From sharks to sardines in a day: this Fijian holiday was to explore the underwater life surrounding the Yasawa Islands.
A "bula ferry pass" allowed us to hop off at the islands of choice, and the best snorkelling places were chosen from the Lonely Planet guide.
From day one, under blue skies, we donned our snorkelling masks and were transported into another world - an underwater garden of beautiful coral with colourful and strange fish.
Rays, lionfish, cuttlefish, butterfly fish and angel fish; they are all there.
You slowly move your fins to follow the line of the reef, moving from one room to another with its hidden secrets, never sure what's around the next coral formation or what might swim up the sandy channel on the other side of you.
Meals of tropical fruits and local food fuel you for the next exploration.
In the evenings, when you are relaxed by swimming and sun, you are often entertained by the sociable, friendly Fijians.
Naviti Island (Manta Ray Resort), Nacula Island (Oarsman Bay Lodge) then Kuata Island Resort; maybe the best till the last.
Other backpackers had told us, "You must swim with the sharks at Kuata," so we did.
In choppy conditions we set out on a half-hour or so boat ride to a part of the reef where "the boys" harpooned fish to feed the reef sharks, who seemed to know it was lunchtime.
We floated around, marvelling at the closeness of these handsome creatures and, of course, taking photos.
On our return to shore, another tourist said we should walk down the beach to see a shoal of sardines.
Having hardly caught our breath from the shark adventure, there we were, swimming among millions of sardines, twisting and turning, but never touching.
What an amazing spectacle, and all in one day.
That is why we say, "Go to the Yasawas" - a simple holiday, full of amazing sights.
