Real Fiji with Sigatoka River Safari

It’s an unforgettable trip! And we’re not just talking about the jet boat ride, although that in itself really is something! But the Magic that comes after – that is simple unforgettable.

Best we start from the beginning. Sigatoka River Safari is a visionary idea that came from a life changing experience that occurred to Jay Whyte in 1991. Then only thirteen years of age Jay was on a visit to Fiji and when staying at the Fijian Resort he met and became friends with one of the security guards Pita Matasau. As is normal in Fiji, Pita regaled Jay with stories of his home village of Draiba, Navosa, located far up the Sigatoka River. Jay joined him on a trip home and experienced genuine Fijian village life and hospitality. It obviously made one hell of an impression on him.

Jay and his family were lucky enough to visit New Zealand later that same year in 1991 and Jay went on his first jet boat ride just outside of Rotorua in New Zealand’s North Island. This is where the penny dropped, and the seeds were sown for the potential of a new and marvelous way of life. One where Jay could help others to experience the same genuine and untrammeled Fijian hospitality and way of life while at the same time having an amazing safari jetboating adventure. At the same time he could repay the hospitality and kindness shown to him. Why not, he thought, allow other visitors to Fiji to experience the beauty of the Fijian interior and visit rarely seen villages by jet boat up the majestic Sigatoka River. Not perhaps your typical teenage daydream but it was one that stuck and one that Jay set to work bringing into reality.

In 2003 when Jay was in his early twenties he set to work in earnest, planning how it would all work. By 2005 he had his first custom made jet boat made by the famous jet boating legend Neil Ross who owned Keelow craft and is the pioneer of Safari jetboating. Neil still makes the boats for Sigatoka River Safari and trains all their captains.

On 9^th March 2006 the iconic Sigatoka River Safari experience was launched onto the Fijian tourism landscape and allowed visitors from around the world and around Fiji to “See the Heart & Soul of Fiji” when the world’s first & Fiji’s original Jetboat & village safari began.

Jay wanted to ensure that the experience remained fresh and genuine and also to spread the benefits of his new venture around. Today your jet boat ride up the river takes around 45 minutes and apart from the amazing scenery and fun you often see sites of the everyday life of those living with the river. On your trip you will visit one of eighteen different villages ensuring that the experience remains fresh and genuine. Also, and perhaps most importantly, part of the monies paid goes back to the villages to help with village projects and their traditional obligations. In this way water and power, education and telecommunication initiatives, amongst others, have been funded. The whole Safari operation is in fact a great example of eco-tourism and true tourism sustainability.

Go on Sigatoka River Safari’s site, which you can access here https://sigatokariver.com, and you will see all the multiple awards that have been won, testimony to the fantastic experience on offer.

But the biggest satisfaction that Jay ‘Henibua’, his honorary Fijian name, enjoys is that of being part of the Fijian community, country and way of life. Because Fiji really is the way the world should be, and if that is true then Henibua fits right in.

Practically speaking: The trip is suitable for all ages and picks up are direct from your Resort. Enjoy the drive to Fiji’s Coral Coast as you make your way to your jet boat departure point.

Comfortable clothing is best for your adventure along with shoes and sunglasses. Women take a wrap-around or sulu with you and cover your shoulders, nothing bad will happen if you don’t but it is a sign of respect that you do. The trip duration is 4.5 hours and there are morning and afternoon trips.

Don’t forget your camera!