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Topic: Fiji (Read 23416 times)
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artful_diver
Guppy
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Posts: 2
I wanna be a Digital Diver!
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Re:Fiji
« Reply #1 on: August 07, 2004, 06:15:24 PM »
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We have been diving for about 13 years, but mostly in the Caribbean and off the Florida coast. This was our first dive experience in the Pacific and we were blown away. We stayed at the Marlin Bay resort in Beqa (pronounced mBanga) which is a 10+ hour plane ride from LAX, then 3 hour bus ride & 30 minute boat from the "mainland" of Vitu Levu.
The diving was spectacular because it was so different from what we knew. That was inspite of significant currents most days and so-so visibility. This was the 1st of December 2003 and at the beginning of the rainy season. It did rain every day we were there (primary reason for the impaired visibility), but that did little to impact our diving or our enjoyment of the place. We saw many fish, coral and other creatures that were new to us and added to the awe we felt on each dive.
The resort was A++ in all respects. The rooms, the meals and the staff were all on the top end of any scale. Every day after diving we were entertained or educated in some manner on the local peoples, customs and a world so different from our own. The people of Beqa, Fiji were what truly made the the absolute best vacation we have ever been on. They were the most loving, giving, open people we have ever encountered. We just hope that too much interaction with the American (and other) traveler does not spoil in ways that they change from the refreshing view we saw.
The only down side of this trip was the commute both ways. Air Pacific was a great airline, but it is hard to get excited about that long of a commute when few people in our group were able to sleep on the plane.
I would say if you are going to Fiji, try to see that you stay away from the "mainland". Vitu Levu was much more commercial and full of tourists, shops and activity. Beqa was a refreshing step away from the reality of our lives, which is what made it so special as a vacation spot. The worst part of the trip however was when we had to leave at week's end.
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Frank O
Great White
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South Pasadena, California
Posts: 1158
Eradicating Eudendrium ramosum since 347928634 BC
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Fiji for Christmas?
« Reply #3 on: August 26, 2004, 05:06:54 PM »
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Chances are my brood (wife, 9-year-old son and myself) are headed to some warm-water, probably tropical, corner of the world for Christmas. Fiji has come up on the radar screen as a possibility.
I have a couple of friends who have been there who recommend the J.M. Cousteau resort. Sounds like a nice place, but it's five-star and pretty pricey. We're wondering if there are feasible possibilities a couple of notches down.
Our criteria:
-- Must have stunningly killer snorkeling within walking distance of lodging.
-- Must have lots of non-diving things for non-diver wife (a landscape artist) and son (good snorkeler but not a huge devotee) to do. Thus, say, a scuba-oriented all-inclusive with dives as part of the package isn't what we're looking for.
-- I myself will probably amuse myself snorkeling/freediving in shallow water for most of the vacation, but might want to put a reg on for scuba a day or two of the trip.
-- We like low-key, eco-friendly environs ... and conversely we hate fancy americanized resorts, cruise ships, Club Meds, etc. We'd prefer to avoid an all-inclusive if possible to allow us variety on where we want to eat. For example, two recent vacations we enjoyed were staying in (a) a condo in the quiet village at Akumal on the Mexican Riviera, and (b) a cabin tent at the campground at Cinnamon Bay on St. John/USVI.
If this prompts any thoughts, I'd be all ears!
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Nikon D70, Ike iTTL-ized housing, dual DS-125 strobes, ULCS tray/arms, 10.5mm 12-24mm 18-70mm 60mm 105mm
Fuji E900, Ike housing, dual DS-50 strobes, manual controllers, ULCS tray/arms, UWL-100 UCL-165 PCU-01 UCL-330
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aviddiver(her)
Great White
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Fort Bragg, California and Sacramento, CA
Posts: 3646
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Re:Fiji
« Reply #4 on: August 26, 2004, 11:05:33 PM »
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Will be going to Garden Island resort in Fiji in Oct.
Any info Good , Bad . All help welcomed .
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We traveled there end of Oct. 1999. Very good choice! The resort and island people are probably my favorite to date and the diving is great too. My only recommendation would be to reserve your space on the dive boat now if you have not already. We were with a group that took up most of the boat space. I heard a couple ask to go diving "tomorrow". They were told all the spaces were booked for "tomorrow" so they could not dive until the next day.
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Oly 5050, Tetra, S&S YS-90DX and UCLS piviot tray & stobe arm, L&M wetmate WAL, INON 165 macro lens, Fisheye Fix light.
