Taveuni tips/recommendations (affordable)

[Diver Dave1]

You got a great deal on airfare and your place to stay! Congratulations!

 

[Aloha Joe]

26 dives and 20.5 hours underwater in 10 days at Rainbow Reef. I’m sad to be leaving tomorrow.

 

[bluedogs]

It’s going to be a good review. Do not hesitate to book with Paradise.

Tip: stop in town on the way from the airport and get drinks! Breakfast is the only meal that includes a drink other than water.

where is the best place to convert USD to Fiji Dollars? or just use CC?

 

[bluedogs]

26 dives and 20.5 hours underwater in 10 days at Rainbow Reef. I’m sad to be leaving tomorrow.

And did you do any other activities while on Taveuni? Waterfall? Dateline?

 

[Aloha Joe]

I just paid with debit card. They charge 3% extra but it seems like all the currency places charge at least that ($0.52 vs $0.47 conversion).

It was $7775 FJD for 10-11 nights, all meals, 22 boat dives, 10 EANx tanks, a guided night dive, and a few shore dives. That also includes 6 juice drinks, 3 snacks, a Bula Shirt and a load of laundry.

I didn’t do the extra activities other than kayaking and taking the bus to town. I already live in paradise and do jungle waterfall hikes regularly. I focused on diving since I can’t see Fijian coral in Hawaii, and ended up being interested in bonding with the locals, staff, and other guests. I made international friends, was included in a wedding, and found a new “dive family” from Virginia (I finally met someone I enjoy diving with!).

I spent 2 days in Nandi and a day in the Mamanuca Islands before flying to Taveuni. It was cool to see the city - the locals are incredibly welcoming and friendly.

 

[bluedogs]

I just paid with debit card. They charge 3% extra but it seems like all the currency places charge at least that ($0.52 vs $0.47 conversion).

It was $7775 FJD for 10-11 nights, all meals, 22 boat dives, 10 EANx tanks, a guided night dive, and a few shore dives. That also includes 6 juice drinks, 3 snacks, a Bula Shirt and a load of laundry.

I didn’t do the extra activities other than kayaking and taking the bus to town. I already live in paradise and do jungle waterfall hikes regularly. I focused on diving since I can’t see Fijian coral in Hawaii, and ended up being interested in bonding with the locals.

I spent 2 days in Nandi and a day in the Mamanuca Islands before flying to Taveuni. It was cool to see the city - the locals are incredibly welcoming and friendly.

How many divers were on the boat with you? and divers per guide? Were the boat rides comfortable or rough crossings?

 

[Aloha Joe]

Two days I was the only diver on the smaller boat. Some days there was 1 other. The last few days were on the bigger boat with three groups of 4-6 and a group of snorkelers.

All very comfortable but smaller boat has no head. Larger boat has cushioned seats and a nice cabin.

 

[bluedogs]

Two days I was the only diver on the smaller boat. Some days there was 1 other. The last few days were on the bigger boat with three groups of 4-6 and a group of snorkelers.

All very comfortable but smaller boat has no head. Larger boat has cushioned seats and a nice cabin.

wow sounds like you went at the right time! Great price and uncrowded. When I'm there in Sept all but one bure is full as of now, so I imagine the boat will be full. But more opportunity for socializing!

 

[Aloha Joe]

The bures were full - there is a surprising number of non-divers that book there.

 

[Aloha Joe]

I landed in Honolulu, turn d around and flew to Kona for 4 more days of diving. My review will be delayed.