Fiji or Caymans?

[Scubaroo]

Which of these two places would be a better honeymoon destination to combine diving with, the emphasis being on a honeymoon destination? We were originally planning a Tahitian honeymoon, but the expense was a bit too much for now. We're getting married in June in the US, and can duck down to the Caymans for a honeymoon, or fly out to Fiji on our return to Australia where we will be living after the wedding.

We want to spend about 10 days, preferably split between two resorts - liveaboards are *not* an option for our honeymoon. First half of the honeymoon getting in some solid diving, the rest of the honeymoon relaxing. At the moment it looks like Grand Cayman and maybe Little Cayman, or Turtle Island in Fiji, but we're not sure if either is going to be too touristy - especially after having planned for Bora Bora etc. Anyone been to both places? I visited Fiji a few years ago, but never saw any of the islands, just the area around Nadi.

thanks!

 

[worlddiver]

You will be happy you did not choose Bora Bora for diving, for the reefs have not recovered. For Fiji we stayed on a island called Tavenuii. It has two beautiful waterfalls and the diving was great. They only had power at the small hotel (it was rated #1 in 2002 Sport Diver) from 6PM to 10PM. All the roads are dirt with only about 6 taxi's running. There is No towns to shop.
But for my number one vote would be the Grand Cayman's with their awesome walls, shorediving at any hour, wrecks and their sponge belts. You would have to do the Deep Sub to 1,000 feet, a experience that changed my life. They also have lots of awesome restaurants from the local cookers to the Five Star, Grand Old House. Botanic Garrdens, hiking trails, Stingray City and the best shopping. Just avoid downtown when the cruise ships are in. We stayed at Sport Divers 2002 #2 rated Dive Resort, Cobalt Coast Resort and dived with their on site operator Divetech. I can not say enough good thinks about them, but Divetech had all the adventure that you could ever think of for divers. You have to do their one way (1.5 miles) scooter dive and tryout a Rebreather experience, which after that I had to buy one.

Your life is just starting, by taking the step into marriage. Life is Grand......

 

[Tom Winters]

The easiest way to do this is on your return trip to Melbourne. Fiji is great - I dived on Taveuni in 1986 and almost moved there until they had the coup. If you have the money, check out Wakatobi --->
http://www.wakatobi.com/homepage.html
in the middle of nowhere in Indonesia somewhere. They had a great presentation at DEMA, bit it's a little too far from Florida.
Also, you might want to check out Vanuatu or Lord Howe Island - have not made it to either place yet, but they're on the list.

 

[Pamdiv]

My boyfriend and I go the the Caymans every year and can vouch for its romantic appeal. There are some world class restaurants and resorts. (Before booking a resort on Seven Mile Beach, make sure there is still a beach near the hotel, a lot of erosion going on.) The North Wall is by far the most beautiful diving I've ever seen. We've logged over 50 dives and still haven't seen it all. The Grand Old House, The Wharf, and Hemingway's are exquisite in cuisine and ambience and if you like to party, Rackam's and Hard Rock are great.

We are headed for Fiji next month and will be able to give you a proper comparison then

Which of these two places would be a better honeymoon destination to combine diving with, the emphasis being on a honeymoon destination? We were originally planning a Tahitian honeymoon, but the expense was a bit too much for now. We're getting married in June in the US, and can duck down to the Caymans for a honeymoon, or fly out to Fiji on our return to Australia where we will be living after the wedding.

We want to spend about 10 days, preferably split between two resorts - liveaboards are *not* an option for our honeymoon. First half of the honeymoon getting in some solid diving, the rest of the honeymoon relaxing. At the moment it looks like Grand Cayman and maybe Little Cayman, or Turtle Island in Fiji, but we're not sure if either is going to be too touristy - especially after having planned for Bora Bora etc. Anyone been to both places? I visited Fiji a few years ago, but never saw any of the islands, just the area around Nadi.

thanks!

 

[No1Scubagirl]

I've been to both Fiji and Little Cayman island. I LOVED both of them, but if I had a choice (meaning $ was no object) I would go back to Fiji. To the best of my knowledge, the resort I stayed at no longer exists (Fiji Forbes Laucala Island). In its stead, I would recommendation you consider Mantangi Island (aka Matagi) - http://www.matangiisland.com You would have the best of both worlds - the most incredible diving you could imagine and extreme relaxation! The service, atmosphere, food, and diving at the resort where I stayed were all above and beyond - I'm told that Matangi Island Resort is comparable to what I expereienced there. To top it all off, I found the Native Fijian’s to be the friendliest people I have ever encountered. Nearby is also Taveuni Island - you might want to check that island out as well.

