activities
With several beaches to choose from, light tropical rainforest, and reefs teeming with amazing marine life; we invite you to dive in,
snorkel, sail or kayak Matangi’s clear aquamarine waters. Explore an undersea world full of colourful aquatic life. Play a few competitive
sets of island-style volleyball. Soak in our lagoon infinity pool; or simply pull up a sun lounge and give in to the melody of waves meeting the shore.
free activities
Snorkelling Excursion Enjoy our daily snorkelling excursions to the reefs that surround Matangi; where you’ll explore the undersea world to your hearts’
content. Experience exceptional seascapes filled with varied examples of tropical marine life, including hard and soft corals,
butterfly fish, angelfish, damselfish, anthias, moray eels, parrotfish, wrasses, sea turtles, sharks and stingrays.
Kayaks & Stand Up Paddle Boards
Slice through the waters of our lagoon with an easy stroke from your paddle as you glide over untouched fringing reef, abundant with
marine life and take in the rugged volcanic beauty of Matangi’s landscape. Kayaks (single and double) and Stand Up Paddle Boards are
available for your use from the Activities Bure.
Calypso Catamaran Sailing
Hop aboard one of our Calypso Beach Cats, feel the tropical sun on your face and the wind in your hair; let the prevailing South East
trade-winds fill your sail and embark on your private nautical adventure. If you need a sailing lesson, our Activities Crew would be happy
to help you.
Handline Fishing
The pristine reefs that surround Matangi offer a wonderful variety of great eating reef fish including Coral Trout, Trevally and Reef Snapper. Typically 10-25lb line with some lead weight and a small hook attached to a handline caster reel is used. Handline fishing is fun and
simple. Regardless of your experience level, anyone with just a few minutes of instruction can successfully use one. Handline fishing in
the islands is the task of the village women who are experts at it. Join our little team of fishing experts on a fun fishing expedition!
Cooking Demonstration Join Head Chef Joseph and his team for their weekly cooking demonstration around the pool. Learn how to cook some of our favourite
local dishes including coconut prawn curry with homemade roti or naan bread and prepare fresh condiments from coconut and other
tropical fruits.
Kava Session Matangi invites you to our weekly kava session hosted by our Activities Crew. Kava, also known as yaqona, is an infusion prepared from
the root of Piper methysticum, a type of pepper plant. It is extremely important in Fijian culture, and in the time of the ‘old religion’ was
used by chiefs and priests only for ceremonious purposes. Today, kava is part of daily life: not only in Fijian villages but also across the
many races in Fiji. It is used for welcoming, bonding and for traditional story-telling sessions. Bring along your complimentary Matangi
sulu and we’ll show you how to wear it.
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Meke (traditional Fijian dance)
Matangi regularly hosts a ‘meke’ evening, where traditional dances enacting local legends is performed by villagers from
neighbouring islands. The Fijian meke is accompanied by a large support group of singers and instrumentalists. The meke
group love to dance so please feel free to join them after their performance for some dancing.
Village Tour Visit a Fijian village on the neighbouring island of Qamea and slip into our Fijian way of life. It is customary that a small kava
ceremony of welcome (sevusevu) is performed upon arrival in the village. (As you are welcome to join in the kava drinking,
please note the water in the village is not treated). When this is completed, you will visit other areas of the village. Enjoy the
warm hospitality of the locals and observe everyday village life.
During the school terms, we also visit the village school. Though sometimes shy, the school children are always curious and
are happy to chat with you. Out of respect for Fijian tradition, please dress conservatively. A small contribution of FJ$15 per
person (approx. US$8 per person) is required from you to go towards the purchase of the kava required for the sevusevu,
and the village community fund.
Island-Style Volleyball Looking to do something with a little more physical activity? Join our Activities Crew and “spike” up your afternoon with
a rousing game of island-style volleyball. Whether you are a sports enthusiast or sideline fan, you are sure to have a “net”
gain of fun!
