where in Fiji has best diving?

[JNelson113]

Help! We're booked to go to Fiji in less than two weeks and I still haven't booked our lodging as I can't figure out what part of Fiji has the best diving (which is very important to my husband, a dive instructor and nut). I dive too, but I'm happy at most places.

We want to stay somewhere luxurious, so I was looking at Matangi Island near Taveuni--only problem is the bures have no A/C and it should be very hot. Then I started looking at properties on the Yasawa Islands, but can't get a sense as to the diving there.

Anybody know the best dive areas of the country? I'll then be working on accomodations.

Thansk so much!

 

[Bratface]

I went to Fiji in May and stayed at Beqa Lagoon. I will have to tell you that while the accomodations are outstanding and the food excellent, it is nestled in a little village with no cars, no roads, no nothing. It was the best time I ever had. The islanders are gracious and proud of their heritage. I made many friends and learned about a totally different way of life. It may not be for you, but check out the website.
www.beqalagoonresort.com

 

[donacheson]

Help! We're booked to go to Fiji in less than two weeks and I still haven't booked our lodging as I can't figure out what part of Fiji has the best diving (which is very important to my husband, a dive instructor and nut). I dive too, but I'm happy at most places.

We want to stay somewhere luxurious, so I was looking at Matangi Island near Taveuni--only problem is the bures have no A/C and it should be very hot. Then I started looking at properties on the Yasawa Islands, but can't get a sense as to the diving there.

Anybody know the best dive areas of the country? I'll then be working on accomodations.

Thansk so much!

A lot of folks like the diving offered by Kai Viti Divers operating out of Wananavu Beach Resort. I'm one of them.

 

[JNelson113]

Thanks so much. I think I've narrowed it down to Beqa Lagoon Resort, Qamea Island (off Taveuni), or maybe Wakaya Club, but I'd rather not pay that much.

If anyone's been to Qamea, I'd love to hear your thoughts. The transfers from Nadi look a bit easier than those to Beqa.

 

[Hodge Podge]

I talked to Beqa last week and they had a special rate for March. Air Pacific also has a special rate in place. I could not take it due to work but booked April for 10 days. Was there in September 2006 and had to go back.

The trip from Nadi to Pacific Harbor is not bad (about 2.5 hours) . They stop along the way so you can shop eat and so forth. They typically stop at Jacks.

To date Beqa is the best yet. Been to Utila, Roatan, Cozumel and Hawaii. Their is a good house reef at Beqa and unlimited shore diving. Do not miss the shark dives.




Dive deep and often

 

[JNelson113]

Thanks Hodge Podge.

I just got an incredible offer from Yasawa Island Resort. How is the diving around Yasawa?

 

[DesertEagle]

I'm with Don. The diving with Kai Viti was superb. They visit areas in the Bligh waters that are only otherwise frequented by liveaboards. Kai Viti is based on the Wananavu resort.
All the bures have air conditioning. They also some new luxury villas, on top of the hill overlooking the resort. They aren't that expensive ($230 plus meals). www.wananavu.com

Take a look at Eric Cheng's website. He was part of the digital shootout in Fiji back in 2004. He has photos from Taveuni, Kai Viti Divers and the shark dive at Beqa. www.echeng.com click on photography, underwater.

The Yasawa resort sounds nice, but the diving is probably better elsewhere. If you want to see the soft corals that Fiji is famous for, go to Beqa or the Bligh waters.

 

[chicoval]

It's been a while since I was there, but I would go back to Qamea. Beautiful setting, good food, and a well run dive operation. the diving is better than the Yasawas, maybe a little below the Bligh Waters, but the boat rides are much shorter.

 

[Hodge Podge]

I have not been to Yasawa Island Resort yet. Our LDS uses Garden Island Resort to the North. I don't think either as a house reef system or unlimited day / night shore diving. Beqa is laid back and remote, no roads or shopping. It has three small villages and allot of local feel about it. They put a new pool in and some of the beach front units have plunge pools. All the units have AC, but never had to use it as the sea breeze at night kept the heat down.

All of Fiji has good boat diving (live-abord or otherwise)with plenty to see.

Good luck on your adventure.

 

[dolphin adventures]

Hi: I was at Yasawa Island Resort last year in June. Yasawa Island Resort is an incredible resort.....the best beach in all of Fiji, incredible accommodations and food....truly one of the best ultra-luxury resorts in Fiji! The diving is great also and very untouched because their aren't many resorts that far up in the Yasawa's. But.....I send over 400 divers each year to Fiji and most say the best diving in Fiji is the Bligh Waters from Wananavu or Nananu Resort. This resort is NOT an ultra-luxury resort like Yasawa Island Resort or Qamea.....so you sacrifice a bit of the pampering and gourmet food. I have stayed at all these resorts several times.....so if you want to talk send me an email!
Good Luck!
Mary Jane