I’d like to start a discussion on what are people’s favorite dives in Fiji. Everyone has different experiences and this information could assist others in planning future trips. Besides, it is just plain fun to talk about a good dive! Please copy and paste the questions below and then complete them with your information. Don’t forget to list the region (Taveuni, Kadavu, Beqa, Mamanucas, etc) so that it can be used for searches.
Resort or dive operator:
General region:
Dive site name and depth:
What made this dive extraordinary?
Other comments:
Wiggsy
August 28th, 2009, 07:36 AM
Resort or dive operator: Aquatrek - and Beqa Lagoon Resort
General region: Beqa Lagoon
Dive site name and depth: Beqa Shark Dive - at "The Bistro" - 18 metres or so.
What made this dive extraordinary? 8 species of Shark - Silvertips to 3 m; Bull Sharks to 3.5 - heaps of White Tips and smaller Grey Reefies...and then a gorgeous 4 metre plus Toger Shark.
Other comments: Best soft coral pinnacles in Fiji - see Naigani Island near Ovalau in the Lomaiviti Islands.
Fiji Dive Guy
September 3rd, 2009, 10:08 AM
Bula Wiggsy - The Shark Encounter is an impressive dive, but I have some reservations about the feeding aspect and how it alters the experience. It makes it more like going to the zoo for me. Here is one of my favorites.
Resort or dive operator: Moody's Namena
General region: Savusavu area, within Namena Marine Reserve
Dive site name and depth: North Save-A-Tack Passage (wall dive between 70-130')
What made this dive extraordinary? We saw everything from macro to pelagic. There were nudibranchs, soft corals, hard corals, tons of reef fish including anemone fish, eels (morays and blue ribbon), live shells (mostly cowrie and cone), turtles and more, and when we turned away from the wall we saw silver tip sharks, mantas, schooling barracudas and white tip sharks.
Other comments: On another dive in the area I saw a tiger shark as well, and all of the dives offer an incredible diversity of life.
vimaldude
September 6th, 2009, 07:47 PM
Resort or dive operator: Aquatrek - and Beqa Lagoon Resort
General region: Beqa Lagoon
Dive site name and depth: Beqa Shark Dive - at "The Bistro" - 18 metres or so.
What made this dive extraordinary? 8 species of Shark - Silvertips to 3 m; Bull Sharks to 3.5 - heaps of White Tips and smaller Grey Reefies...and then a gorgeous 4 metre plus Toger Shark.
Other comments: Best soft coral pinnacles in Fiji - see Naigani Island near Ovalau in the Lomaiviti Islands.
Another vote for Beqa Lagoon Resort and the Shark Dive. I prefer Beqa Adventure Diver's Shark dive ( I have done both operators) as theirs take place near a Reef and the visibility and number of sharks were much better.
As for the feeding aspect of these dives, I don't mind it. I wouldn't get a chance to see these animals in the wild on my own and appreciate them.
Luko
September 9th, 2009, 05:42 PM
For what I know about Fiji diving so far (Kadavu, Yasawas and Bligh Waters), I would say
Resort or dive operator: Kai Viti divers
General region: Bligh Waters between Viti and Vanua Levu
Dive site name and depth: G6 and Garden of Eden - 7 to 25 meters deep, coral walls.
What made this dive extraordinary?
General topography. Abundance of soft yellow and purple soft corals, coral fish soup, white tips and grey reefs, big spanish mackerels cruising in the blue... but mostly it's the dinstinctive coral color of the dive that makes it very unusual and pleasant.
On the way back to the resort we stopped on Vatu I ra island crowded with nesting boobies. We hardly could walk without crushing an egg.
Fiji Dive Guy
September 11th, 2009, 11:57 AM
Unfortunately Kai Viti Divers is no longer operational, but you can still access the Bligh Water and Vatu-I-Ra dive sites with Wananavu Dive or the liveaboards like Nai'a.
adpfam
February 27th, 2010, 05:51 AM
who is the dive operator for beqa lagoon resort
Papa_Bear
February 27th, 2010, 01:40 PM
Beqa Lagoon Resort!
Papa_Bear
February 27th, 2010, 01:42 PM
Unfortunately Kai Viti Divers is no longer operational, but you can still access the Bligh Water and Vatu-I-Ra dive sites with Wananavu Dive or the liveaboards like Nai'a.
The Chiropractor thief who used to run it destroyed their reputation! "Julie" was a crook! The Dive staff was wonderful!
Papa_Bear
February 27th, 2010, 01:44 PM
E-6, Kodak, My Favorite Dive, and the big fish encounter are the best in Fiji! http://twotankedproductions.com/traveltripinformation/fiji2007.html
In 12 years of doing shark dives I see no problem what so ever!
