Program Overview

This summer dive into an unforgettable tropical adventure in Fiji with Travel For Teens, exploring an amazing country both in and out of the water. Find yourself immersed in incredible underwater environments and reefs as you get your SSI scuba certification in paradise. Led by our professional guides, safely swim with reef sharks, manta rays and countless other species of fish and coral! This program is also available for students who are already certified divers who are interested in spending extra time diving and exploring Fiji’s underwater world. Complement your diving skills with a community service project focused on marine ecosystem maintenance. Strap on your gear and dive underwater to help with a variety of projects including coral planting, fish ID-ing, fish surveying, and more. For a true cultural immersion, join our high school program in Fiji and see how this island country lives!

You will pair your adrenaline charged scuba adventures with ample time to thoroughly experience the enchanting hospitality and fascinating culture of the Fijian people as you island-hop through the stunning Yasawa islands. Spend your days relaxing on picture-postcard beaches, dive into Fijian culture, swim in limestone caves, hike the islands for incredible views, and much more!

Price

$6695 + Airfare

Departures
  • Jul 11 - Jul 27 Available
Days

17 Days

Finishing Grades

9, 10, 11, 12

Who Can Go On This Trip?

Students from around the world!

Where We Go

Nadi Bay, Sigatoka, Yasawa Islands

Optional Group Flight There

Los Angeles (LAX) to Nadi (NAN)

Optional Group Flight Back

Nadi (NAN) to Los Angeles (LAX)

Countries

Fiji

During this program, you will…

  • Obtain your Open Water Diver* certification through SSI while exploring vibrant coral reefs teeming with incredible exotic marine life
  • Participating in coral reef restoration and learn about marine ecosystem maintenance, using your scuba diving skills to assist with a variety of underwater projects (up to 15 hours)
  • Hike for incredible sunrise and sunset views of the Yasawa Islands
  • Sea kayak through crystal clear water, peering through the clear bottom of the kayak into the enchanting world below
  • Enjoy some gnarly manta ray. swimming!
  • Go zip-lining through jungles, mountain tops, and cave systems

 *It is mandatory for you to purchase dive insurance in advance of the program. Please review our FAQ section for more information.

Trip Itinerary

DAY 1: DEPART FROM LOS ANGELES (LAX)
DAY 2: CROSS THE INTERNATIONAL DATE LINE
DAY 3: NADI, VITI LEVU

We spend our first day on the largest of the islands in the Fijian Archipelago, Viti Levu. We’ll stop at beautiful sand dunes at a national park where we will shake off our jet lag with a leisurely hike and even have the opportunity to jump and play on the dunes! Our first afternoon we will visit the most beautiful beach on the island to relax, swim, and get acquainted with island life. After a fun day exploring the main island we will head back to our beautiful resort right on the beach with an incredible sunset view.

DAYS 4-8: YASAWA ISLANDS > SERVICE

Waking the next morning we will hop on a ferry bound for Nacula Island, one of the northernmost islands in the Yasawa island chain. We will spend our time immersing ourselves into the laid-back rhythm of Fiji time! Brilliant sunrises and sunsets beg for the attention of your eyes and camera.

Just a short half hour boat ride away is a local school we have partnered with for many years, where we will complete an important renovation over the course of several days. Form genuine bonds with the Fijian students as you coordinate playground games, swap stories, and teach each other about your own cultures. You’ll also spend some time meeting the students from each classroom and feel warmly welcomed into the school with songs and dance. Our service project will be capped off with a touching assembly from the school thanking you for your hard work. Our program will also involve day trips to the neighboring islands for village visits where you will spend time connecting with local families.

DAYS 9 – 12: YASAWA ISLANDS > PADI CERTIFICATION

After our time on Nacula, we travel by ferry to our second stop, Drawaqa Island to begin the next portion of our trip: obtaining our SSI scuba certification. The course will cover all of the skills you need to know to be able to dive safely and confidently. After the course you will feel like a scuba pro!

