Looking for basic Fiji info

[Gombessa]

I'm helping a friend do some research. He's getting his OW certification right now in anticipation of a trip to Fiji next month. He's be staying at a resort and is planning one major drift dive in the "Rainbow Reef" area described as in the channel between Taveuni and Vanua Levu islands.

I was wondering if anyone could provide some basic details or profiles for this kind of dive, or recommendations as to whether it's appropriate for a newly certified diver. I myself have absolutely no experience or knowledge of the region.

Thanks!

 

[MooreaMike]

I am currently planning a trip to Taveuni and dive land-based from there in the Straights (SomoSomo).

While I do have a PADI Master and have been diving on and off since 1969, I prefer the easier and drift dives. I can to the deep and/or currents, but prefer only occassionally.

My understanding in Somosomo can be done by anyone, just make sure the divemasters are well aware of capabilities and comfort zone.

What resort? Is it on Taveuni? A recomended operator for all levels is Nakia Dive Resort.

I've been on the Sere Ni Wa in Wakaya, Nigali, etc. Anyone chime in with how Somosomo compares???

 

[Gombessa]

Thanks Mike. I don't know which resort he'll be at, but I'll ask and post here. It sounds like drift diving is generally mellow in Fiji?

 

[underwater5]

Rainbow reef has some very good dives and are usually done between the ingoing and outgoing currents. There are some drift dives like "the great white wall" but are usually not done when the current is ripping. Doubtfull he will be in really strong current, unless he is asking for that kind of dive. But the current can and does rip in the Somo somo straight so he needs to let the dive op know his skill level.

 

[High Plains Drifter]

Don't mean to steal a thread, but my question is related. Air Pacific is running some pretty good deals to Fiji through May, so the wife and I looking at an end of February - First of March to Kadavu (Matava Resort) trip. Any opinions on whether that's a "bad" time of year to go from a diving perspective? I've always had the impression that Fiji has generally good diving all year, but I'd love to get any thoughts on diving that time, in particular.

Thanks.

 

[Fiji Dive Guy]

Bula Gombessa,

I'm an Instructor (now retired), and have done open water certifications for divers in Taveuni and taken them out on subsequent dives, even to the Great White Wall. While I don’t advocate this for everyone, I do feel that for many new divers who are comfortable in the water and demonstrate a sound skill level it is within reach. However, the currents in Somosomo can be quite strong, and timid divers can be easily panicked and could get into trouble if not watched closely. Avoid diving the current dives around a full moon or new moon (that’s when the currents are the strongest). Also, the dive guides don’t always hit the dive at the optimal time for the current (for various reasons, some unavoidable), and it can either be too slack (not a safety problem, but the coral polyps aren’t out or are not at their peak), or too strong which can be a safety problem. However, there are many great dives in protected areas with little or no current, and your friend can always ask the dive guides for assistance (it is good to let them know if you are a novice anyway), or opt out if the current is too strong.

 

[Fiji Dive Guy]

Don't mean to steal a thread, but my question is related. Air Pacific is running some pretty good deals to Fiji through May, so the wife and I looking at an end of February - First of March to Kadavu (Matava Resort) trip. Any opinions on whether that's a "bad" time of year to go from a diving perspective? I've always had the impression that Fiji has generally good diving all year, but I'd love to get any thoughts on diving that time, in particular.

Thanks.

Bula High Plains Drifter,

While the diving is generally good year round in Fiji, the surface conditions have a higher probability of deteriorating in the wet season. In addition, the warmer water temps can cause a plankton bloom that reduces visibility substantially, but the additional nutrients offer their own advantages. If you have the option of pushing your trip out into April or May, you might be better off from a weather perspective. That said, I’ve seen weeks at a time when the weather has been perfect during the wet season, and terrible during the dry season. The diving should be great anyway, and Matava is a great resort.

 

[AlanWald]

I dove the Great White Wall a number of years ago at the end of February. Conditions were spectacular, nice calm sunny day, no other boats. Three days after I left, Fiji took a direct hit by a cyclone.

 

[OnTheSpot]

A lot of good info above. More here.

Best diving in Fiji for me is where the liveaboards go: Bligh water and the Koro Sea. The area around Namena is spectacular.

After that you have Kadavu, Tavenui and the shark diving at Pacific Harbour.

Forget about other places like the Yasawas and the so-called Coral Coast. Not up to much for someone with a few dives under their belt.

Hope that helps.

 

[RikRaeder]

Just got back from there a couple of weeks ago. Diving was very nice...almost all drift dives althlough velocity was variable. As mentioned, shouldn't be too tough for a certifiied, comfortable diver with a good guide. Feel free to refer your friends to my photo gallery for some latest pics. Hope they have fun!