Hi Amber,
We went to Fiji about 6 weeks ago, 1 week at Wananavu resort then 3 days at Beqa Lagoon (formerly Marlin Bay ). Although Bequa Lagoon was "prettier" all of us thought that Wananavu was better. Why ? Neither Resort has much of a beach, Wananavu's abuts a lagoon where the boats anchor, Beqa , some sand then boldery coral on one side, some sand then some coral and turtle grass about 2 to 3 feet deep for about 50 yards then a slight drop off with some coral down to about 20 feet. No real shore diving at Wananavu, mediocre at best at Beqa. The diving seemed the same at both places, but all liked Kaviti Dive at Wananavu better. We didn't do the shark dive at beqa because we were there monday Tues and Wed and they shark dove on Friday. Wouldn't change despite our request. I can't say enought about the staff at Wananavu as they knew our names and preferences in no time and even lent us some pocket sules(mens skirts) for a wonderful farewell party. The staff at Beqa was nice but not the same.
Meals at Wananavu , casual, choose from menu. Bequa, choice of A or B and order lunch and dinner at breakfast and meals start promptly so be there on time. Quality same at both.
Bequa was just purchased by Russians who appear to be interested in competing with an even more expensive resort on the same island and it appears that diving will not be the main attraction .While we were there it seemed that they were too busy working on their advertising program to care about their guests. At Wananavu it seemed like the staff was there to make sure you had a great time . At beqa it didn't feel that way at all. Don't leave anthing hanging on the podrch rails as it will be in your room(still wet) when you return. It's seems it's all about appearance at Beqa, and yes it is very pretty . But worth 1 1/2 times as much ?? We wondered if it was even worth AS much let alone more.
This was our first Pacific trip so the diving was facinating with lion fish,white tip sharks,lot's of nudibranchs,leaf fish,ghost coral,sea pens,lots of beautiful colors of soft coral,many different star fish ,giant anemones with lots of anemone fish,bright colorful stone fish, and tons of liitle fish on top of the Bommies(coral mounts),bat fish,unicorn fish,and so on & so on.
Being wellworn carribean travelers, we expected a lot different topside but we really could'nt find much difference between Carribean flora and fauna and Fiji's.
What made the trip was the difference underwater as everything was so new to us. I think someone who only dove Fiji might find the Carribean exciting as we found Fijian waters.
Would we go back ? To Wananavu, yes. Beqa, no. Believe it or not our most treasured memories were not the beaches or the diving but the Fijians themselves. They should be in charge of hospitality everywhere as they were wonderful and made our trip unforgettable. Now for the bad news. While we were there Wananavu was being sold . Hopefully if they're smart they will retain their staff.
So if you like casual, warm, friendly, with nice accomodations choose Wananavu. If it's finely appointed rooms with very pretty gardens and more regimentation,prettier(not tastier) meals, choose Beqa . To each his own.
