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It felt like a dream. Here I was, on a boat a couple of miles offshore from a secluded island in the middle of Fiji, ready to jump into its crystal-clear waters and cross off a bucket-list item of mine. I zipped up my wetsuit and donned my scuba diving tank.

The visibility was perfect as I dove about 30 feet to a coral reef, a hotspot where manta rays come to be cleaned by other fish. In just a few minutes, several reef mantas glided by, their 10-foot wingspan dwarfing me. They drifted gracefully around the reef, ignoring my presence and going about their day.

It was completely mesmerizing. Learn more: Best travel insurance This is just one of many intimate encounters travelers can have with Fiji’s stunning natural world. From its picturesque beaches to vibrant marine reefs, these awe-inspiring experiences are a powerful reminder of the importance of preserving nature for posterity – a pillar in sustainable tourism.

For many bucket list destinations around the world, sustainable tourism is more than a buzzword – it’s a necessity. Pacific islands are dreamy but face limited resources and heavy r.