Fantasy Island Shore Dive

[adjuster-jd]

I've read lots of information here about the shore dive at Cocoview, but not much about FIBR.
How is the shore diving from FIBR - is it as easily accessible as Cocoview?

Thanks.

 

[DiveScoop]

When I visited Fantasy Island last year, most of the diving we did was boat diving. There was a few sites close to shore. Didn't go over to CocoView, but it didn't look to be too far away. Are you staying at Coco?

Scott

 

[bfisher]

FIBR and Coco View share the same Lagoon for their shore diving. The wreck in the lagoon is a must-do dive, especially at night. The boat is encrusted with soft corals and sponges and all sorts of critters.

If you are contemplating which place to stay I would have to recommend Coco. I haven't stayed there, but have stayed at FIBR and must say it is the worst place I've visited in the last 4 years----and I do about 6 trips a year to various places. The food sucked, my room was old and mildewy smelling with worn out beds.

The dive boat broke down two days in a row and had to be towed in. Our second tank dive ended up with us being dropped in the lagoon. No opologies or any compensation for this loss. That was two years ago and from what I read it hasn't gotten better.

The "lockers" are open air with no doors and no locks, used on a first-come first-serve basis---each day. Things have been known to disappear frequently.

I always hear good things about Coco. I do have to say that I did enjoy the reefs there. Lots of soft corals and critters. Deep dives, shallow dives, wall dives. The shark dive at Wakaluka (spelling) is not to be missed even with the extra charge.

 

[Peter_C]

Right between the two resorts is the wreck of the Prince Albert. Great dive and you can just have the skiff drop you right on top of it. Leave enough air to swim to the bungaloo, where you will either call for the skiff or drop the tank and walk your gear back to the dive shop. They do run three boat dives a day, with a SI on the Island between each of them. A baseball player could hit the ball to Coco View.

 

[CODMAN]

I went in october 2006 and experienced none of the problems of Fisher (sorry Fisher!). And many other posters have since been and seemed quite happy with FI. Except for the food (which I agree was not great), the room was fine, the boats were fine and nothing was stolen. We had a blast and it was really really cheap!!!!

As others have said, FI shares the same wrecks (Ship and plane) as Cocoview. You can also access the wall in front of FI or Cocoview for a shore dive, if the skip is willing to take you out. The underwater line to the ship is not as good on the FI side as on the Cocoview side (they use the anchor), but if you take a compass bearing, you'll be fine to get back.

As far as ease goes, from what I've read (never been to Coco), I'd have to give the nod to Cocoview. They really seem setup for 24h diving.... At FI, the skif will take you out anywhere between 8:00 am to 8:00 pm. Outside of this, you need to swim out yourself (which is no big deal since there is a line). But nevertheless, CCview seems a bit better on all respects... I guess that's why the price is higher too!!!

Hope this helps!

 

[riftvalley84]

I have to agree with Codman. We were at Fantasy Island for 2 weeks last February and thought it was a great dive vacation. We will definitely go back in the future. We found the dive operation to be top notch - very convenient (we left our gear except for our dive computers & camera in the same locker for the 2 weeks), our boat captain & dive master were wonderful, and there was always fresh fruit to eat after the dives. Also, the shore diving was really convenient if you went on the small boat to the gazebo & dove from there. We had no complaints with our room. They were older & had some wear and tear but it is not a 5 Star hotel so you can't expect the same quality. We found the food quite good as well (that includes our 3 kids). We certainly weren't hungry. One big advantage FIR has over Coco View, is their beach. All in all, I give FIR a thumbs up

P.S. If you do go, make sure you do some night shore dives as they were awesome!