Where to stay in Fiji for my 15th wedding anniversary?

[coloradoj]

My wife and I would like to dive in Fiji for our 15th wedding anniversary in June of 2018. We generally prefer to get a place with a kitchen so we can cook our own food but this is not a deal breaker. We're looking primarily for the most reasonable dive resort and are happy if its air conditioned and safe. I'd like to get around 25 dives in a 10-15 day period and the quality of diving is our number one priority. I've searched through the forums already but haven't found any definitive places to look at. We thought of Wananvu but the diving reviews weren't awesome. I realize I'm starting very early but we just got back from Cozumel and the scuba itch is itching.

One other question, do we need advanced open water to enjoy the better dives? I have 77 dives and my wife has 53. We've done drift dives, wreck dives, night dives, and a ton of shore dives. I'd prefer not to get the certification as it seems like its primarily a way to give PADI money but we'll get it if Fiji dive resorts require it.

We'll also be diving nitrox on days with 4 dives.

Thanks.

 

[Global traveler 67]

We went to Fiji last year for a big birthday ending with a "0", personal recommendation would be a liveaboard and a few days at a nice resort. Personally I think liveaboard diving provides a better value for a dive trip where you are traveling half way around the world. More diving, better sites where the day boats don't get to and a smaller group with a high level of service. Plus there is no need to move your gear around. Our experience was the diving was pretty basic, no real difficult currents. Underwater the colors are amazing!

After the liveaboard we headed to Tokoriki Resort for a few days of lounging and relaxing. One of the most amazing trips we've have taken and we will definitely go back...once our travel list completed.

you can see a few pic here: Chris M. Richard Photography

Select browse, then Fiji

Hope this helps.

 

[JulieM]

I would highly recommend Nakia Eco Resort with Taveuni Ocean Sports. We have been there several times. Check the reviews on TripAdvisor. They are accurate.

 

[mmmbelows]

One other question, do we need advanced open water to enjoy the better dives? I have 77 dives and my wife has 53. We've done drift dives, wreck dives, night dives, and a ton of shore dives. I'd prefer not to get the certification as it seems like its primarily a way to give PADI money but we'll get it if Fiji dive resorts require it.

My experience which was 2 different times was you'll be lucky if they ask you for your C card at all. Cannot recall any dive shop ever calling anything 'advanced'. Might be different on a live-a-board.

 

[coloradoj]

We went to Fiji last year for a big birthday ending with a "0", personal recommendation would be a liveaboard and a few days at a nice resort. Personally I think liveaboard diving provides a better value for a dive trip where you are traveling half way around the world. More diving, better sites where the day boats don't get to and a smaller group with a high level of service. Plus there is no need to move your gear around. Our experience was the diving was pretty basic, no real difficult currents. Underwater the colors are amazing!

After the liveaboard we headed to Tokoriki Resort for a few days of lounging and relaxing. One of the most amazing trips we've have taken and we will definitely go back...once our travel list completed.

you can see a few pic here: Chris M. Richard Photography

Select browse, then Fiji

Hope this helps.

Those pictures are gorgeous.

I need to stay land based. My wife JUST now likes diving a lot and suggested Fiji much to my delight but she hates boats. I'm going the baby steps route.

 

[coloradoj]

I would highly recommend Nakia Eco Resort with Taveuni Ocean Sports. We have been there several times. Check the reviews on TripAdvisor. They are accurate.

Thanks, I'll check them out. Now we are talking about Palau as an option.

 

[Spudlet]

We went to Fiji last year for a big birthday ending with a "0", personal recommendation would be a liveaboard and a few days at a nice resort. Personally I think liveaboard diving provides a better value for a dive trip where you are traveling half way around the world. More diving, better sites where the day boats don't get to and a smaller group with a high level of service. Plus there is no need to move your gear around. Our experience was the diving was pretty basic, no real difficult currents. Underwater the colors are amazing!

After the liveaboard we headed to Tokoriki Resort for a few days of lounging and relaxing. One of the most amazing trips we've have taken and we will definitely go back...once our travel list completed.

you can see a few pic here: Chris M. Richard Photography

Select browse, then Fiji

Hope this helps.

Holy mackerel you take epic pictures
1 day I would like to take them that good or close to it

well done