This island is well known for its gorgeous reefs and is aptly nicknamed “Manta Island” for the elegant manta rays that frequent its shores. You will have the opportunity to work with a marine biologist and participate in marine ecosystem maintenance for a day. Receive lessons on coral reef restoration and put your scuba skills to the test by diving underwater and assisting with a variety of projects including coral planting, fish ID-ing, fish surveying, and more. There is also the possibility to help out with the island’s special manta project. We will utilize the islands classroom and lab to make the most out of our experience.

DAYS 13-14: YASAWA ISLANDS > RELAXATION

The last Yasawa Island, Waya Lai Lai, has the tallest peak of any of the islands we will visit. Play beach volleyball in one of the most beautiful locations imaginable before getting a few hours of rest. The next morning we take an early morning hike up the second tallest peak where sunrise with a thirty mile view makes the early wake-up absolutely worthwhile. After breakfast we’ll venture offshore to a coral reef where we will have the ultimate adrenaline experience: swimming with reef sharks (with our expert guide, of course)! These beautiful animals will be curious, but keep their distance from you. Landing back on shore for lunch, you will be completely in love with the islands and never want to go home; but the program isn’t over yet!

DAYS 15 – 16: NADI, VITI LEVU

We will return to Nadi to come full circle and complete our adventure in Fiji. Our last two days will be packed with excitement. Take off on a thrilling zip-line tour through jungles, caves, and mountaintops. We will also get down and dirty and enjoy a day spa the natural way by covering yourself head to toe in mud before relaxing in the warm, re-invigorating water of natural hot springs.

After over two incredible weeks together it will be time to say goodbye to our new friends, but the memories we made together in Fiji will last a lifetime!

DAY 17: RETURN FLIGHT TO THE USA

Ready For Your Next Adventure?

Space is limited, reserve your spot! Then get ready for an authentic teen travel experience this summer!

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Frequently Asked Questions

See All FAQs

What is unique about the Fiji Scuba & Service trip?

Our Fiji Scuba & Service is a community service program with the local school is something we are very proud of, having formed a wonderful relationship after returning to volunteer there for years. This gives the teens an exclusive all-access pass to form amazing bonds with the students. Year after year there are tears as the teens have to bid fond farewells to their new-found friends.

What do students like most about the Fiji Scuba & Service trip?

Every year, our Fiji Scuba & Service participants fall in love with the tropical paradise that is Fiji. Picturesque white sandy beaches, crystal clear turquoise waters, a huge array of adventure activities both in and out of the water and the legendary Fijian hospitality leave such an impression on the teens they often wish they could stay just one more day!

What kind of teen typically participates in this program? What are the requirements to join?

Teens from all over the world join this program! Typically, our participants are culturally curious  individuals who are excited to make new friends, experience something unique, and interested in stepping out of their comfort zones and expanding their horizons.

This program is exclusively for students who are currently in grades 9th through 12th and approximately 14 to 18 years old. Students living outside of the USA are welcome to join!

Where do we stay?

Our hotels are chosen specifically in safe areas and are well suited to facilitating group supervision. We stay in centrally located accommodations, usually within walking distance of the main attractions. We do not use large, impersonal chain hotels on the outskirts of cities; we prefer to select smaller, family-run hotels where we establish personal relationships with the owners.

On the mainland we stay in Nadi Bay at a beachfront local hotel. In the Yasawa Islands we stay at three local rustic resorts, each situated on the water and selected for the amazing activities and famous Fijian hospitality on offer. Please note, these are not Western resorts. They are rustic accommodations with very simple facilities. The properties are naturally beautiful but participants should be prepared for the experience of traveling to an under developed country, especially when traveling there for community service work with underprivileged communities.

For safety reasons, we do not publish the names of the accommodations we use. We do not feel it is safe to publish the name of a hotel where a group of teenagers is staying abroad. After registering, participants and parents are given access to our secure parent website where you will be able to see the names of all of the accommodations for the program.