Coconut Show
Once a week our Activities Crew hosts a unique Coconut Show. For at least 4,000 years, the Coconut tree and its fronds have
been a useful and important staple for Pacific Cultures. This special tree is known to have many uses, from its roots to its tips
(leaves), from culinary to non-culinary. In fact, in the South Pacific, it is considered as the “Tree of Life”!
Taki Mada Cocktail Challenge
Once a week our Bar Crew hosts the Taki Mada Cocktail Challenge. The challenge for two creative amateur volunteer mixologists is to concoct an original, but delicious brew, which will be judged by an audience. Check our evening coconut
wireless newsletter for more details.
Guided Island Trek / Qamea Island
Join us on our guided nature trek on Qamea Island. This exciting trek combines breathtaking scenery with a fascinating
insight into the culture of the Fijian people. Your guide will point out areas of interest and will explain many aspects of the
Fijian culture. You will wonder through the lush rainforest, working plantations and local settlements, where you can view
indigenous flora, bird life, enjoy scenic lookouts and stunning natural scenery. Remember to dress accordingly as you will
be hiking in tropical conditions; while not being a hazardous hike, some level of fitness is required for you to enjoy this
quest.
Bush Hike & Coastal Walk / Matangi Island
With lowland rain forest and beaches right at your doorstep, Matangi’s natural splendour is breathtaking. The island’s verdant vegetation is home to many native bird species, including the Orange Dove (Chrysoenas victor) & Fiji Parrot Finch
(Erythrura pealii). A natural path will take you up to a classic view of Horseshoe Bay; this trek takes approximately one hour.
You can extend the hike along the island’s volcanic ridge top and return via the coastal trek or vice versa. (Allow 3 hours
with rest stops). Grab a walking stick from the Activities Bure to help you along the way and be sure to take water to keep
hydrated.
For an early morning leisurely walk, the coastal trek will take you to the island’s most eastern point called Nukuleka where
you can watch the sunrise. Both the bush hike and coastal trek will afford you extraordinary views of vegetation and fauna
found on Matangi Island.
Prices are in Fiji Dollars and are inclusive of 20% Fiji Government Taxes. Visa, Mastercard and Amex
accepted. Credit Card administration fees apply.
Island tour
Explore Matangi’s stunning coastline with an easy and relaxing tour via boat. Your guide will point out interesting features
along the way, including beautiful Horseshoe Bay which featured in the book ‘1,000 Places To See Before You Die’ by Patricia
Schultz. Matangi’s natural beauty can truly be appreciated from the ocean where you can take in the island in its entirety.
Village Church Service
The Christian religion was established in Fiji in 1838, within 50 years the entire Fiji Group had converted. Along with the
chiefly system, the Church forms a key part of Fiji’s social structure. Fijian church services are renowned for their harmonious song. Interested guests are invited to Togo Village on Qamea Island, for either their Catholic or Methodist Services,
which are held in the Fijian language. Out of respect for Fijian tradition, please dress conservatively.
paid activities
Scuba Diving
The reefs off Matangi have superb diving with a great choice of sites offering the underwater scenery that made Fiji
famous: excellent underwater visibility, warm water temperatures, caves, soft and hard corals, reef fish and pelagic fish.
Each site possesses a unique character with colourful marine life and pristine coral reefs that appeal to both beginners
and seasoned divers. We have an impressive range of treasures to be found from soft corals to dramatic drop-off wall
sites, to drift dives and underwater caves.
Scuba diving is arranged daily from our Activities Bure. Divers are required to produce a dive certification card prior to
diving with us. A typical dive day is a 2-tank morning dive, with the dive boat departing Matangi Island after breakfast;
with a surface interval done between the dives either on the boat, or a deserted beach then returning to the island for
lunch. Daily 2 tank dive rate is FJ$330 per diver. Dive 3 days / 6 tanks or more and receive a 10% discount. (Does not apply
to prepaid dive packages).