Code Monkey
February 27th, 2010, 11:35 PM
Resort or dive operator: Aquatrek - and Beqa Lagoon Resort
General region: Beqa Lagoon
Dive site name and depth: Beqa Shark Dive - at "The Bistro" - 18 metres or so.
What made this dive extraordinary? 8 species of Shark - Silvertips to 3 m; Bull Sharks to 3.5 - heaps of White Tips and smaller Grey Reefies...and then a gorgeous 4 metre plus Toger Shark.
Other comments: Best soft coral pinnacles in Fiji - see Naigani Island near Ovalau in the Lomaiviti Islands.
I second this (really -- I love this dive). I especially like the Toger Shark! ;o)
kkfok
February 28th, 2010, 10:41 PM
1. The Pipeline in Levuka - I saw a very big school of Batfish, school of eagle rays and many groupers.
2. Wakaya Passage - Manta and hammerhead shark.
Fiji Dive Guy
March 1st, 2010, 08:57 AM
Actually, there are several dive operators who service Beqa Lagoon. Of course, the resorts on Beqa have their own dive operations (Beqa Lagoon Resort and Lalati), as well as Royal Davui on Yanuca. In addition, there are several dive operators on Viti Levu that dive predominately or exclusively in Beqa Lagoon as well. The 2 most popular of these are Aqua Trek and Beqa Adventure divers. It is these 2 operations that run the Shark Encounter dives, on alternate days. The other operations that offer those dives liaise with one of these operators to do the dive, and there is generally an additional fee levied. There are also a couple of other Viti Levu based resorts that dive Beqa with their own dive operations, most notably Waidroka Bay. In any event, there are quite a few from which to choose.
drbill
March 1st, 2010, 11:51 AM
I only dove off Nadi and Savusavu, but one of my favorites was snorkeling a bummie we were dropped off at on the way back to the Jean-Michel Cousteau resort. I had great fun in just a few feet of water... plenty of marine life and the colors were brilliant.
robint
March 1st, 2010, 01:24 PM
Unfortunately Kai Viti Divers is no longer operational, but you can still access the Bligh Water and Vatu-I-Ra dive sites with Wananavu Dive or the liveaboards like Nai'a.
Ra Divers is the dive op servicing Wananavu Resort now and they do go out to Bligh Waters.
robin:D
Wiggsy
March 2nd, 2010, 06:37 AM
Actually, there are several dive operators who service Beqa Lagoon. Of course, the resorts on Beqa have their own dive operations (Beqa Lagoon Resort and Lalati), as well as Royal Davui on Yanuca.
Just should point out that Royal Davui is not on Yanuca, but actually on Davui island.....Yanuca is home only to Batiluva Surf camp and has no dive resorts. It is close to Frigate passage which offers one of the best waves in Fiji.
adpfam
March 2nd, 2010, 09:42 AM
Actually, there are several dive operators who service Beqa Lagoon. Of course, the resorts on Beqa have their own dive operations (Beqa Lagoon Resort and Lalati), as well as Royal Davui on Yanuca. In addition, there are several dive operators on Viti Levu that dive predominately or exclusively in Beqa Lagoon as well. The 2 most popular of these are Aqua Trek and Beqa Adventure divers. It is these 2 operations that run the Shark Encounter dives, on alternate days. The other operations that offer those dives liaise with one of these operators to do the dive, and there is generally an additional fee levied. There are also a couple of other Viti Levu based resorts that dive Beqa with their own dive operations, most notably Waidroka Bay. In any event, there are quite a few from which to choose.
FIJI GUY these shark dives are they all day dives what kind of time line do they have
Papa_Bear
March 2nd, 2010, 07:43 PM
See my web site, but they are two tank dives so the first is the deepest at 60 to 70 ft and then 1.5 hour interval and back to 50 to 55 ft for the second tank! So it does take half a day!
adpfam
March 2nd, 2010, 09:22 PM
Sorry papa i cant bring my self to watch all your video. i want to . but i dont want to spoil the surprise. should we buy kava root for the chief
Papa_Bear
March 2nd, 2010, 10:11 PM
YES! Ratu Kaila (SP) in Rakua is who you would give it too! You will make life time friends!
adpfam
March 2nd, 2010, 10:42 PM
YES! Ratu Kaila (SP) in Rakua is who you would give it too! You will make life time friends!
is he hard find do we have to make an appt . is it rude to just show up
Papa_Bear
March 2nd, 2010, 11:58 PM
When you leave for the village ask the first person you see and tell them you want to great the Ratu and ask for them to introduce you! They will be glad to show you around and find the Ratu! Next no back packs on your back or hats in the village! You will be asked to join them for Kava and then the spokesman will talk for the Ratu and explain to you what is going on! Formally you are to speak to the Spokesman and not to the Ratu directly! After the formal part and the blessing of the kava you will be asked to have some! You may even be asked by the villagers to join a music season? It is a joy you will never forget, and then the Ratu will shake your hand and speak directly to you and this is a great honor! These are ways of life that are going away and should be enjoyed and honored!