Do most travelers go on their own?

Yes! In fact, over 75% of students who travel with us choose to come independently. This encourages teens to step further outside their comfort zone and make new friends. We believe that one of the most rewarding and exciting elements of travel is the new friendships that form along the way. When we travel by ourselves, we are bound to make new friends from all over the country and even the world. The best part is, you can travel again with your new friends on another TFT program the next summer!

If you are thinking about joining a TFT program by yourself but you are feeling unsure, please let us know! We have plenty of references from solo travelers who had great experiences and would be happy to chat with you about it.

Can I bring a friend?

Absolutely! We ask that if you do come with a friend, you and your friend(s) maintain openness to meeting new people and sharing this special experience with the entire group.

What is included?

Tuition cost includes ground transportation; accommodation; chaperones and guides; program-related activities and admissions; taxes and tips; all breakfasts, lunches, and dinners.

Not included (this is not intended to be an exhaustive list): airfare; visas and visa application fees; personal and medical expenses; activities and admissions that are not program-related or referenced in the itinerary; beverages other than filtered water at meals; participant expenses that are outside of the program description, such as excess baggage fees and damage to hotels; expenses related to unforeseen circumstances, such as transportation strikes and natural disasters.

How do the optional group flights work?

Upon registration, you will be contacted by our International Logistics Team to discuss the program’s flight details. There is no requirement to take the group flight, but there are several advantages to doing so. The group flight is usually chaperoned by a TFT staff member, and it also offers an opportunity for the students to get to know one another prior to the start of the program. Parents are responsible for coordinating transport to the departure airport – however, the logistics team will send out instructions detailing the exact meeting spot and airport point person. For additional information about flights, visit our dedicated flight page.

Who leads the program?

Our staff is a cut above the rest! We seek out two main characteristics in our counselors – extensive knowledge of and experience in our destinations, and a passion for working with teens. Our staff’s backgrounds include living abroad and working in summer camps or other educational settings. Team members are proven leaders and role models, who connect easily with others and form genuine friendships with each student – all while bringing each destination to life.

We celebrate diversity! Our staff represents 49 different nationalities, speak a combined total of 21 languages, and visited 142 countries. Additionally, 80% of our staff lived or worked abroad in their lives. With so many unique experiences to share, you are sure to gain a global perspective.

Our average minimum ratios are one staff member to every seven participants. Each program has one Trip Director with several support staff, depending on the group size. Directors must be at least 25 years old within the calendar year and have prior experience working with TFT.

What are the safety qualifications for our staff?

Our staff members undergo a rigorous hiring process. They receive the same background check as school educators, an extensive training process to go over all safety precautions and protocols, and are required to be certified in CPR and First Aid.  We exclusively hire responsible, multi-talented individuals who are safety-minded and are as passionate about teen travel as we are.

What is the average group size?

We pride ourselves on small group sizes to create a more authentic and personalized experience. Our group sizes fall between 13 and 24 students – the perfect size to facilitate new friendships without feeling lost in a crowd! We believe smaller groups eliminate the likelihood of cliques, and allows for a well-rounded, healthy group dynamic.

How does this program connect to other programs?

Our program dates are designed specifically so that participants can opt to combine trips throughout the summer.  When connecting to another program, your counselor will escort you to the airport on the last day of the program and assist you in meeting your next group at your new destination.

 

What is the food like on this program?

In a word – delicious! At TFT, we believe food is an integral aspect of the travel experience, and we make an effort to eat at authentic establishments whenever possible. There is no better way to immerse ourselves in the culture of a place then through sampling the local delicacies. We stray away from westernized restaurants and chains that cater to tourists, because every true traveler knows the best food is found where the locals are eating!

