Guests onboard National Geographic Orion were treated to a small pod of spinner dolphins welcoming us to Taveuni whilst we enjoyed a light breakfast in the outdoor café. As we made our way to the island in the Zodiacs, we admired the lush green forest that covered the hills, and it soon became apparent why Taveuni is known as the “Garden Island of Fiji”.

Arriving at Waitabu village, we were witnesses to a traditional kava ceremony followed by cultural performances from the local school children. We then had the opportunity to spend time with the locals, learning a variety of handicrafts and getting to enjoy some of their local food they had prepared for us all.

It was a beautiful day, and we finished our morning on the Island with a short walk to an incredible waterfall in Bouma National Park to cool off with a refreshing swim before heading back to the ship for lunch.

In the afternoon, we had the opportunity to enjoy the wonders of the reef in Waitabu Marine Park with a snorkel from the Zodiacs.