All this and some of the best diving is part of making the entire Fiji dive experience so great!
under water
March 3rd, 2010, 12:17 AM
Great video of the shark dive. Gives some sense of the size of the tigers sharks.
I haven't been there yet but Fiji is on my list for 2010.
Is there a best time to go?
CKnzxGgKPC0
adpfam
March 3rd, 2010, 12:48 AM
When you leave for the village ask the first person you see and tell them you want to great the Ratu and ask for them to introduce you! They will be glad to show you around and find the Ratu! Next no back packs on your back or hats in the village! You will be asked to join them for Kava and then the spokesman will talk for the Ratu and explain to you what is going on! Formally you are to speak to the Spokesman and not to the Ratu directly! After the formal part and the blessing of the kava you will be asked to have some! You may even be asked by the villagers to join a music season? It is a joy you will never forget, and then the Ratu will shake your hand and speak directly to you and this is a great honor! These are ways of life that are going away and should be enjoyed and honored!
All this and some of the best diving is part of making the entire Fiji dive experience so great!
thanks so much for this great gem
Papa_Bear
March 3rd, 2010, 01:03 AM
The gift of kava is called Savusavu! You are heading for one of the best adventures in your life if you take the time to enjoy the whole experience! Have a great trip and post your report!
Papa_Bear
March 3rd, 2010, 01:20 AM
The above video was taken by Joeli of Beqa Island one of the founders of the Dive, if I am not mistaken? Here is one of mine of Princess!
http://vimeo.com/845792
adpfam
March 3rd, 2010, 01:46 AM
how long should we put aside for the experiece . morn afternoon or night
Papa_Bear
March 3rd, 2010, 01:59 AM
Afternoon after lunch, a couple hours at your time schedule and you my leave as you need to! If you have a chance church service are incredible! The singing is a show and is worth the effort, if you don't want to miss any diving ask about afternoon services! These people will blow your mind! Take some dollars so you can shop for cool stuff in the village as a few have a cottage industry going and have some nice stuff and your supporting the village! Look for my friend Amos he will be glad to show you around! He is the one on my left!
Big smile and Mustache! Last house on walk way into village across from the church!
adpfam
March 3rd, 2010, 10:58 AM
thanks papa bear il post my experience
bob@scubadiveasia.com
March 21st, 2010, 06:28 AM
Beqa Lagoon! Big encounters. Awesome!
taskew
October 17th, 2010, 12:13 AM
Which company does the best shark dive?
taskew
October 17th, 2010, 07:27 AM
Which is the best dive company in Fiji to do shark dives. I am going in November.
Fiji Dive Guy
October 18th, 2010, 08:15 AM
There are actually two shark dive areas in Fiji. The original is in the Mamanuca Group and is a site called The Supermarket. They no longer do feedings there, but there is still a pretty good turn out of sharks.
The current and more world-renown location is in Beqa. There are two dive operations that do the feedings (typically on alternate days). They are Aqua Trek and Beqa Adventure Divers (BAD). Both operations do similar dives (it is done as a 2-tank dive), although in slightly different places, and a diver's overall experience is similar with either operator.
If you are staying in the Pacific Harbour or Beqa area over a lengthy span of days you can have your choice between operators. If you are just coming to the area for the dive, the company you use will probably be determined by what day of the week you are doing the dive.
Aqua Trek has recently moved their dive shop to Club Oceanus (on the inland side of the Queen's Road near the mouth of the river). BAD's shop is a little less conveniently located at the now defunct Lagoon Resort (farther up the same river). Other local dive operations liaise with one of these two (a surcharge is usually charged), frequently meeting at the dive site, so that thier divers can experience the Shark Dive.
If you are staying near Pacific Harbour and you buy a dive package with either Aqua Trek or BAD, you will enjoy the best values per dive, but alternately dive the Shark Dive one day and a Beqa Lagoon Soft Coral Dive the next. If your dive package is with a different operator you will most likely do Beqa's other dive sites unless your dive operator schedules the Shark Dive with Aqua Trek or BAD. Frequently this is done on a once a week basis, but can be altered by request.
