Is it safe?
"It's a dangerous business Frodo, going out your front door" - Gandalf the grey
There's no simple answer to this question and accidents can happen, however we can minimise the risks. We provide expert crew to deliver a full safety briefing before departure and carry all necessary safety equipment that meets maritime safety regulations. We operate within the confines of Suva harbour which means we are protected from ocean swell by the barrier reef and will cancel any sailings in unfavourable conditions. We'd rather cancel than have an unpleasant trip due to bad weather. Aside from everything we can do to ensure a safe trip it is also the responsibility of our guests to adhere to our safety procedures and instructions, we can't protect against people doing silly things, so it's good to let us know if you can't swim in advance.
There's no simple answer to this question and accidents can happen, however we can minimise the risks. We provide expert crew to deliver a full safety briefing before departure and carry all necessary safety equipment that meets maritime safety regulations. We operate within the confines of Suva harbour which means we are protected from ocean swell by the barrier reef and will cancel any sailings in unfavourable conditions. We'd rather cancel than have an unpleasant trip due to bad weather. Aside from everything we can do to ensure a safe trip it is also the responsibility of our guests to adhere to our safety procedures and instructions, we can't protect against people doing silly things, so it's good to let us know if you can't swim in advance.
Can we bring kids?
Keeping them off the boat seems to be the trick! We have an array of kids life jackets onboard and have recently been conducting a cadet training program teaching groups of kids as young as 7 to sail and navigate the drua. If you can handle them through the bustling streets of Suva, let our crew do the rest. For really young children (like ones that can't walk or talk) we do require a parent to be looking after them. Our Fijian crew are amazing with kids (they're just big kids themselves) and love teaching and playing games, or towing kids behind the boat. Don't trust them when they're explaining how this is the traditional method for catching sharks!
How many people can you take?
We are licensed to take up to 10 passengers. This doesn't include our crew. For all our packages we require a minimum of four passenger to make it viable for our business and make sure our crew get paid. If this is a problem for you we can try and arrange other people that may want to join your trip or you can make up the difference in cost yourself.
What packages do you offer?
Check out our Packages page above to learn more about what we have on offer. These are our standard experiences however if you want something a bit different just get in touch. If you've got a cool idea of something you'd like to do or an event you think we could be used for let us know! We also arrange small events and specialised tours every now and then that are mainly advertised through our Facebook page, so keep an eye on it, or if you missed out on of these and would like us to do it again get in touch!
Is it just sailing?
Oh and so much more! The Drua Experience is an adventure and cultural experience. We have this concept here in Fiji called "talanoa" loosely translated to talking or conversation. Part of that is you have tell us what you'd like to do or learn about and we'll and our canoe and crew will give it to you. Do you know why we drink kava? How we can communicate with only our eye brows? Ask us! Once onboard we are you cultural liaisons. Our crew are experts in there own culture, the history of the area, the environmental risks facing their reefs and how their canoe ties it all together. They have organised activities to teach you traditional skills whilst onboard, so as well as leaving with a few souvenirs, you'll have the knowledge of how to make them yourself and understand why this knowledge is so important.
What do I need to bring?
Just what ever you'd normally bring for a day out. Sunblock is really the only thing we'd recommend. If your coming for one of our evening cruises a light jacket could be a good idea, just dress to the weather. If your heading out snorkelling you'll need your own gear or we can organise some rental gear for a fee. Bring a positive attitude, a sense of adventure and smile.
What if I have a disability?
We want the drua to be something that can be experienced by all. Unfortunately there are some logistical issues with this for differently abled people. Due to its size and nature the drua is not very accessible, however we are in full support of assisting to devise support strategies to over come this on a case by case basis. If you let us know what your needs are and what we can do to help facilitate an experience for you we will.