Hiking Programs in Fiji

This was one of the most amazing things I’ve ever done in my entire life. I would say with confidence that I had learned more during this 10 week program than I have in the two years of college that I have already attended.

I went on the polynesian gap year journey not knowing exactly what to expect. I remember a day before it hit me that i would be spending 10 weeks with complete strangers. However, these were some of the best people I have met and best friends for life. There were many experiences that one would unlikely ever experience without doing a programme as such and i therefore highly recommend it. Many people were put out of their comfort zones and had to take risks which caused them to growth as an individual.

My Polynesian journey with Pacific Discovery has helped me get over a lot of my fears and anxiety around social interaction and relationships as well as my physical fears and it has really helped me to grow as a person

Literally the time of a lifetime, never experienced something like this ever, and even though I’m young this will be something I will 100% tell my kids about. So much happened in only 10 weeks it’s hard to even fathom.

Being a student on Sea|Mester was the most incredible experience of my life. I did the South Africa to Antigua voyage on Vela, and it exceeded any and all expectations I could have possibly had. I got to visit places that I never thought I would get to go. I met people that started out as strangers, but quickly became family to me. Prior to Sea|Mester, I had very little sailing experience and no diving experience and I think that that is a common turn off for people that come across this program, but you have no need to be worried if you're in that boat (haha). The staff does an exceptional job teaching you the ropes, making you feel safe, and making you feel like the boat is your home. If you're a hands on learning that thrives on getting outside of your comfort zone, adventure, and travel then this program is for you. I can not effusive enough how much Sea|Mester and my crew changed my life. If you're presented with the privilege to be a student on Sea|Mester... do it. If Sea|Mester taught me anything, it's to say yes even when you're scared. The greatest adventure of your life could be waiting for you.

I did the trip from Palau to Thailand in 21 and it was so much fun. I learnt so much, made so many great friends and got to see and experience some of the coolest stuff I’ve seen to date. The staff are all very cool, approachable and great teachers. I got 12 credits and it didn’t even feel like a semester because it was so fun. If you like adventure, travel and the ocean I couldn’t recommend this program more.

This summer, I was able to have the time of my life with TFT! I went to Fiji and daily I look back and reminisce on the memories I made there. I did things that I never thought I would, with my new family. If I could go back in time, I would go back to that trip. I was never ever bored because of the adventures I had every hour! I also was able to do life-changing community service for a local school in Fiji. Talking to the teachers and playing with the students are memories that I will never forget. Fiji is a place that I never thought I would go to and it felt like a dream every second. I cannot thank TFT enough! I am so excited for my next trip!