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randapex
Guest
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Re:Fiji
« Reply #5 on: August 27, 2004, 12:53:06 AM »
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This is mostly for Joescuba as Frank O probably wouldn't find Garden Isle filling the bill for his family.
I attended the Digital Shootout in May of this year with Tortuga, Gerb, James and Eric.
The diving is of course first rate, beautiful soft corals, plenty of fish and warm water. Dm's seemed content to let you dive your own profile. Currents can be ripping at times, back side of reefs are calmer. Our cameras were placed on Life preservers while under way. Surface intervals on a white sand beach, fruit, water and juice available as well as cookies. Neat place to snorkel and practice O/U shots.
Our package included two dives per day, we usually added the afternoon dive. And we did a couple of night dives. Before the shootout started, I had to ask specifically about doing a night dive, talk to the dive shop and have them put out a sign up sheet, which filled pretty quickly but I'm not sure if there would have been a night dive had I not inquired. Once the shootout started, the night dive was always available for sign-up. I thought the shore dives there were great. Again, it's like they don't really want people diving from shore since they don't get much money just the tank rental. You kind of had to push it a little to get them to admit it's Ok to dive. I really enjoyed it, shallow so you can easily spend an hour plus and I found a ton of critters in the area around the boat launch.
The resort was a Holiday Inn (I think that was the chain) at one time. There's a small pool in front of the restaurant. Breakfast is the serve your self type. Cold cereal and milk, fruit, yogurt, bread. Steam trays with flapjacks, waffles, scrambled eggs, bacon,sausage. Omelette's cooked to order but you have to wave down the waiter. Lunch is from a menu, burgers, fish and chips, soups, my favorite was the jerk chicken. Then dinner is pre-ordered before 5pm off a menu. Oh man, almost forgot, Milkshakes for lunch too. 
They have a small bar that serves typical tropical drinks along with beer and wine.
Rooms are small with a balcony or patio facing the water. No Tv. No internet. There is a phone though. Entertainment is sparse. The Resort puts on a great show once a week in the evening. Other than that, locals play guitars and sing some songs, mostly oldies with the words mixed up a bit. But it sounds good and is a nice backdrop to a setting sun and good conversation.
Not much else there, you can walk down to a little store that sells crafts. I bought my son a great wooden mask there. On the way to the resort from the airport, I asked the driver to stop at a store so we could stock up on water, drinks and whatever grabs your eye. We did that and the store itself was quite interesting. Reminded me of the corner grocery when I was a kid. Well, OK, hopefully this gives you a basic idea.
You will enjoy your self.
Rand
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BrantD
Mr. Pimp Daddy
Great White
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Westminster Colorado
Posts: 5938
Just playing with stills..... for a while!
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Fiji questions??
« Reply #6 on: September 17, 2004, 08:09:06 PM »
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My wife is starting to plan here "Fifty in Fiji" trip.
She has a few questions:
1) Weather wise, When is the best time to go. When is the best time not to go.
2) Recommendations of where to go. We have divers and non-divers going who like to do and see topside attractions. Some of the divers will dive in the morning and want to see the attractions in the afternoon. We will have Adults and College age kids with us also.
30 We are considering staying in a couple of places, 4 or 5 days each. Where would you recommend. doesn't need to be 1st class, but fairly nice places. ( She enjoyed Anthony's Key in Roatan, and Castle Comfort in Dominica, Loves Cruise boats too.) Beach front would be a plus!
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Brant
C-5050, PT-015, ULCS, dual D-180's, Inon W/A, macro Lens for my lovely wife.
Oly C-50, PT-14, on a ULCS setup.
D-200, S&S housing and TTL converter, dual Z240's, ULCS arms, & FIX Focus Light for me! 
All from Reef Photo
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Symbion
Phantom Deco Queen!
Great White
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Earth (mainly)
Posts: 3343
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Re: Fiji questions??
« Reply #7 on: September 17, 2004, 09:10:55 PM »
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Are you opposed to liveaboards? We went to Fiji on the Aggressor and had a fabulous trip. In my opinion, the liveaboads have so many advantages over most land-based operations. We did 5 dives a day...you didn't come up until your were either out-of-air or finished a roll of film (I've even surfaced and reloaded film on the same dive).
Our second week was a land-package on the island of Kadavu. Very enchanting...raw and rustic, and a bit more conrolled than the liveaboard experience. Romantic, private accommations but with the option of sharing experiences with others at the main lodge over beer or other libations. An Australian family owns the resort and they make you feel at home the moment you arrive, and until you leave the island.