Fijians are amazing chefs, so during the program there is delicious array of dishes, and lots of it! Try a TFT favorite, the local fish and coconut delicacy kokoda, as well as taro and cassava, straight from the steaming lovo, which is a traditional earth oven used for centuries.

Of course, we are always willing and able to accommodate vegetarians, vegans, gluten allergies, and other dietary restrictions.

Do we ever get time to go off on our own?

Our staff and teens are nearly always together, but we do provide the opportunity to break up into smaller groups to allow for flexibility and customization within the itinerary.

We offer free time in defined safe areas – for example, shopping in a market or exploring a museum. During these times, students remain in groups of at least two and are given no more than an hour. Of course, the counselors remain nearby and available. Additionally, a lifeguard-certified counselor supervises the campers any time they are involved in water activities.

Do I need to bring anything special for the community service portion of the program?

Due to the nature of our service work in the local village, all you’ll need are clothes that you don’t mind getting dirty.

A more detailed packing list will be provided upon registration.

Do I need anything special for the scuba diving portion of the program?

All students participating in dives during our Fiji programs are required to have dive insurance. Many health insurance policies already cover this and so do some homeowners policies. We recommend that you check with these first in case you already have coverage.

We recommend using this website to find the best insurance policy for your teen.

Do I need any vaccinations for this program?

We recommend checking with your family doctor regarding vaccinations and medical advice for the destination you are visiting. For more information, please check the World Health Organization’s website. Upon registration, we provide a list of recommended vaccinations that can be discussed further with your doctor. For Specific questions pertaining to the COVID-19 vaccine, click here.

What kind of visa do you need for this trip?

Any US citizen that enters Fiji is automatically granted a free four-month tourist visa.

When joining a TFT trip from outside of the US, please be sure to check your country’s specific visa requirements.

Do I need to speak the language?

No, our skilled staff members will help you get around and even teach you a few fun phrases!

Authenticity is engrained in everything we do. Eat, stay, and travel like a local.

Check out what past travelers have to say about TFT and discover why we are consistently awarded “Top Youth Travel Organization” year after year.

See all program reviews

"Just wow! We have used another group, but the rigor of the process and operations here was excellent. Daniel loved the service work, scuba class, swimming with manta rays, and the counselors were amazing. He can't stop talking about what a great experience it was. The kids bonded and had so much fun. The leaders were amazing, extremely positive, full of energy and seemed to really care that the kids had a meaningful experience. His stories of his other travels truly inspired my son to keep exploring and learning - THANK YOU!!!!"

Diana M. Huntsville, AL

"We are so glad that we found TFT. Our child has reported that he’s had experiences of a lifetime on every single trip. The counselors are fantastic and really demonstrate positive, appropriate young adult behaviors and have been fantastic role models. Our child’s confidence has improved during each trip. We appreciate that kindness and mindfulness are components of the group expectations and dynamics. Thank you Steve and Wendy and all the TFT staff!!!"

Ellen D. Alexandria, VA

"I have traveled with TFT for four summers now, exploring Costa Rica, Croatia, Fiji and Greece. These trips have been the highlight of my summers. They have broadened my horizons and strengthened my confidence. Going on these trips and meeting new people changed how I view the world. I love having conversations with locals and people I meet along the way. The small TFT groups and the knowledgeable and enthusiastic group leaders make for a fun and eye-opening experience. What sets TFT apart is that we immerse ourselves in the culture and we are not just tourists. We meet locals, hear stories about their lives, and it is truly invigorating. Travel For Teens has given me so much more than fun memories over the summer. They have given me the ability to be comfortable talking to anyone, being in new places, having a widened perspective on other cultures, and to be independent. On my Costa Rica and Fiji trips, we volunteered with school children. In a very short time we made deep connections that I will always cherish. I feel so fortunate to have had my eyes opened through TFT to so many beautiful places and memorable people."

Anna F. Basking Ridge, NJ

Travel with us and discover why we are consistently winning awards for Top Youth Travel Organization.

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