bigbadwolfe:
Having read the latest on the blog regarding Fiji diving I have a few questions. I am new to diving but not new to traveling in the SP. Is it worth taking a lightweight BCD with you? I currently have a sequest balance but that weighs about seven pounds. If so recomendations are welcome. I understand that on the flights from Nadi to Taveuni you are limited to 20kg. However, I read on one sight that if you have a letter from your resort stating that you are on a dive trip they will up it to 30kg - is this true? Last but not least of the questions has anybody been to Matangi Island Resort? Will be heading there this Jan.
On overweight - my travel agent (Reef and rainforest) got me a coupon good for 30kg as a diver. Check with yours!
On Matangi - My wife and I were at Matangi in November 2003. I only dived for two days, since I had just spent a week on the Fiji Aggressor and my wife doesn't dive.
Quick summary - diving is very good. No coral bleaching where we went. Typical two tank AM dives - leave just after breakfast, return for lunch. No Nitrox. Longer trip to SomoSomo strait typically done 1 or 2 times per week (3 diver minimum) - they went once during the week we were there - will go more often if there is demand.
Resort - lots to do non-diving. Good snorkeling right off beach, or they will take you to a offshore snorkeling spot. Kayaks, sailboats, hiking. Trip to Taveuni to go to waterfall. Trip to villiage for dance/kava ceremony. Lavo dinner (like hawaiin emu oven). All above at no charge. Sport Fishing is extra - I don't know rates. Extremely casual - barefoot dining, etc. Free laundry service every day - PACK LIGHT.
Food is unbelievable. Tables for 6 to 8 people - you get to know your fellow guests. Standard choices for breakfast. At breakfast, you choose your lunch and dinner (two choices per day for each.) Afternoon tea. We were there over American Thanksgiving. Feast consisted of turkey (God knows where they got it), Beef Wellington, Lamb Roast, Shrimp curry. Those were just the main dishes - lots of sides. Typically fish at least once per day if you choose it. Noel (the owner) went fishing, caught an ahi tuna, and served us 2 hour old shashimi! Chef was native Fijian, but classically trained. Local ingredients, with varied preparation.
Noel and Flo are great people. You will meet Jonathan (her per fruit bat) - he may even land on you. Staff is helpful without being intrusive. If you want to ask Noel any direct questions, I can send you his direct email address.
The price is the most reasonable that we could find. The next Island over is Quamea, which was asking for more than double. My wife and I are definitely planning to return, combining the trip with a trip to New Zealand, all via Air New Zealand (since Nadi is a stopover on the LA- Nadi- Auckland flight.)
Reply or send private message for more specific questions.
Joel