BULA from Nacula Island in Fiji's Yasawas Islands.

Nacula Island is the Northern most Island in the Yasawas and the resort we chose to stay in was called Blue Lagoon Beach Resort. We arrived at Nacula after a 4hour ferry from Port Denaru on the mainland. As soon as we landed on the island we were met by all the staff dressed in typical island dress singing and playing the Ucalele. We were given a nice welcome cocktail and shown to our dorm room which was amazing.

That day we arrived at 12:30pm so headed to the restaurant for lunch which was superb, Jonny had a Chicken and Cranberry Wrap and B a Fijian Spiced Chicken Breast. That afternoon we chilled at the beach and snorkelled for a few hours. The snorkelling was amazing there, the clearest water we have ever seen and coral/fish life so close to the shore that made it perfect for snorkelling. The water was not really deep for about 150 yards from shore so we went really far out and seen some wonderful marine life. Needless to say Brigger was bricking it the whole time we were out, looking into the distance incase Jaws was floating about. That night we had Beef Skewers with Salsa dressing for dinner and then enjoyed some International Crab Racing. The Crab Racing was pretty funny, everyone picking a hermit crab to see which one would make it to the outside of a circle the fastest. The Fijian staff then picked up all the losers and chucked them back to the beach with the 3winners doing a lap of honour. Went to bed early that night as were up early for a Limestone Cave trip we had booked on the following day.

We were up at 7am the next day for a quick breakfast which was as amazing as the 2previous meals and boarded the speedboat to take us to a nearby island to see an Underwater Limestone Cave. The cave's were amazing, the entry cave was pretty big with it being open to the heavens. However we were told that if we wanted to see the other secluded caves we were going to have to swim through a tight underwater tunnel. Again as you can imagine Brigger's panic mode had reached its boiling point. Thankfully the swim was not far and after seeing 4/5people go before her she plucked up her courage and dove under. It was only a 4/5second swim to the air pocket and it was absolutely amazing on the other side. The guide had a bright torchlight and as we swam through the cave it was just beautiful shades of colour with complete silence. We sat on a ledge at the end of the tunnel where there was the tinniest light of daylight protruding through, we all took in the moment before shouting a huge "BULA" together which made such an amazing echo. We then headed back the route we came so the second group could go as we headed back to the boats. Beside the boats were villagers from the nearby island that had set up some small stalls with handicrafts for sale. Some of the stuff were really nice with Jonny buying a turtle necklace, the turtle being a sign of good luck in Fijian culture and Brishay a traditional Fijian flower necklace. We headed back to Nacula to chill the remainder of the day topping up our tans and snorkelling in glorious sunshine. That night we planned on having an easy night but were kept up chatting to a pair of older Chinese ladies that were in our dorm. They spoke very limited English but had us laughing for at least 3hours straight. They were so prepared for their travels that they even carried a kettle round with them haha. There big talking point apart from how they love travel was that they were starving because Nadi customs confiscated all their Chinese meat they had taken over with them haha. However they did manage to sneak one sausage in there Check In baggage that slipped through which they were both delighted about. Really nice ladies that even offered there pride and joy sausage to Jonny but he graciously declined.

The next day was a chill day again just taking in the gorgeous sun and snorkelling. Snorkelling this time though Brigger being even more of a fiert gype that she panicked as much to cut her feet on some of the coral - Gleck! Before dinner that evening we did a short hike to the peak of one of the hills on the island which had amazing views over not just Nacula but the neighbouring islands also. Was magic views that also let us see the different shades of the beautiful turquoise water we had snorkelled in. That evening we had Black Snapper for dinner which both thought was fantastic and enjoyed a few drinks with it being Saturday night. Jonny got to watch the Test rugby games that were being screened with all the fanatic staff who are all mad All Blacks fans.

The following day we chilled the morning away on a hammock beside the beach waiting for the ferry to come pick us up. Nacula island and Blue Lagoon Beach Resort have been amazing. The staff, the island, the food, the accommodation has all been first class and have both had a blast. We make our way now south to Nanuya Balavu Island for a 3night stay at MantaRay Beach resort which gets its name from the gentle giants that swim past the island. It is the Manta Ray season here so hopefully we will get the chance to get up and close with them which really would be a dream come true. Until then..

J + B