Many people consider Fiji to simply be an island paradise – that’s it. Now, don’t get me wrong: Fiji is indeed a beautiful, relaxing country; however, so much more is offered throughout this remote chain of islands in the Pacific Ocean. When I signed up for the Travel for Teens Fiji Service & Adventure trip, my parents were quite skeptical of the trip, bombarding me with questions: “what are you going to do for 13 days on a small island??” Truthfully, I didn’t know, but once I got to the islands, I was so thankful I signed up. While it is true you will always feel the ocean breeze and warm temperatures across the island, I never once thought the trip wasn’t worth it. I live in Florida, and I could just as easily travel to The Bahamas, Dominican Republic or Jamaica; however, Fiji is entirely different. Everything from the community service aspect of the trip to the great personalities of my peers throughout the duration of my stay made Travel for Teens’ Fiji Service & Adventure trip unforgettable. Right from the very beginning, people tried bonding. It worked. It is true we traveled across the entire world to a remote island unlike anything we’ve experienced before, and this unfamiliarity created a bond far quicker and stronger than one that would be formed in a more familiar setting. A good chunk of the trip was spent in a small island chain called the Yasawa Islands a few hours from the largest Fijian island where we helped a local school for a community service project. It was a wonderful experience. We could play and interact with the kids at the school, all between ages 5 and 15, and all these kids spoke English – certainly a nice benefit. They absolutely loved us. They had so much energy, running alongside us around their soccer field and dirt track, making days felt like minutes, and minutes feel like seconds. They taught us Fijian songs and games, and I still remember how to count from one to ten in one of the native Fijian languages all thanks to two kids by the name of Bill and Abel. Now, I am not someone who is the best with kids (I feel rather awkward in those sorts of situations), but I didn’t feel any amount of discomfort with these. I was very happy in this regard. We built an incinerator for the school so they could burn their trash (small islands like this cannot have landfills; therefore, burning trash is their best option) and the neat thing about this was the fact that we could see each and every Fiji service trip’s work before us while we were there. Each Fiji Service & Adventure trip contributes a bit more to the school, and we could ask kids that went to the school what last year’s group accomplished. Upon leaving, some of the kids presented a few of their favorite travelers some gifts, and I was one to receive a handmade bracelet from Abel. It had a Fijian symbol that supposedly brings good luck to its wearer and I still wear it every single day as it helps remind me of my wonderful experiences I had in Fiji. Once we finished our community service project, we engaged in other extraordinary activities across multiple islands, and some highlights included scuba diving in what I consider one of the most beautiful reefs in the entire world (and I have been to the Great Barrier Reef previously – Fiji tops it), a zip line adventure in the hills overlooking local villages, farms and beaches, and my personal favorite: an early-morning hike to the top of a mountain to see the sunrise. We were doubtful about getting up very early, but it was entirely worth it. Eventually, a few minutes after reaching the top, the reds and pinks began to show, and we saw that big, bright red ball rise up from the perfectly calm sea one thousand feet below. That was likely the most spectacular sunrise I had ever seen (quite possibly the most spectacular one I will ever see, unless I have the fortune to travel back to Fiji once again). As I said in the beginning, “they thought I would get bored for 13 days on an island. They were wrong.” Fiji is entirely worth putting on your bucket list, and not only that – Fiji should be at the very top of your bucket list. Travel for Teens is able to check off that list for you, and the 13-day Fiji Service & Adventure is your perfect choice to experience a group of islands unlike any other. Fiji is far more incredible than any island you can experience in the Caribbean, far more incredible than Hawaii, and far more incredible than nearly anywhere else on the planet. I only hope one day I can return.

I've traveled a lot in my life, before and after my experience with Pacific Discovery. I've gone on sight-seeing trips in Europe with my family, I've lived a year in Russia for a teaching opportunity, and I was immersed in a rural Senegalese village for 3 months through a college program. I say all this not to boast, but to prove the uniqueness of Pacific Discovery. Pacific Discovery New Zealand gave me something I would have never found without it, something I'll likely never find again. For me, this trip provided the perfect 4 weeks to turn strangers into a lifelong soul-family. A spirit of sheer adventure flowed through our group, and we were quickly bonded by adrenaline. Rainy, strenuous work in the beautiful countryside and cooking delightful meals together brought us all the closer. Years later, I look back at these 4 weeks with both complete gratitude and unbearable nostalgia. I can confidently say that only the family at Pacific Discovery could have provided the memories I love to call my own.

Wow. Where do I even start, I had the absolute time of my life on this trip, best experience ever. I recommend it to everyone. Fiji is such a special place and to work with the community and locals there was one of the best parts. The food was amazing and had lots of choices surprisingly since it is such a small island. The TFT staff was absolutely great, they were friendly, kind, helpful, and everything you'd ever need in a counselor. this trip really couldn't of been any better for me. I had the opportunity to go on such an amazing adventure and it was very much worth every penny. Don't miss out on it. GO TFT

I was on board Sea|mester's 112 ft schooner Argo for the Spring 2018 voyage from South Africa to Antigua. It was the highlight of my gap year, and certainly one of the best experiences I've ever had. The team of instructors were all knowledgeable and fun to be around throughout the trip and my fellow shipmates became close friends. If you are looking for a challenging, life-changing adventure and love the ocean I would highly recommend Sea|mester.

A very exciting adventure. We faced many things and grew very close as a crew and family. Explored many places and did things that not very many people get to do. From exploring different places, to scuba diving, to sailing across oceans, you can do it all on Seamester.

Last summer presented itself with a unique opportunity to go to Fiji. Fiji highlighted its massive coconut trees, marine life diversity (manta rays, sharks, vibrant coral!) and most importantly its warmhearted people. I loved immersing myself in a culturally diverse environment and interacting with the locals. We participated in kava ceremonies and talked about everything from rugby to our personal lives. The community service took place on Nacula Island. Our group worked to complete the painting and beautification of two school buildings. While working, we peaked through the classroom windows to see eager children learning and absorbing information like a sponge. And at that moment I felt a deep responsibility to create a sound environment for them so that nothing impedes their learning. Overall, this trip definitely shaped me and I can't wait for more opportunities like this!

