3D22 – Rotuma

The 3D22 team will start the event from IOTA OC-060 in Rotuma.
Team – Members of the Rebel DX Group.
Nearest DX Point 3D22
3D22 Log Searchsearch They will operate on the HF band.
QSL through LOTW, ClubLog OQRS.
More information will be provided later.

Rotuma Island

Rotuma Island attracts the attention of vacationers with its warm climate, beautiful beaches, green vegetation, special culture of local residents. It is washed by the waters of the Pacific Ocean, therefore this place is valued for its beauty and uniqueness. Tourists from different countries come here. This island is suitable for all those who want to relax away from the hustle and bustle of the city, take beautiful photos and enjoy the pristine nature of the tropics.

A paradise far from civilization

Rotuma Island belongs to Fiji and is as far from the center of the archipelago as possible. The island is small and volcanic. The resort area is about 14 x 5 km and is about 600 km from Vitu Island. The area is isolated and surrounded by small islands that can also be visited.

The strange shapes of the area are caused by huge excavations on the seabed and the boundaries of the lithospheric plates. The eruption of submarine volcanoes caused the seabed to change and small islands to appear. This sea area has not been fully explored by scientists, and the free and colorful scenery has attracted many photographers.

Unspoiled nature awaits holidaymakers, but it is worth considering the frequent tides. On the island you can forget about civilization and work, distract yourself, get away from problems and common worries. The temperature is above 20 degrees Celsius in any season. The sea is ideal for diving and underwater photography, visibility is excellent, attracting divers from all over the world.

Rotuma Island. Author – DS355.

Rotuma

The indigenous peoples have their own unique charm. Although the population is about 2800, the inhabitants have a unique appearance and language. Men and women have different skin colors: lighter than other parts of Fiji.

Warm and comfortable climate adds luster to your holiday

The climate is hot and humid, and the island itself is perfect for exploration. By arranging transportation or hiring a guide, you can explore the unexplored areas of the tropics at your leisure. The tropics are mostly inhabited by locals and their friends, so few people can boast of having vacationed in Rotuma.

What is there to do on the island?

There are no hotel complexes in the area, but there are guest houses, as well as no shops and tourist facilities. There are no hotels due to the prohibition of building hotels, which has a positive effect on nature conservation. Accommodation is provided in guest houses.

Swimming, hiking, diving and other leisure and activities are available here. Comfortable and unique boat rentals are available, as well as diving excursions. Here you can see life from a different perspective, and being away from the island allows you to enjoy things that tourists rarely notice.

Rotuma Island. Author – sunshinesimis.

Interesting facts about the island

Once you arrive on the island, it’s best to take your time to get around as transportation can be problematic. It’s also important to have cash in advance as there are no banks on the island.

We offer interesting facts about the island:

• The female residents of the island independently weave beautiful white mats that can be purchased as souvenirs of the island;
• There is a fortress on the territory. Other places worth visiting include deserted beaches, including Vaioa, a cave in Fapura with a pool filled with fresh water, excavations of an ancient cemetery on Mount Siciló, and the highest point of the island – Mount Zuelhof;
• On the map, Rotuma is located in the far north;
• It is a relatively small island, being the twelfth largest in Fiji;
• The island is divided into two parts by a natural isthmus 230 meters long;
• The coral reefs in the local bay are open to everyone and can be reached by boat;
• The ideal time to travel is from May to November, the so-called dry season;
• Palm trees are most common in mountainous areas, but other tropical vegetation is also present;
• There are about 20 volcanic craters on the island, and a natural barrier reef surrounding the island;
• The economy is based on agriculture, producing copra;
• The maximum depth in the lagoon area is 50 meters;
• The shore is covered with sand and rocks, with many pastoral scenes;
• The largest city and port is Motusa, but the capital is Ahau;
• Rotuma was discovered in 1791 and gained independence along with Fiji in 1970.

Getting to the Island: How to Get There

First, you need to get to Nadi International Airport (NAN), for this you can choose any convenient offer. Then you need to use a domestic flight, calculate all the costs in advance, because the flights are performed once a week. The cost is high due to the remoteness of the island. You can save money by taking a ferry, but it takes a long time, Western Shipping (Fiji) offers it once a month, and the journey takes 36 hours. The cost is half, but the conditions are milder.

Rotuma Island. Author – Phil A..

What attracts tourists to the island: Marine life

People come to Rotuma to enjoy the warm climate and the azure blue waters, which are teeming with all kinds of creatures: eels, turtles, dolphins, corals, sea snakes and countless exotic fish. Turtles and dolphins can often be seen while swimming and diving.

Food worth trying

Rotuma uses local ingredients, often coconut, rice, fish, taro, breadfruit and cassava. A unique delicacy is lovo, which is cooked in a pit lined with coconut shells and sprinkled with stones. After baking in such an “oven”, they bake vegetables, fish and meat in banana leaves. Fish marinated in lime, tomatoes, onions and coconut cream may be served. There are various opportunities to explore unique flavors: duruka vegetables, taro leaves, mashed bananas, and more.

Weather conditions: precipitation and trade winds

You should choose the time of your trip carefully: the least rainfall occurs from May to October, while it is heavier in January and December. Fiji receives up to 3000-5000 mm of rainfall throughout the year, but the northwest receives less, 1500-2000 mm. Even in the bad season, the sun often comes out after the heavy rains, and the air warms up to a comfortable temperature. From November to April, cyclones are possible during your trip. The normal sea temperature is 27 degrees Celsius, and snorkeling, swimming and diving are possible in all seasons. The sea is more beautiful in dry weather, as it maintains maximum clarity.

What languages ​​do you need to know to communicate with people?

Fijian is the language spoken on Rotuma Island, and is preferred by about 50% of the population. Fijian is the main language, but there are considerable dialects on the different islands of Fiji. Bau is the official language, but don’t worry: Hindustani and English are also used. The local constitution provides for the right to communicate in three languages. The use of English (including in business settings and on board) ensures the convenience of tourists.

Sports and Activities on the Island

Everyone can enjoy sports and surfing, other islands have dedicated resorts, but in Rotuma you can also try to conquer the waves. The tropical climate allows you to enjoy the views and find places to swim. Windsurfing is also possible, especially in areas facing the trade winds. It is possible to find services offering equipment rental, and the shallow lagoon is ideal for beginners.

Who is suitable for a holiday in Rotuma Island?

Since there are no hotels on the island and no modern infrastructure, vacations are designed for nature lovers, explorers, couples who want to get away from the hustle and bustle of the party. Rotuma is a paradisiacal resort with unique views and sandy beaches, ideal for romantics, and therefore often chosen as the place where fateful love is made. During your vacation, you can swim, spend time on beautiful beaches and enjoy the charming blue waters. If you like activities, you can surf, raft, dive. In the company of locals or using the services of a guide, you will be able to see all the beautiful and unique places on the island, which will surely leave you with only positive emotions after visiting this wonderful place.

3D22. Where is Rotuma Island located. Map.