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Kayaking in Fiji

Ocean kayaking is a small, but growing sport in Fiji. Like surfing or diving, a kayaking holiday combines the best elements of Fiji - the natural beauty of the landscape and seascape and the hospitality of the Fijians. To my knowledge, kayaking is available on two islands - Taveuni and Kadavu.

Those interested in exploring the Taveuni coast and some of its offshore islands should contact Ringgold Reef Kayaking (tel 880 083; 415 344 2953 in the USA). Run by Keni Madden and his Californian wife TC Donovan, Ringgold offers overnight kayak camping tours from June to September, as well as hiring kayaks for day trips all year-round (from next to Beverly Camping near Matei).

For overnight tours, guides are provided, as well as tents. A six-metre support boat is used on tours, should any trouble arise. The eight kayaks, seven of which are about five metres long (the eighth is three metres long), are the sit-on-top variety (made by Ocean Kayaks), with hatches to stow gear for overnight trips, though they can be used for day trips and even surfing.

Rates are F$8 per hour (up to two hours), F$30 for half a day, and F$45 for a full day. At the time of writing, Ringgold has not established exact pricing for overnight trips, but I'm told tariffs will be about F$80 to F$120 per person per day. For more information, write to Ringgold Reef Kayaking at Matei or Taveuni in Fiji, or in the USA at 539 West Poplar Ave, San Mateo, CA 94402.

A second Californian company, Paddling South (tel 707 942 4796 in the USA), perhaps the most experienced kayaking tour operation, has led tours to Kadavu for the last few years. They specialise in visiting the Astrolabe Reef, combining camping and kayaking in the Ono Island area of Kadavu. Led by Trudi Angell and Douglas Knapp, Paddling South offers three, 10-day excursions in September and October for US$1495 plus airfares. They use two-person folding kayaks (Klepper/Folbot) which provide ample room for gear such as tents, camp kitchen etc. The kayaks are reportedly easy to paddle and safe. A deposit of US$300 is required to reserve a place. For more information, write to Trudi at 4510 Silverado Trail, Calistoga, CA 94515, USA.

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