During my time if Fiji this past summer I had an absolutely life changing experience being able to engage in unimaginable activities that opened my eyes to new ways of life and a completely different culture. I loved my time there spent with the friendliest staff and most inviting host families that welcomed us into their lives. One of my favorite activities I engaged in was playing with the school children during their breaks. The children were so excited to see us and play with us in their school yard and were filled with joy that spread into the hearts of not only myself but everyone around them. I would take this trip again in a heartbeat as it was one of the best experiences of my life that I will value forever. I recommend this trip to anyone looking for something new, inspiring, and fun and willing to open their eyes to a new way of life that can even change your own.

I cannot recommend this program enough. You get to travel to amazing places on a real sailing vessel, learn interesting subjects taught by fantastic staff, and spend a semester with people that will become your second family. Truly incredible experience!

I stumbled upon Seamester not knowing what to expect as I boarded Argo to sail from Tahiti to Australia. I’m fortunate to have family that signed me up for this trip and pretty much forced me to go. I am not required to write this review but have never had a better experience in my life and therefore feel compelled to. We saw humpback whales swim along our schooner. We dove the Great Barrier Reef. We danced in small island bars across the South Pacific, and best of all we formed a bond as a crew that will never be broken. These memories were etched into our minds to be cherished for a lifetime. These are things I never thought I would do and it brings tears to my eyes to think I almost missed out on these experiences, these people. Don’t hesitate like I did. Sign up now and take the first step towards something you will never regret.

To be honest, at first I felt like going with this program was a huge mistake. I was worried that the staff would act awkwardly and I couldn’t talk to them. I was terrified that we would tag along with a huge tourist group. I couldn’t be any more wrong. I felt as if I knew them my whole life, and our activities were beyond my original expectations. We had a perfect blend of downtime and adventure. They were exciting, cultural, and eye-opening. We created lifelong bonds with the kids at Nacula. All of us knew we had a purpose and a meaning there, it wasn’t easy for anyone to leave. I think I can speak for everyone on the trip when I say that we discovered how privileged and blessed we were on this trip. This trip to Fiji will never be forgotten.

Pacific Discovery was an amazing experience. I was afraid that I would get homesick being on the other side of the world for a month, but it went by so fast, and when it was over, I didn't want to leave. I made friends that will last a lifetime, and participated in activities from skydiving to mountain biking, that I will never forget. I was fully immersed in the culture of New Zealand, it was absolutely incredible. I would strongly recommend this program to anyone who wants to learn lots , both about the world around them and themselves, and have an amazing travel experience.

"Be the hummingbird" - do our best, however small it may seem, in kaitiakitanga (guardianship) of the earth. This was our mantra while planting a seemingly endless parade of flax, cabbage trees, and manuka at Mimiwhangata Coastal Park and Abel Tasman National Park. Though we were hot, cold, tired, wet, and ready to quit at times, I wouldn't trade those days for anything. The New Zealand and Fiji Summer B 2016 program included two weeks of outdoor conservation work, one week of adventures in New Zealand (caving, skydiving, mountain biking, sea kayaking, hiking, ocean swimming, visiting Hobbiton), and one week of relaxing & reflecting time in Fiji (cave swimming, snorkeling, scuba diving, hiking, crafting, fishing). The program felt like a year's worth of personal growth squeezed into one month. I came away with a broader sense of purpose in life, a deeper appreciation of people, and keener insights on life. I wholeheartedly recommend Pacific Discovery to everyone. It is a meaningful, well-thought-out, enrichment, and educational program.

I went on the New Zealand, Fiji trip this summer and it was absolutely incredible, so much better than I could have expected! I managed to do so many activities, which I look back on and can't believe that I actually did, such as caving, skydiving, swimming with wild dolphins, and white water rafting. The leaders were so encouraging, positive, knowledgeable and just great! We visited so many amazing places and I made so many memories that I will always remember, and I am so glad that I got to experience it all with such a great group of people. I've only been home a week and I miss it and wish I was back already, honestly couldn't recommend Pacific Discovery enough!