I Got a Free Trip to Fiji

[Jcsgt]

My dive buddy/travel agent just received a free trip for two to Fiji, including air from LAX, three nights lodging at the Hideaway Resort, three nights lodging at the Wananavu Resort, airport transfers and one day's car rental. Travel has to take place between Jan. 15 and Apr. 23 of 2007. I got invited to go, free of charge (I pay my buddy well to be my friend ), we both just have to pay for our diving, meals not provided by the resorts, etc.

1. an anyone tell me about staying at and/or diving near those two resorts? Both are located on Vitu Levu. What are the possible dive establishments you could recommend near these hotels?

2. I've heard the rainy season ends in May, so would the best time to go be as late in April as possible or are there other conditions/variables to be considered?

3. Also, we'll be extending the trip by several days. We were thinking of going over to Vanua Levu and were wondering would it be best to take air over or go by ferry?

4. Another possibility would be to do a short 3 or 4 night liveaboard with our extra time. Any recommendations or comments on this option?

Thanks!

 

[rickydazla]

1. an anyone tell me about staying at and/or diving near those two resorts? Both are located on Vitu Levu. What are the possible dive establishments you could recommend near these hotels?

Hideaway have their own dive shop and Wananavu are serviced by Kai Viti.

2. I've heard the rainy season ends in May, so would the best time to go be as late in April as possible or are there other conditions/variables to be considered?

For "rainy season" read "hot, humid and no wind with short, heavy downpours most days". Diving is great that time of year as the water is very calm and there is little excuse for not going to the best spots. Vis is a bit lower but nothing less than 15m as a rule.

3. Also, we'll be extending the trip by several days. We were thinking of going over to Vanua Levu and were wondering would it be best to take air over or go by ferry?

Air is faster and boat is cheaper. Neither are very reliable.

4. Another possibility would be to do a short 3 or 4 night liveaboard with our extra time. Any recommendations or comments on this option?

There are only 3 - Aggressor, Nai'a and Tui Tai. All good. All expensive though. Go to Ovalau and dive Wakaya - you might see hammerheads and you will definitely see whales.

 

[Jcsgt]

Wow, thanks for the quick response!

How are those shops to dive with?

 

[almitywife]

congrats J!!!

 

[Mike Veitch]

now that kicks azz!!!!!!!!!!!!! Have fun!

 

[moeronn]

Congrats on the invite. That's one heck of a friend you have there.

I'm heading out there in a couple of weeks and will be staying at Hideaway for a few nights. We might dive with them, but are definitely planning at least one day in Beqa Lagoon. I believe it's less than an hours drive to Pacific Harbour where a couple of dive shops operate from. I'll try to post an update when we return.

 

[Diver Dennis]

Wow! Have fun Chantal and take some pics...

 

[donacheson]

My dive buddy/travel agent just received a free trip for two to Fiji, including air from LAX, three nights lodging at the Hideaway Resort, three nights lodging at the Wananavu Resort, airport transfers and one day's car rental. Travel has to take place between Jan. 15 and Apr. 23 of 2007. I got invited to go, free of charge (I pay my buddy well to be my friend ), we both just have to pay for our diving, meals not provided by the resorts, etc.

1. an anyone tell me about staying at and/or diving near those two resorts? Both are located on Vitu Levu. What are the possible dive establishments you could recommend near these hotels?
... Thanks!

If you can afford it, stay an extra week at Wananavu and dive with Kai Viti.

 

[robbcayman]

I'll be looking forward to some pics luckeeee (in my best napoleon voice)

 

[WizFromOz]

Nearest large town is Sigatoka to the west and Pacific Harbour to the East.

Best use Pacfic Harbour (Aquatrek) as your nearest dive ops when staying at the 'Hideaway', it's about a 35-40 minute drive along Queens Road.
The Resort is not in the best location for diving Beqa Lagoon.

Aquatrek is within the grounds of the 'Centra Hotel' at Pacific Harbour, and also, this is the ferry point for Beqa Lagoon Resort. For your extra days, suggest contacting Beqa Lagoon Resort people and see if they can fit you in. Alternately stay at the Centra and dive with Aquatrek.

Another possibility is to get back to Nadi, then make your way down to the Denarau Island Resorts, (Main jumping off point for the Mamnuca's Islands). Stronly suggest you take a look at 'Mana Island' for those extra days...best diving on the West Coast and only a 40min water taxi back to Viti Levu for the Plane ride home.

Best Seafood restaurant nearby is 'Vilisities' just West of the Warwich Resort and it's right on the water with great sunsets from it's balcony restaurant tables. Tell Vilisitie that Brian & Hilly sends their regards from Australia

Another place you can try is Waidroka Dive & Surf Resort at Korolevu, they have nice bure accommo there, and my block of Fiji land is right at the top of the hill under the TV tranmitter, you'll go past it to get to the resort. (Look out for a sign that says Retreat Road, at a 'Y' junction that's it!!!.

Best time for Fiji diving would be early Oct, it's their most settled month weather wise.

If you'd like to know more just 'E' me ok!


DSAO

WizFromOz

DSAO