Anybody been to Taveuni, Fiji?

[diverdowndh]

Has anyone been to Taveuni, and what have you done there? My trip is about 2 weeks away and I'm getting VERY anxious. I know there is the beach that they filmed The Blue Lagoon, there are several waterfalls, a natural slide, and the 180th meridian. Has anyone been to these, how are they, anything you'd do different? I am going to be on Taveuni for 7 days, then 3 more days for the Beqa lagoon shark dives.
If you know of anything cool, or have comments about what is not, please let me know... I want to know what you did right or what you'd do different if you went back.
Thanks!

 

[scubapatton]

I was there on my honeymoon in Nov 2005. Dive White Wall (~90') and mini-White wall (~60').

The waterfalls are nice - you can jump off the shelf at the first one into the water. It WILL be cold, but it is refreshing. There is one major road and it is only paved around 1/2 the island or so. The back island is a dirt road - a bit bumpy. Bring fresh water on the hike to the waterfalls, but no need to overkill.. like a bottle each. Saw some nice little crabs walking across the path there - freshwater due to the waterfalls and river.

On your way to the waterfalls is the beach for Blue Lagoon.

We did some snorkeling too since my wife was not a diver until earlier this year. She enjoyed the snorkelling quite a bit. She saw some things she wished she could see closer.. probably why she finally went deeper with me.

Taveuni is known as the Garden Island. It can be pretty wet sometimes.. we had torrential downpour for about an hour each twice in the 7 days from late Nov to early Dec.. makes for some BEAUTIFUL scenes and a wide variety of flowers and such. Warm rain though. no reason to bring a parka, maybe just a hooded wet-weather windbreaker. There is a spectacular view from the church there near the 180 meridian. Go in, and on you way out, take a shot from the archway. I have a photo that some people think could be a postcard.

Enjoy some Kava. Not the tastiest concoction, but it is a local favorite... When in rome....

Have fun. We both loved Fiji.

 

[diverdowndh]

I don't know why I did not see your reply, thank you for the reply. So far, the web searches I've done say the exact same thing you say. I'll post something when I get back, we leave on the 11th and come back on the 23rd... only a week away!

 

[John_B]

I haven't been... yet.

But I'm looking at Taveuni, either in addition to the Aggressor for a few extra days or instead of the liveaboard for a week.

Where are you staying? Who are you planning on diving with? Be sure to post a review when you get back! I'd especially appreciate hearing about lodging options other than just the Garden Island resort and what the diving options are (Aqua-Trek or otherwise) if you aren't staying at that resort.

John

 

[Garrobo]

No. How about Chilicothe, Ohio?

 

[diverdowndh]

We're staying at the Garden Island Resort:
Aqua-Trek
and, of course using Aquatrek for our diving for both our Taveuni stay and the Beqa Lagoon shark dives. Not sure where we're staying for that part yet, we're supposed to have a pre-trip party tomorrow morning and we'll find out all the details then.
Absolutely will I post my trip review!

 

[bfisher]

We're staying at the Garden Island Resort:
Aqua-Trek
and, of course using Aquatrek for our diving for both our Taveuni stay and the Beqa Lagoon shark dives. Not sure where we're staying for that part yet, we're supposed to have a pre-trip party tomorrow morning and we'll find out all the details then.
Absolutely will I post my trip review!

I did a week at Garden Island resort in January. If you want a small, quaint, relaxing place I'd rate it highly. The food was decent and the service was very good. The staff knew everybody in our group of six from the git-go.

I do want to stress; This is not a resort per se. It's more like a roadside motel with 30 rooms. 15 up and 15 down.

The diving was out of this world when comparing it to the Caribbean. Corals and marine life abound. The shark dive with Aqua Trek was not the greatest due to lack of viz, but the guide got the people with cameras into better positions. Be ready for nurse sharks, grey reefs, and bulls, and if you're lucky a Tiger might come in. Just be sure to watch your computer on the shark dives. I think I remember mine going onto the second stage of yellow at 94' and again at 84' on the second dive.

Rest assured you'll get a very nice and long surface interval on another island beach. Don't pass up some snorkeling heere as this is where we ran into a half dozen juvenile Black Tips in the shallows.

Hope you go with the intent of not being in a hurry. This whole trip was one of stress relief.

I have to commend the whole dive crew and staff at the shop. Once we got there we never had to touch our gear again unless putting it on and off. They rinsed our gear and all, including wet suits.

Shore dives are possible, but only while the shop is open so get them in before dinner. Frankly, I was so satisfied with what I expeerienced on the boat dives I just had a desire to sit back, relax, and digest what I had already seen.

I could go on and on, but I hope this helps. I would go back in a minute. In fact, my LDS has Fiji high on it's list of "Must do Again" places---at my urging.

Barry

 

[scubapatton]

We stayed at the Maravu Resort. It was very nice. Their masseuses are top notch - esp Mary.

The pricing though could be a hurdle.. not sure though what it is since it was our honeymoon, I packaged it all and did not worry about cost.

Fiji is known for its "Fiji Time" Trust me.. the more you rush, the worse you will feel and you will get nothing for it.. just C - h - i - l - l. . . Have fun and can't wait to hear the report back.

 

[Paco II]

diverdowndh, have a great trip. I will be nearby on the tiny island of Matangi (Matagi) at the same time you will be on Taveuni. Look forward to your review.

 

[rsickels]

My husband and I are considering Paradise Taveuni Resort. Any thoughts on the diving or the acommodations there?
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