Sunday 30 November 2014

Vinaka Fiji Volunteering On Location

The Vinaka Fiji volunteering program is based in Fiji’s magnificent Yasawa Islands. Getting to the islands is easy. Pre-book a Bula Fiji Welcome Pack from Awesome Adventures Fiji before you fly into Nadi International Airport. These packs take the hassle out of arriving in Fiji and include a meet and greet at the airport, coach transfers from Nadi Airport to your accommodation, one nights accommodation, Fiji Vodafone sim card for your mobile phone and a cooked breakfast in the morning.

Prepare for your volunteering adventure with your Vinaka Fiji welcome meeting and introduction at Nadi Bay Hotel (a Bula Fiji Welcome Pack property option) then spend the rest of your mainland time enjoying your accommodation and checking out the sights. In the morning your coach will transfer you from your accommodation to Port Denarau, where you catch your ferry to the islands!

The journey to Drawaqa Island, home to your resort and your volunteering base camp, is impressive. The Yasawa Island chain of 20 ancient volcanic islands is undoubtedly one of the most stunning regions in Fiji. Four of the islands have dramatic elevations with summits just short of 600 metres above sea level. The pristine beaches and dramatic monoliths provide endless photo opportunities enroute to base camp.

Once at Drawaqa Island, the Barefoot Manta team greet you with a friendly Bula Vinaka or song and if the volunteering activities have finished for the day, you’ll also meet your Vinaka Fiji Coordinator. Relax into the afternoon, meet your roommates and enjoy everything that the resort has on offer. Barefoot provides evening entertainment though you’ll probably want to have an early night and get ready for the next days volunteering.

Volunteering days begin early. Some of the volunteering projects are based on nearby islands so you might need to catch the Vinaka Fiji volunteering long boat – pack a light rain coat for this as the sea spray can catch you off guard and make you a little salty for the rest of the day. Once you get started, you’ll find yourself fully immersed into Fijian culture and you often get to work with the locals directly. You’ll find that time moves at a slower pace, ‘Fiji Time’. That’s all part of the experience.



















When your volunteering working day is over, you’ll have the rest of the late afternoon to enjoy Barefoot and you’ll also have your weekend days off too. Aside from indulging in Barefoot’s famous milkshakes (bring some money for drinks) the resort has plenty to do when you’re not on the job.

Barefoot is a Marine Reserve with spectacular snorkelling or diving and if the season’s right there’s even the opportunity to swim with Manta Rays. Try your luck at fishing, explore by kayak or make the most of the warm waters and have a swim. Volleyball with the Barefoot staff is always a favourite and if you prefer something a little quieter, you can always find a shady place to relax under a palm tree or take charge of a hammock and laze away your day.

It’s hard not to fall in love with Fiji. The people lift you up with their beautiful singing, beaming smiles and kindness and the tropical surrounds are truly breathtaking. Vinaka Fiji volunteering is an extra special way to see Fiji as you get to experience the best of everything that it has to offer. You can immerse yourself into Fijian culture, meet new people, give back and experience a tropical island resort. Whilst you won’t want to leave, when it finally becomes time to say goodbye, you’ll leave knowing that you’ve made a genuine difference to the people living in the Yasawa Islands.