Mataingi Island Resort Fiji

[bigbadwolfe]

Recently returned from 10 days in paradise. Did dives 10 thru 24 on a six day dive package. The water was a warm 79 on the surface to 69 at 100 ft. The visibility was from 60 ft to over 100 ft depending on the location. I could not have asked for more on a first dive trip after getting certified. A couple (Gary and Ellen) came in on the same plane and planned to dive as much as possible so we were hooked up with Bale and Joe the dive masters. They were great. All gear was readied for you each dive and they took us to not only the usual places but some that were out of the norm. Being a lone traveler I was buddied up with one of them on all the dives. This really paid off for me becauseI would have swum past many of the things that I would never have seen. It took a few dives for me to stop trying to see everything at once and slow down and really see the small things that make a great reef dive great. I took almost 200 flicks (digital) underwater and now that I have reviewed them I want a do over. Need much more practice. Some of the best pictures were the soft corrals that were out, colors were fantastic and they were not moving so I got more than a tail or that " I know there was a fish there" picture. One large grey reef shark came up underneath and from behind us and I did get a couple of good ones of it. When it left it took off like a rocket and left a remora behind. It spent the next 10 minuets trying to attach its self to one of us. I managed to get a few good ones of it also. Gary had a video setup and was taping at the time. Hope to get a copy of it soon.

I took my own gear but the rental gear there is like new and the people who were using it were more than pleasantly suprised. They had some bad experiences elsewhere on previous trips. The resort itself was a great place to stay. The bures are alot larger than they appear on the web sight and are extremly comfortable. Thomas the host made sure that anything you needed was taken care of and all the staff knows your name even before you meet them. Everyone ensured that the stay there was first class. The food was outstanding and served in portions large enough for two people. In the dining area you can sit alone or with the rest of the guests. Every night I was there we all sat at one large table and that, as a single traveler, made the evenings great. Many of the places I have traveled to in the south pacific people tended to be more standoffish. Howevere, since this was my first diving vacation and most of these people were divers, I am sure this made a difference. For you romantic types you can reserve the whole beach on horseshoe bay. You have it all to yourself and it is truly a private beach. It was very popular with the honeymooners. I spent my last full day there before flying back. It was a wonderful way to just relax, snorkel, and kick back berore returning to 55 degree water and a 7mil suit or armor (wetsuit).

I would like to thank the people that answered me here on the board when I asked about this resort and diving in Fiji. Also thanks to the people who asked the questions that I had not thought of. The forum was a great help. I can see me going back there again in the future. Unless something here in the travel forum catches my attention first. I would highly recommend this resort for a vacation.

[dolphin adventures]

Hi: I also had the opportunity to stay at Matangi in June. It was really, really great. We stayed in one of the treehouse bures which featured a outdoor stone shower and outdoor hot jacuzzi bath and 2 decks. The diving was awesome. We dove the Golden wall, (which only Matangi dives), which is a wall of soft yellow coral. My husband shoots video and he got the best video we have ever acquired on this wall.....great vis, turtles, lots of fish and large bronze whaler sharks. The food was also great and we think the pricing is is competitive with Taveuni resorts when you consider they include the food, a village visit and Boma waterfalls, (just pay $8 park fee),. If anyone wants more information on Matangi you can email: dolphinadventures2004@yahoo.com.

Mary Jane

Recently returned from 10 days in paradise. Did dives 10 thru 24 on a six day dive package. The water was a warm 79 on the surface to 69 at 100 ft. The visibility was from 60 ft to over 100 ft depending on the location. I could not have asked for more on a first dive trip after getting certified. A couple (Gary and Ellen) came in on the same plane and planned to dive as much as possible so we were hooked up with Bale and Joe the dive masters. They were great. All gear was readied for you each dive and they took us to not only the usual places but some that were out of the norm. Being a lone traveler I was buddied up with one of them on all the dives. This really paid off for me becauseI would have swum past many of the things that I would never have seen. It took a few dives for me to stop trying to see everything at once and slow down and really see the small things that make a great reef dive great. I took almost 200 flicks (digital) underwater and now that I have reviewed them I want a do over. Need much more practice. Some of the best pictures were the soft corrals that were out, colors were fantastic and they were not moving so I got more than a tail or that " I know there was a fish there" picture. One large grey reef shark came up underneath and from behind us and I did get a couple of good ones of it. When it left it took off like a rocket and left a remora behind. It spent the next 10 minuets trying to attach its self to one of us. I managed to get a few good ones of it also. Gary had a video setup and was taping at the time. Hope to get a copy of it soon.

I took my own gear but the rental gear there is like new and the people who were using it were more than pleasantly suprised. They had some bad experiences elsewhere on previous trips. The resort itself was a great place to stay. The bures are alot larger than they appear on the web sight and are extremly comfortable. Thomas the host made sure that anything you needed was taken care of and all the staff knows your name even before you meet them. Everyone ensured that the stay there was first class. The food was outstanding and served in portions large enough for two people. In the dining area you can sit alone or with the rest of the guests. Every night I was there we all sat at one large table and that, as a single traveler, made the evenings great. Many of the places I have traveled to in the south pacific people tended to be more standoffish. Howevere, since this was my first diving vacation and most of these people were divers, I am sure this made a difference. For you romantic types you can reserve the whole beach on horseshoe bay. You have it all to yourself and it is truly a private beach. It was very popular with the honeymooners. I spent my last full day there before flying back. It was a wonderful way to just relax, snorkel, and kick back berore returning to 55 degree water and a 7mil suit or armor (wetsuit).

I would like to thank the people that answered me here on the board when I asked about this resort and diving in Fiji. Also thanks to the people who asked the questions that I had not thought of. The forum was a great help. I can see me going back there again in the future. Unless something here in the travel forum catches my attention first. I would highly recommend this resort for a vacation.

[jakubson]

Glad you enjoyed it!!