To ensure the best dive experience, dive sites are selected according to daily tidal movements and prevailing weather
conditions. Matangi Private Island Resort is proud to be a member of PADI International Resort Association.
Prepaid 3 Day/6 Tank and 5 Day/10 Tank dive packages are available for purchase prior to arriving at the resort. Ask your
travel agent or Matangi Island for more information. Un-used prepaid diving cannot be refunded or transferred to other
guests or for other resort services and activities.
All dive rates exclude gear hire, day trip surcharges for diving more remote sites in the Somo Somo Strait and night diving. Nitrox is not available at Matangi.
Scuba Gear Hire
Full Set Regulator BCD Wetsuit Dive Flashlight Mask, snorkel & fins – Prices are per diver / per day.
FJ$78
FJ$30
FJ$30
FJ$18
FJ$18
no charge
Night diving can also be arranged on request. Single tank dive rate FJ$330 per diver applies. Minimum of 2 divers
required.
Prices are in Fiji Dollars and are inclusive of 20% Fiji Government Taxes. Visa, Mastercard
and Amex accepted. Credit Card administration fees apply.
Shore diving is available off the beach in front of our Activities Bure. Single tank dive rate FJ$54 per diver. Unlimited shore
diving is complimentary with a minimum of 3 days of diving. Divers must dive with a buddy at all times and our Dive
Crew must be informed of your shore dive prior to diving. All signs relating to boat traffic off the Activities Bure area must
be observed.
Somosomo Strait Dive Day Trip
Remotely situated 20 miles (32km) west of Matangi; along the southeast coast of Vanua Levu, The Rainbow Reef, in the
Somosomo Strait represents spectacular tropical diving. Stretching over 3 miles or 4.8km this barrier reef structure is being fed continuously by microorganisms carried by the currents. The Somosomo Strait almost single-handedly earns Fiji
its title as the “Soft Coral Capital of the World”.
Diving in the Somo Somo Strait is weather and tide permitting. Minimum of 4 divers required. Maximum of 6 divers per
trip. Due to the additional travelling distance required a surcharge FJ$270 per diver applies. Includes option to do 3rd
tank dive at no additional charge.
Horseshoe Bay Picnic There isn’t anything quite like a romantic picnic in the breathtaking Horseshoe Bay. Listed in “1,000 Places To See Before
You Die” by Patricia Schultz, Horseshoe Bay is situated on the untouched western coast of Matangi Island and is accessible
only by boat. Picnic in your waterfront beach bure, surrounded by lush tropical foliage and the most picturesque turquoise
ocean views. This is an experience you will treasure for a lifetime!
Every effort is made to ensure your privacy in Horseshoe Bay, however under Fiji Maritime Law we have no control over any
watercraft entering the waters in the Bay area, but we do actively discourage it.
Morning Picnic 9:30am – 1:30pm FJ$234 includes picnic lunch delivered to the Bay. Afternoon Picnic 1:30pm – 4:30pm
FJ$180 includes a fruit and cheese platter. (Water, tea and coffee are provided on all picnics. All other beverages excluded).
Fishing Charters / Light tackle sport fishing Lady Christene 42ft diesel powered cabin cruiser FJ$354 p/hour
Tui Matangi 25ft outboard powered centre console run-about FJ$252 p/hour
Owing to the topography of the seabed off Matangi and neighbouring islands, remarkable fishing like Giant Trevally, Yellow
fin, Dogtooth, Skipjack, and Wahoo are plentiful. Light tackle sport fishing and trawling charters are available. Ideal fishing
times are in the early mornings and late afternoons. Advance booking required. Deep-sea game fishing is not available at
Matangi.
Our fishing crew is experienced in a wide range of fishing techniques and will organise all the equipment setup and bating
for you. All that’s left for you to do is to land Dinner!
Saltwater fly-fishing is available but anglers are required to bring their own gear.
