Todays "where to go thread"...

[DSR-3]

I've been through the pages here for hours, the search function isn't much help with resort names, etc. Since I'm looking at Caribbean destinations also- my head's starting to swim, and the "answer" is not getting any clearer... So, please some advise or comments. I've done a number of dive trips to The Yucatan/Coz, and the T&C Aggressor. I'd love to try something more exotic.
I'm looking for a week (in 2 weeks) for some diving for me, and lounging for my wife. Looking at current prices, Fiji is not much more $$ than the Caribe, and no harder to get to Nadi. The best prices look like pkg. with Air Pacific, but I don't see many comments here on diving from the places they rep. They range from Lautoka around to the coral coast, and Pac. Harbor +.
Also, what's it like getting to those areas from Nadi?
Suggestions? Please talk me into it!
Thanks!

 

[DownUnderDave]

What good timing!! I arrived back in Oz today from my first visit to Fiji. I spent two weeks on Mana Island (at the resort). Mana island is part of the Mamanuca chain of islands, west of Nadi. The family spent time relaxing on beach, water activities, pools, spending time with vilagersetc. My wife and I did 20 dives in around the area between the island and towards the outer reef. Sharks, stonefish (the largest I have ever seen) fish fish fish coral, swim thru's, wrecks and some of the friendliest dive staff I have been!!! We Flew Air Pacific and had all transfers by private cars included. Boat over to the islands was a large Cat taking about 90 mins....

Other places you may be interested in would be Vanuatu? We spent 10 days there in January with equally as good diving.

I will post some pics shortly.

David

 

[DSR-3]

Thanks David.
It sounds like getting there was pretty easy, and you sound satisfied with the diving.
Can you tell me (us) about the resort? Accomodations- room, suite, or bure, Food & Drink prices, access to diving, non-diver comments. We're not "picky" but would like something nice.
Who did you dive with? Comments or $$?
-Eric

 

[kneptoon]

I was also looking for short, reasonable travel time trip from California. Usually I would head to Coz for a short stay. This year I am going to try Fiji. Its a shorter travel time and much more diverse diving. Also, I was in Coz in March. This is my second trip to Fiji and it is generally more expensive than other places and there never seems to be any competition in price for air fare. However, I have been getting a lot of offers for package deals through dive travel agents to Fiji resorts that are very reasonable. I have stayed at Wananavu and Garden Island resort. Both of these were great diving. I am going liveaboard this time. Cruise the Fiji threads for other trip reports and find something that suits you and your family. There are many options and it looks as though they are competitive with Caribbean diving.

 

[DownUnderDave]

Hi. We stayed at Mana Island resort. All four of our kids are divers (11,13,14 and 15 year olds). So it was a great place to take them. They added 2 more dives on there belt, we added another 20!!

On Mana Island there is the resort and the back packers. We prefer the resort because of all the extras (including power and safe water). There is a great range of bures from simple 1 double bed (and bathroom) to full appartment styles. We had the four kids on one side of the island and we stayed on the other (5 min walk so completly safe)

Prices for food were a little steep (and drinks) I recommend you carry soft drinks and water in from the mainland and buy food packages up front (we purchased a full meal plan before going and saved alot). If you dont buy the meal plan when you are there pop down to the backpackers restaurant in the village...much better than it sounds!

Check out MANA FIJI :: My Paradise ... My Mana ::Mana Island Fiji - exotic vacations, luxury honeymoons, secluded vacations, resort accommodation, island, luxury holidays, fiji luxury resort, romantic honeymoon destinations, Fiji all inclusive, luxury honeymoo .

In Vanuatu we stayed at Hideaway island ( Hideaway Island Resort & Marine Sanctuary - Vanuatu - The diving resort )

I have put some photos up (Hopefully this url will work) if not go to members photos and look under DownUnderDave!!
ScubaBoard Gallery - Member Profile

 

[DSR-3]

Thanks for the feedback. With only 1-1/2 weeks to go, this is too last-minute to work out. So, it's back to Coz for this trip, and I'll save the more exotic adventures for next time. My wife has fun on any vacation, so the best way to do an exotic trip may be a solo trip on a live-aboard... I really like the all-diving/no guilt attitude on them.
Until next time... Eric