Regarding Little Cayman Island – we stayed at Pirates Point Resort. Not so great of a honeymoon atmosphere – but spectacular diving, good service and superb food! We did two dives each day, but they were not timed by the divemaster. This made for really long, leisure dives. We did one night dive while there, which was incredible to say the least! Gladys, the owner, is very warm and welcoming – she really makes you feel like you are part of her extended family. The ONLY complaint we had about the resort were it’s other guests. We found a few of the other couples to be down right rude to us and the other guests. But, of course, we did not let them spoil our trip at all! I would recommend checking out other places to stay on Little Cayman that might fit the atmosphere of a honeymoon. You may want to look at Cayman Brac as well. Check out this website regarding the Cayman Islands: http://www.divecayman.ky/islands/ It is a good link that lists places to stay/dive. Personally, I would stay away from Grand Cayman - however, I would love to see Sting Ray City at some point in my life.

Hope this helped a little.
Safe diving,
Michelle

 

[Scubaroo]

Thanks for all the feedback, we're still deciding, it's all helpful.

 

[RSdiver]

hidiver1 - Beware of Wakatobi - they have a nice website and extensive marketing but it is all hype.

1) The SCUBA tank air was bad quality and they don't have Nitrox, which requires much cleaner delivery systems.
2) There were only 4 dive areas, not much variety. One had great walls but you only got to do that once per day as it was a long 1+ hour boat ride out (only 2 boat dives per day).
3) They only permit 1 entrance point and 1 exit point on the House reef and with raging currents that is a 10 min dive.
4) There were only 4 dive masters for 30 people and Lorenz Maeder gave 2 Dr.s private dives meaning 11 of us were assigned to go with one divemaster in a cattle dive.
5) Photogrpahers came last. With 11 divers the DM insisted that photogs wait in line and only after all non-photog divers had seen the subjects were we permitted to photograph them.
6) LOTS of trash on the house reef. We were dissappointed at the number of fish traps that the local fisherman have on the Barracuda reef despite the website claims they have contracts with the local fisherman against such activity.
7) The website claims AC is not needed but they are within 5 degrees of the equator and we absolutely boiled.
8) Rats and mosquitos in the rooms - despite claims otherwise on their website. They have "bungalows" which are loosely made huts.

For $250/day, next time I'd do a liveaboard where you get a broader variety of diving, more DMs, and nicer accomodations.

 

[Scubaroo]

Just an update - thanks for all the info provided by people in this and other threads, we are going to Fiji, and are making a decision between Qamea, Taveuni and Tokoriki in the next week or so.

 

[glbirch]

Took my wife to Fiji for our honeymoon. It was fabulous. Spent a few days at Coconut Grove on Taveuni http://www.coconutgrovefiji.com/ which I recommend without hesitation if you want somewhere to relax for a few days. Then a week on the Fiji Agressor, which lived up to it's reputation. Some time at Marlin Bay Resort, which didn't live up to it's reputation, and finally a cruise with Blue Lagoon Cruises http://www.bluelagooncruises.com/ on the MV Mystique Princess. They specialize in honeymoons and after a while I started running out of glowing superlatives to describe them.

Friendly people, good diving, wonderful weather, and best of all I kept the destination a secret from my wife until we got to the last leg of the trip.

 

[mckaig]

I've been to both. I would go to Fiji -Namenalala Island if you want a small romantic island with world-class diving. Matagi is larger, more guests. You can do day trips to the Taveuni waterfalls and you can arrange to dive the Great White Wall and do a village visit from Matagi if you are looking for more topside life. We did a week on both for our honeymoon and found Namena's seclusion to be more condusive to a honeymoon.You have to want seclusion if you pick Namena. If you want a once in a lifetime trip I'd go to Namena. I've never been to another that compares. 6-7 bures. Out in the middle of nowhere. Empty beaches. Fly in by seaplane. Outstanding diving. I will never forget this place. Heck, the more I think about it - I'm going back!

On Little Cayman I'd suggest the Southern Cross Club. Small, private cabanas. You can kayak out to Owen Island and lay about or get someone to drive you to the beach at the end of the island. The diving speaks for itself.

You can check out Namena at http://moodysnamenafiji.com/