Fiji

Travel Information

Flight time: Approximate flight duration from the UK to Fiji is 21 hours.

Time Zone: GMT +12 hours (Wintertime), BST +11 hours (Summertime)

Advice on your international flights: Please book your international flight to fly into and out of Nadi Airport, Viti Levu. We recommend that you arrive in Fiji one day before your safari departure so you're well rested before the start of the trip. Alternatively please book your international flight to arrive into Fiji by 10am to transfer to the Volivoli Beach Resort by 1pm on the day of safari departure. The transfer from airport to resort is approximately 2.5 hours and this time should be taken into account to ensure you arrive in good time for boarding. Disembarkation at the end of the cruise will be just before 10am. If you are not remaining in Fiji for additional nights after your cruise, please allow plenty of time for the transfer to the airport and for check-in.

Airport terminal fee: Passengers travelling within Fiji are not required to pay additional airport terminal fees or departure tax, all costs are included within your flight ticket.

Passport and Visas: All travellers must be in possession of a passport that is valid at least for six months beyond the period you plan to stay. Passport holders of most Western and Asian countries will be issued with a visa on arrival that allows a stay of up to four months. However we always advise guests to check for updates and changes on the Fijian government website - http://www.fiji.gov.fj/

Language and Religion: The primary language is Fijian (Vosa Vakaviti) but the majority of the local people speak English, which is now the primary language used in all schools across the nation. The Fijian population follows a mix of religions, with more than half being Christian , 52.9%, whilst Hindus make up 38%, Islam and Sikhism are also practiced and throughout Fiji visitors will see numerous churches, temples and mosques.

Currency: The local currency is the Fijian Dollar (FJD). The approximate exchange rate is 2.82 FJD for £1 GBP (Nov 2012). The vast majority of all hotels, resorts, shops and restaurants will accept a wide range of credit and debit cards. Please note that in some cases you may be asked to pay a service charge for credit card handling. This can ranges from 3.5 - 6.0%.

Electricity: Onboard the yacht there are both 220V and 110V with 2 round pin sockets (European style). Electrical current on land is 240 Volts with three pin power points - the same as Australia and New Zealand. Please make sure you bring a universal adapter with you if necessary.

Telephone: Fiji has excellent mobile phone coverage and telephone system, however, in less populated areas; you may find that there is no mobile coverage. The country code is +679 or 00679. To call the UK from Fiji, dial +44 or 0044 and remove the first 0 from the area code of the number you are calling.

Health: There are numerous hospitals, nursing stations and health centres throughout Fiji and all major towns have hospitals and doctors available. Whilst the standard of health care is considered good the facilities are by no means sophisticated. We advise all guests to ensure that general vaccinations such as for diphtheria, polio and tetanus are up to date prior to travel whilst vaccinations are recommended for hepatitis A, hepatitis B and typhoid fever. If you have been in a country affected by yellow fever within six days of arriving in Fiji, you will need an International Certificate of Vaccination for yellow fever to be allowed entry into the country. Dengue fever does occur in wet areas during the wet season. Visitors should exercise caution when travelling inland - cover up and use repellent sprays or cream. We recommend that travellers follow normal precautions with food in order to prevent stomach upsets and be sure to drink either boiled or bottled water only whilst on land. On board the S/Y Fiji Siren purified water is provided and we recommend the use of electrolyte powders daily to ensure adequate hydration.

Climate and Weather: Fiji is a tropical country with a maritime climate and the weather is fairly even all year round. The year is roughly divided into two seasons; 'wet' and 'dry'. The wet season, characterized by heavy brief local showers, generally begins in November and can extend through to April. Typically rainfall is lower in the coastal regions and on the smaller islands. Cyclones do occur in Fiji, with an average of 12 per decade and they are usually confined to the wet season. The dry season, which runs from May to November, has cooler temperatures and slight to moderate winds. Daytime temperatures range from an average of 25°C during the dry season, to up to 31°C in the wetter months and evenings are marginally cooler and can drop to just 21°C.