Fiji Mamanucas -- Softie Sites?

[TomH]

Hello all,

My fiance and I will be honeymooning in the Mamanucas (Navini and Matamanoa) in May 07. She is a non-diver, so this will be more of a relaxation/beach vacation than a dive vacation, but I would never forgive myself if I didn't see some of the soft corals that make Fiji so renowned.

I realize that the mamanucas aren't known for softies, but could anyone recommend any good soft-coral sites that the navini and/or matamanoa dive ops visit? Are they generally willing to travel around the island to the Bligh waters, etc.?

Thanks,
Tom

 

[jerryn]

It has been a few years since I was there, but I went out with the local dive shop while the girls went to the spa -- there seemed to be only one for each resort. You basically go where they are going and they judge it by the skill levels of the customers. While there were not the spectacular walls of other parts of fiji there were really nice soft corals, lots of colors and variety. After the dive masters decided I knew what I was doing they let me do my own profiles.

There is a B26 wreck there and a purposly sunk ship called the Salamanda -- both fun dives.

Jerry

 

[jerryn]

Tom,

I found my log book from that trip. A place called Charlie's Reef had great soft corals. 2nd was Wilkes Passage. Don't know what they are like today.

Have a great trip

Jerry

 

[TomH]

Great -- Thanks for the info!

Tom

 

[Shasta_man]

We went sailing in that area in 2004. We dove using the resort at Mana Island which is close by. We did the Supermarket, Gotham City sites. Gotham City was pretty cool with interesting interactions with the moray eels. No specific sites for soft coral.

Ask them for high current dives. That's where the soft coral will be best. I'll be surprised, though, if you get much choice as there is almost exclusively resort divers there. I had less than 20 dives and I was the most experienced, pointing out the nice roomy suit one woman was wearing would be cold in the water. I'd also think about bringing some part of your gear as rental gear is, well, rental gear. A Japanese couple we dove with had to split up when the calm husband had to end the dive almost immediately for a leaking BC. He left his, terrified before the dive, wife at depth. I recognized her need for a buddy, and grouped her with my wife and I. She showered us with appreciation after the dive, for looking after her. Missing one of your few dives in beautiful Fiji ain't worth it.

 

[Dibblerr]

Went there in july, the inner sites are better and cleaner than the outer/barrier reefs.
The supermarket is a must do dive with the sharks, Charlies reef is also very good. especially sad when you hear the story. The B26 (bits of) plane I found terribly boring but the reef at the end when you start to surface is fantastic, I spent 20 mins just swimming round and round... The dive centre guides seemed to leave you to it if you seemed competent most of the divers I dove with were ...

 

[TomH]

Thanks for all of the info -- can't wait to go (hoping that the political situation has stabilized by then).

Tom

 

[Greg66]

Hope you and others read this post

Just got back from Fiji literally a few hours ago. Firstly, forget the political situation. I went with my wife and 2 kids (6 and 8 years) and there is seriously NO problem going to Fiji during a coup. Also dived the Supermarket off Mana island. Definitely worth it, definitely will see sharks, although when they get bigger than you are, you start wondering ...

Re coral etc. didn't really see anything diving I didn't see while snorkeling (including sharks). We stayed at Treasure Island and 100m offshore there were some excellent dropoffs with all you could wish for. Still, I guess you can't beat the "scuba experience". Dive guides were great, knew what they were doing (done it 100's of times) and were really breezy if they where happy with your abilities. I was with a guide and a couple and the guide finned ahead, I could see him and the couple behind me but I doubt he could see them - no worries just "Fiji Way" I guess. Excellent time, wish I did more dives but - family calls.

Go to Fiji - go diving - the people need your money.