Both resorts were just lovely and the accommodations very comfortable and the cultural entertainment/activities were so much fun. It made our experience more meaningful. However our guide Ron, and the group of people we traveled with, just put the trip on another level of excellence! Ron’s experience as a marine biologist made our time in the water and his lectures very beneficial to increasing our knowledge. In addition he is a first class guide and took great care of us! Our group was the best! Exceptional company and so much laughter! We were quite active but the trip was also relaxing, so much so I found myself showing up for meals barefoot, I couldn't seem to remember to slip on my flip flops…
— Review left December 21, 2024
It was a wonderful time! Ron was a great guide. Very patient and very hands on with the group in making sure we were all comfortable. I have found a new home in Fiji. I can't wait to go back
— Review left November 17, 2024
Came to see the fish. By the end of the trip I had a greater appreciation of the coral. The people were amazing and were as a group the friendliest people I have ever encountered.
— Review left October 11, 2024
Program is appropriate for those who wish for a thorough snorkeling experience at perhaps the best snorkeling area in the world. The program studies not only the diversity and beauty of the coral reefs but also the stress corals are currently experiencing. Personally I learned a lot about programs to protect and restore this critical resource.
— Review left April 26, 2024
Fascinating Fiji was a lovely trip especially for those of us who enjoy snorkeling and marine life. The two resorts we stayed at were very different but both comfortable and lots of food!! Our group leader Ron Simpson was a native of Fiji and a marine expert and just a sweet and patient man who was always willing to find an answer to a question or concern. We had a small group of 12 so got to know one another quite quickly.
The reef life was amazing and the local people were so very welcoming and kind.
My only complaint was that persons who were not well with cold and cough symptoms did not mask up in anyway and when one person finally did a rapid Covid test (which was positive) there still was not an emphasis by the group leaders to ensure masking and isolation. As a result at least three more of us became ill and therefore following CDC guidelines I have spent the first few days of my next trip masked up/isolated and generally feeling miserable. Hopefully I will recover in time to enjoy the rest of my new trip.
— Review left February 2, 2024