Albert Cove
06 July 2009 | Rambi
Jackie and Michael
This has to be one of the most beautiful bays we have been to. We arrived three days ago and have enjoyed a perfect bay in perfect weather. We had sailed to Fawn harbour a series of deep lagoons on the main island of Vanua Levu. From there we sailed to Buca Bay. We met the chief and did sevu sevu, the traditional exchange of gifts. We had considered getting a ferry from there across to the island of Taveuni. However, the bay was totally full of jellyfish. They were about one foot in diameter. Basically blue with a multicoloured fringe and a dark sort of proboscis which floated above water. We were totally surrounded. There must have been tens of thousands of them. The chief told us that they didn't sting but there was a high risk that they would get into the water inlets for our engines or generator. Ashore there was a remarkably well appointed clinic for Americans. Perhaps rehab or something? We also met some people from another neighbouring island of Kioa who had been to Savu Savu for a family occasion. They were at great pains to explain to us that they were Polynesian and not Fijian.
We decided not to stay in Boca Bay and moved on to the island of Rambi. Rambi's population are Banabians from Kiribati. Their island was basically destroyed by the British Phosphate Company. The island was then occupied by the Japanese who killed many of the inhabitants. After the war the British purchased Rambi where they resettled the surviving islanders. The islanders now have Fijian citizenship.
Albert Cove is on the sheltered Western side of the island. There are two lines of reefs to pass through to get to the bay. The reefs have some of the best coral that we have seen. Acres of multi coloured coral in all shapes and sizes. The effect of the coral is a bit like a giant firework display. Except that instead of the multicoloured lights of the rockets exploding above you the displays are below you as you swim over them. We explored the reefs in the kayaks and by snorkeling. To the north of the bay there are more deserted beachs and pristine coral. Unsurprisingly the reefs are teeming with millions of small colourful fish.