Need quick help for my fiji dive plans

[Ikan Cantik]

Hi to everyone who is reading this.

My husband and I are planning to go to the Fijis for 10 days and 5 will be spent at Taveuni Island, the other 5 days we are still looking where to go best, in order to see big creatures such as Mantas and Hammerheads.

Thanks for a quick reply since our departure will be in 3 days.

Ikan Cantik

 

[DocVikingo]

Hi Ikan,

I adore Fiji diving, and I suspect you will as well.

Be aware that Fiji is not manta or hammerhead central, although you should see some sharks. What I'd actually suggest is a week's live-aboard on the Nai'a, Sere or Fiji Aggressor--all top shelf craft.

If that does not fit your plans, check out the diving around Rakiraki in far NE of the big island, Viti Levu. Stay at the Wananavu (Fijian for "The Best")(http://www.wananavu.com/)& dive with Crystal Divers (http://www.crystaldivers.com/index.shtml). Dan Grenier is an old Vietnam vet buddy of mine. Tell him I sent you & all will go smoothly.

Have a dive circus.

DocVikingo

 

[Ikan Cantik]

Dear DocVikingo,

Well thank you very much for your prompt reply. I am quite aware that Fiji is rather soft coral capital of the world than Hammerhead and Manta special. I tried all liveaboards in Palau and also Fiji and all are unfortunately already fully booked or far over my budget.

I finally intend to go to Taveuni and Kadavu what do you think compared to your mentioned resort at http://www.wananavu.com/)& dive with Crystal Divers (http://www.crystaldivers.com/index.shtml), without having in mind that on wananavu its your buddy...

I would be very happy if you could give me a short feedback on that one and thank you once again for the kind hint.

Best regards

Ikan Cantik

 

[The Professor]

For Ican Kantik, I dove the NE Fiji islands, the Somo Somo Straight near Matagi Island onboard the Matagi Princess II a few years ago. As stated by others, Fiji is not the best place in the world for large critters. In a week of diving we saw only a few white tip sharks. I was also was disappointed in the reaction of most of the smaller reef fish. You could not get them in camera range very often because (I was told later) they still spearfish in that area. However, the magnificent soft corals at such sites as the great white wall and the purple wall were stunning. Be prepared for very strong currents in the area of the Somo Somo straight--most dives are a very fast drift there.As for Kava, well I watched the reaction of the locals and that was enough for me ! Good luck !

The Professor

 

[Ikan Cantik]

Thank you for your interesting feedback. We chose Taveuni only because of the Great White Wall and not primarily for big critters, that is why we are searching for a second Island where we would have the opportunity to see some larger pelagics. Any Idea where we could go for that ?

Kind regards,

Ikan Cantik

Originally posted by The Professor
For Ican Kantik, I dove the NE Fiji islands, the Somo Somo Straight near Matagi Island onboard the Matagi Princess II a few years ago. As stated by others, Fiji is not the best place in the world for large critters. In a week of diving we saw only a few white tip sharks. I was also was disappointed in the reaction of most of the smaller reef fish. You could not get them in camera range very often because (I was told later) they still spearfish in that area. However, the magnificent soft corals at such sites as the great white wall and the purple wall were stunning. Be prepared for very strong currents in the area of the Somo Somo straight--most dives are a very fast drift there.As for Kava, well I watched the reaction of the locals and that was enough for me ! Good luck !

The Professor

 

[The Professor]

For Ikan Cantik, sorry, I can't give uou any more info about large critters, my experience was limited to the area previously described. Maybe others can help you !

The Professor

 

[DocVikingo]

Hi Ikan,

I have been to Kadavu, and did not like the diving as well as in NE islands of Fiji or off the NE of Viti Levu. While there is some nifty diving on the Great Astrolabe Reef off Kadavu, the best of it is beyond the willingness (fuel cost money)& range of most day boats. It would be an all day trip to get deeper than the fringes of the reef. This is primarily live-aboard action.

As I said earlier, Fiji is not known as shark & manta territory. If your heart is set on seeing sharks, I believe there's a dive op or two in the Mananukas over in the far W that do shark feeds. One may be this high dollar, but very nice resort--->http://www.1800fiji.com/malolo/index.html.

Best of luck.

DocVikingo

 

[fkotsen]

I am getting married in the fall and am looking for a very plush getaway with excellent SCUBA somewhere in the South Pacific. I have looked at a bunch of hi-end places in Fiji but am skeptical that they might be too plush-and the scuba too wimpy...any thoughts would be greatly appreciated!!

Frank

 

[DocVikingo]

Hi Frank,

The very hi-end & outrageously costly resorts like Vatulele & Turtle Island indeed are quite "plush," and IMHO the scuba too "wimpy." Diving is almost an after thought. If you want luxury & decent diving, my first recommendation is Namale Plantation, with Laucala Forbes as a back up selection. These must be booked well in advance in high season.

Happy honeymoon.

DocVikingo