Opinions on diving in the Yasawas, Fiji?

[envirovannas]

Hi All,

According to the travel guides (Moon, Rough Guides, etc), the Yasawas seem to be low key, scenic, and offer really good diving.

I recall seeing a post giving a big thumbs down to Octopus Resort (on Waya), but there lots of other islands (Nacula, Tavewa, Wayalailai, etc.) and (supposedly) dive operations there.

Anyone have other experiences in this island group to report, either good or bad?

Thanks!
Rich

 

[almitywife]

the same questions is currently being asked on my local fourm.

heres the link: http://www.diveoz.com.au/discussion_forums/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=11450


btw, i was the one with the big thumbs down to Octopus Resord

 

[RockyHeap]

Flying into Nadi, then get your butt down to Pacific Harbor over by Suva and Beqa Lagoon. Never done the outer islands but I hear they're trashed for diving due to over traffic and closeness to Nadi. There is quite a difference between west coast and east coast of main island of Fiji. Dry and highland grassy on west coast, and thick jungle on the south east side.

My recommendation is Kulu bay resort on Bega island for living your own high class 5 star place while feeling like Gilligan island. Cheap too at $999 for a week there all inclusive.

diving in Beqa lagoon is awesome too.

http://www.kulubay.com/

 

[humanFish]

I spent the first half of my honeymoon at Octopus Resort. Although we weren't in Fiji specifically for diving, we did manage about 14 dives in 11 days.

The Yasawa islands are beautiful, Waya is beautiful. I actually had one of the most fun, psychedelic, tripped out dives ever off of Waya, although like others have said, it's usually just average. The dive in question was called "Black Rock". What made it so fun was the clarity of the water and all the thousands of snapper chasing each other. Also saw some large clams, lionfish, eels, and all sorts of stuff I still can't identify. Perhaps I was narced but it's still one of my favorite dives.

My other most favorite diving in Fiji was at the Yellow Wall. We were staying on Qamea and did a day trip to the wall. Awesome drift/wall diving.

Octopus resort is really a budget operation. No fancy meals, everyone eats together at the same time. The bungalows are servicable and close to the water. The reef in front is awesome for snorkeling, but gets exposed somewhat at low tide. We were happy with things for the price and relaxation...but it was not luxury. Most gests were young backpacker types. It was fun, although If I go back to Fiji I'd try something different.

good luck

Hi All,

According to the travel guides (Moon, Rough Guides, etc), the Yasawas seem to be low key, scenic, and offer really good diving.

I recall seeing a post giving a big thumbs down to Octopus Resort (on Waya), but there lots of other islands (Nacula, Tavewa, Wayalailai, etc.) and (supposedly) dive operations there.

Anyone have other experiences in this island group to report, either good or bad?

Thanks!
Rich

 

[almitywife]

Octopus resort is really a budget operation. No fancy meals, everyone eats together at the same time.

this would be the only thing i liked about Octopus - my trainer was thrilled by my weight loss

 

[envirovannas]

Thanks Humanfish (& Almitywife) for the informed opinions (vs hearsay),
I worried that I'd only get the standard "I've not been to where you're asking about, but go to X b/c I've been there and it's great" comments. Not so helpful. Yasawas still a possibility b/c -- though probably not Octopus -- a cheap place that's beautiful topside and has average diving is still a pretty good deal. I've seen mention of a Westside Watersports on Tavewa but haven't seen any reviews of it. Or maybe Kadavu if I can scrap up more $...

 

[envirovannas]

And thanks Rocky H for the suggestion. I'd discounted Beqa, but'll give it another looksee.

 

[RockyHeap]

there seems to be 3 common trains of thought regarding fiji..........

head west out to the yasawas, head north east up to Tavueni, or head sout east to Beqa.

Beqa lagoon can be had in a 3 hours drive from Nadi, the others take extra boat/plane costs and time.

 

[donacheson]

there seems to be 3 common trains of thought regarding fiji..........

head west out to the yasawas, head north east up to Tavueni, or head sout east to Beqa.

Beqa lagoon can be had in a 3 hours drive from Nadi, the others take extra boat/plane costs and time.

"Head north east" sounds good, but stop at Rakiraki on the big island (Viti Levu) and dive with Kai Viti Divers. I've seen nothing but good reports about them. I hear very little good about diving in the Yasawas and mixed reports about Taveuni and the south side of Viti Levu.