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 do minimise the risks. The expert crew deliver a full safety briefing before departure and carry all necessary safety equipment that meets maritime safety regulations. We operate within the confines of the Nadi waters which means we are protected from ocean swell by the barrier reef and will cancel any sailings should we deem the weather to be unsafe. 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 do minimise the risks. The expert crew deliver a full safety briefing before departure and carry all necessary safety equipment that meets maritime safety regulations. We operate within the confines of the Nadi waters which means we are protected from ocean swell by the barrier reef and will cancel any sailings should we deem the weather to be unsafe. 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 conduct youth training programs teaching groups of kids as young as 7 to sail and navigate the drua. For really young children (like ones that can't walk or talk) we do require a parent to be looking after them. The crew are amazing with kids 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 cruises we require a minimum of four passengers 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.
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 can tell us what you'd like to do or learn about so the crew and our canoe can 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 their own culture, the history of the area, the environmental risks facing their reefs and how their canoe ties it all together.
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.
