Georgetown University (Washington DC);
Russ Watts, Outdoor Education director:
"A magical experience - the best eco-tour I could have ever imagined. The guides were not only professional, but spectacularly friendly, with the ability to educate and encourage in every moment. Everyone I talk to about the Fiji trip is amazed that we did so much, and had so many wonderfully enriching experiences in only 10 days. Tamarillo Tropical Expeditions is on our must-do list for every year from this year on out."
Southern Methodist University (Dallas, Texas);
David Chambers, Outdoor Adventures director:
"Working with Tamarillo was easy. They were more than willing to accommodate our needs and desires for our Fiji trip. From the personal attention of the guides to the email updates during the trip from the Tamarillo office, we could not have asked for better service. The students agreed that the experience itself was amazing, but it was the people involved and the cultural experience that have had the greatest impact. As program administrators, we felt this trip was exactly what we wished it to be. SMU Outdoor Adventures will be using Tamarillo again."
Brigham Young University (Provo, Utah);
Patti Freeman, Recreation Management Dept.:
“From my first e-mail contact with Tamarillo to saying goodbye on a sandy beach in Kadavu, my expectations and hopes for the Fiji program were not only met but exceeded. Tamarillo expertly crafted an itinerary to meet our educational goals and group needs. Without Tamarillo’s team of Fijian guides and support crew we could not have experienced the people, villages, landscape, ocean, and uninhabited islands like we did. I can’t imagine experiencing Fiji any other way. I highly recommend this program to any group who desires to feel more like family than tourists while in Fiji.”
Appalachian State University (Boone, North Carolina); Rich Campbell, Outdoor Programs director:
"Tamarillo Tropical Expeditions has created an intricate network of relationships incorporating the beautiful people, the diverse landscapes and the amazing waters of Kadavu, Fiji. This unique and well-established framework allows for individuals and groups to thrive in remote, expeditionary adventures in some of the most stunning settings in the South Pacific. We simply would not have been able to experience the true colors of Fiji without the impeccable leadership and vision of Tamarillo."
Lees-McRae College (Banner Elk, North Carolina); Dr Fiona H. Chrystall, director of Student Success:
“Tamarillo Tropical Expeditions was a very lucky find! I’m an environmental scientist who spends most of her time trying to teach students how humans have both an impact on the natural world, but are equally impacted by it. Imagine my delight when I discovered an expedition company that gave students a real “close to nature” experience while treading as lightly as possible on earth’s natural resources. Not only did the students get to experience life through the lens of a native Fijian, much of the money they spent on this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity went back into the local economy of the area they were so fortunate to visit. They learnt a different way of living with the help of native guides with a wealth of knowledge. I have been recommending Tamarillo to colleagues, friends, and family unreservedly since my return. I have high expectations of expedition companies and Tamarillo exceeded every one”.
Lees-McRae College (Banner Elk, North Carolina); Scott Crawford, Global Community Center director:
"I’ve led a lot of student trips and observed a lot of guide companies in action. The fact is many miss the mark when it comes to student travel. They offer an experience that is either fun for travelers but destructive or offensive to locals, or is as hardcore as it gets with the local experience but fails to provide travelers the support they need to cope with the challenges of unfamiliar territory. But after sixteen days in Fiji, I can say this: Tamarillo is a company that does it right. The formula seems pretty simple: They support the local economy, right down to minute details such as having their t-shirts manufactured by Fijian companies. They invest significant time cultivating relationships with local villages, chiefs and families. Most crucially, Tamarillo uses local guides. Of the eight guides on our trip, six were native Fijians from Kadavu. And because Tamarillo pays these guides a generous wage, they have their pick of the available pool. Thus, our guides were not only experts on local habitat and culture, but responsible, kind, knowledgeable in safety procedures, fluent in English, and — vital to any good travel experience — side-splittingly funny. The upshot of such a formula in such a place is an authentic experience full of fun, challenge and support, from which both traveler and Kadavu benefit. I couldn’t have been more pleased.”
Antioch University (Seattle, Washington);
Susan Wertz, Heritage Institute lecturer:
"This was an incredible experience for my group. Tamarillo provided an amazing variety of authentic interactions with native Fijians on the islands of Kadavu. We were welcomed and treated like royalty. Anthony and his guides arranged fantastic kayaking and snorkeling on the Great Astrolabe Reef - amazing. The best in the world. Tamarillo has chosen a truly remarkable environment for their expeditions."
Harpeth Hall School (Nashville, Tennessee);
Mary Ellen Pethel and Lisa Keen, teachers:
"Tamarillo's guides and staff showed complete mastery of the culture and terrain. The student group emerged as well-seasoned travelers after our South Pacific adventure."
Christchurch Technical Institute (New Zealand);
Gareth Wheeler, Adventure Recreation Program leader:
"Since first visiting Kadavu Island over 10 years ago I have returned there many times. Such a pristine natural and cultural environment is hard to find these days. Tamarillo Tropical Expeditions have always provided great support and companionship to me and my groups. The guides are professional and reliable, and offer a diverse range of skills from outdoor programme leadership to Fijian cultural traditions and customs. A visit to Fiji is greatly enhanced with the input of Tamarillo Tropical Expeditions."
[end].