Hope this helps 
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Life’s journey is not to arrive at the grave safely in a well-preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways, totally worn out, shouting “…holy sh!t…what a ride!”
Nikon D70, 2 Inon Z220s strobes, 60, 105, 18-70mm lens, Aquatica housing w/dome & flat ports (for now)
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Symbion
Phantom Deco Queen!
Great White
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Earth (mainly)
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Re: Fiji questions??
« Reply #8 on: September 17, 2004, 09:25:42 PM »
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In response to what time of year to go:
November is the "rainy season" in that part of the world (both in Fiji and the Cooks) - though keep in mind that "rainy season" does NOT usually translate into "constant rain" but rather means that you can likely expect one or two brief (but hard) showers a day (sometimes they just occur at night). The biggest difference between the "dry season" and the "rainy season" is not so much the increase in rainfall as it is the increase in temperature and humidity. Near the shore the more-or-less constant tradewinds tend to keep it comfortable never-the-less, but inland it will feel very warm. The "rainy season" as the crowds (such as they are) are smaller, the water is warmer, and the prices tend to be a bit lower - though I've NOT been there in November, only in mid-May).
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Life’s journey is not to arrive at the grave safely in a well-preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways, totally worn out, shouting “…holy sh!t…what a ride!”
Nikon D70, 2 Inon Z220s strobes, 60, 105, 18-70mm lens, Aquatica housing w/dome & flat ports (for now)
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AK_Diver
Great White
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Eagle River, Alaska
Posts: 2036
I want to be a full-time Digital Diver!
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Re: Fiji questions??
« Reply #9 on: September 17, 2004, 11:04:35 PM »
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Brant,
Since you mentioned both divers and non-divers I would suggest finding a place that has activities for both - Matana Beach Resort/Dive Kadavu http://www.divekadavu.com/ has nice beaches, snorkeling, and kayaks, plus some local hiking. There is a bit to see and do on Taveuni if you went with someplace like Garden Island (where some of our DD'ers were earlier this year) http://www.aquatrek.com/index.cfm - there are some nice waterfalls to hike to on the other side of the island. Another idea is someplace in the Mamanuca Islands like Castaway Island http://www.castawayisland.com/ or Musket Cove http://www.musketcovefiji.com/ - We did Musket Cove as a family during spring break (older high school age at that time) and had a wonderful time - went kayaking, sailing, did a trip over to Beachcomber Resort.
Check-out sites like http://www.bulafiji.com and http://www.fijiguide.com/ for more information.
As for time of year - we've been in late-Sept. and the temperatures were in the high 70's-80's and the water temp was around 78-80 (3mm full-suit) - mostly sunny with the occasional overcast day. We've also been in March and the temperatures were in the high 80's-90's and frequent afternoon rain showers/thunderstorms, and the water temp was 86-88 (1mm vest/rashguard or a t-shirt).
There is not a lot to see/do outside the resort properties unless you are staying somewhere around Nadi - once you get to one of islands you are there for the duration. In and around Nadi though there are Orchid Gardens, Jet Rafting, and some misc. tours. We usually saved these activities for our last day there as the flight back to the States leaves at 10:30pm or later.
Hope this helps, though it probably just makes making a decision harder....
Gordon
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Olympus E-PL3/PT-EP05L/Inon D2000
"Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn't do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream." M. Twain
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BrantD
Mr. Pimp Daddy
Great White
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Westminster Colorado
Posts: 5938
Just playing with stills..... for a while!
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Re: Fiji questions??
« Reply #11 on: September 18, 2004, 04:34:03 PM »
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Thanks Ted.... the wife will be glad to here that!!
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Brant
C-5050, PT-015, ULCS, dual D-180's, Inon W/A, macro Lens for my lovely wife.
Oly C-50, PT-14, on a ULCS setup.
D-200, S&S housing and TTL converter, dual Z240's, ULCS arms, & FIX Focus Light for me!
All from Reef Photo
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Symbion
Phantom Deco Queen!
Great White
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Earth (mainly)
Posts: 3343
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Re:Fiji
« Reply #14 on: October 30, 2004, 05:28:11 PM »
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Real men wear skirts (sulus) in Fiji
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Life’s journey is not to arrive at the grave safely in a well-preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways, totally worn out, shouting “…holy sh!t…what a ride!”
Nikon D70, 2 Inon Z220s strobes, 60, 105, 18-70mm lens, Aquatica housing w/dome & flat ports (for now)
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Good , Bad . All help welcomed .