Tavoro Waterfall & Civa Pearl Farm Tour / Taveuni Island
Join us for a one-of-a-kind tour that will acquaint you with Taveuni’s abundant natural environment. Fiji is a relative infant in
the international pearl industry but it has made its mark; Civa Pearl Farm located in beautiful Vurevure Bay, on the eastern
side of Taveuni Island, offers visitors a unique glimpse into aquaculture. Civa salt-water cultured pearls are pearl concretions that are secreted inside the Black-lipped Oyster (Pinctada margaritifera). On the guided two-hour tour you are able to
snorkel around the pearl beds, where the pearl oysters are hung from lines growing to their desired size. Loose pearls are
available for sale.
We will also visit the spectacular Tavoro Waterfalls in Taveuni Island’s 15,000- hectare Bouma National Heritage Park, which
was established in 1990 to protect much of Taveuni Island’s virgin rainforest. The Park is characterized by steep forest
covered hillsides and deep streams. This beautiful guided 3-hour return hike starts out with a ten minute walk to the first
waterfall and then continues up a series of switchbacks past gorgeous panoramic views to the second falls. Occasionally
you must cross over a creek but there is a rope to help navigate the rocks.
The trek up to the second falls entails some serious grades but it is not strenuous and an individual in good health should
have no problem. Swimming in these pristine surroundings is simply epic! After your hike enjoy a packed lunch beneath
an open canyon amid different species of Fijian flora and fauna. *Minimum 4 persons. There is a charge of FJ$115 p/person
for the round-trip car and boat transfers from Matangi Island. There is also an entrance fee of FJ$15 p/person payable at the
Waterfall Park.
180 degree Meridian & Waitavala Waterslide Tour / Taveuni Island One of Taveuni Island’s most unique and long standing attractions is that it is dissected by the 180 degree Meridian, because of this Taveuni is one of only five places n the world where you live your two days in one! The International Dateline
was adapted to keep the isles within one time zone. Nearby is the Waitavala Waterslide, a cascading series of small natural
waterslides that the Taveuni locals like to use.
The Waitavala Waterslide is a natural slippery dip ride over large polished rocks, where the lava has been smoothed by
the water and with a slight covering of moss, which allows you to slalom down quite easily. The waterslide is located in a
rainforest setting that is picturesque as well as thrilling. This is not a weekly scheduled activity but arrangements can be
made for you - charges apply.
Lavena Coastal Walk / Taveuni Island
If you’re looking for a bit of adventure that’s definitely off the beaten track, then look no further! This tour is a 4- hour return
walk down the scenic Lavena coastline, along a well maintained trail, with several rest stops with benches and picnic tables
strategically placed in the shade; ending with two incredible waterfalls.
Along the way you can enjoy the various coastal habitats, sand beaches, rocky shores, and estuarine mangroves. There are
no roads that go to where the coastal trail leads; in fact the only other way to explore the far South Eastern side of Taveuni
Island is by boat! This is not a weekly scheduled activity but arrangements can be made for you - charges apply.
Waitabu Marine Park / Taveuni Island
Located on Taveuni Island, Waitabu Marine Reserve was established by seven Taveuni village communities in 1998. This was
done to protect their coral reefs for future generations; a ‘tabu’ or no-take reserve was set up to replenish marine life and
fish stocks, as well as introduce a snorkel tourism and environment education.
The Park offers two 2-hour guided tours; the Cultural Experience Tour which is a guided snorkelling excursion on a ‘bilibili’
or traditional bamboo raft, with refreshments and local entertainment of the Backpackers Tour, which is a guided snorkelling trip on a powered skiff. This is not a weekly scheduled activity but arrangements can be made for you - charges apply.
Prices are in Fiji Dollars and are inclusive of 20% Fiji Government Taxes. Visa, Mastercard
and Amex accepted. Credit Card administration fees apply.
Toll Free USA: 1-888-628-2644 | Toll Free Australia: 1-800-152-599 | Tel Island: +679 8 880 260
www.matangiisland.com | email: [email protected]