Lonely Planet™ · Thorn Tree Forum · 2020 |

# good snorkeling and beach Country forums / Pacific Islands & Papua New Guinea / Fiji
dpeppe08 02:34 UTC 02 Dec 2008 | Hi everyone, My wife and I are traveling the Fiji for 6 nights and are looking for a place that has a good beach and good snorkeling. Since we'll only be in Fiji for a few nights, we figure that it makes sense to stay at one or two places. All of the guide books seem suggest either Taveuni, the Yasawas, or the small islands off of Ovalau (Caqalai, Leleuvia) are the places to go for good snorkeling, but we're unsure which is best. Any suggestions/experiences/recommendations about which place has the best the snorkeling and beaches would be greatly appreciated! Thanks, Dan |
oldpro 10:45 UTC 02 Dec 2008 | Even 2nd or 3rd place snorkelling is still pretty good, so I wouldn't worry too much about 'best'. Travel convenience is at least as important to consider when making your plans. With only 6 nights, Taveuni is only practical if you fly there. Snorkelling there can be very good to spectacular, esp. south island or places near rainbow reef. I'm not much of a beach-nut myself, don't care much one way or the other, but I expect the beaches will be less good than eg at yasawas - not the white coral beaches so admired. Ovalau area will be less good for snarkelling if compared to spots off Taveuni. Trade-off is the nicer white coral sand beaches of Leleuvia/Caqalai. And the cultural aspect of Levuka and scenery of Ovalau is the plus-point of this destination. Possible as well with 6 days, but even here I wonder if flying will be the best option. Bus Nadi to Suva plus ferry it'll be a day there and day back, a big chunk out of 6 days. Travel-wise, the Yasawas are the most convenient, and probably fit the image of what you want - beach plus snorkelling. Octopus and Oarsman's are two mid-range (popular!) resorts. | 1
kyledobbin 21:49 UTC 17 Dec 2008 | Try the shark snorkelling at Kuata Island.... awesome for F$15!! | 2
schwabbie 04:29 UTC 13 Jan 2009 | It depends on where you are flying into and what your budget is. This is a webpage detailing the main resorts in Fiji: http://www.tourismfiji.com/fiji-map.html If you are flying into Nadi, then you have 3 choices. You can either stay (1) on the mainland (2) on one of the islands in the Mamanuca Group; or (3) on one of the Yasawa chain of islands (further out). The two best resorts on the mainland are Natadola Beach Resort and the Shangri La Fijian Resort. They both have beautiful white sand beaches and snorkelling. Arrange a pick up by the resort as they are about an hours drive from Nadi airport. Most of the resorts in the Mamanuca Group are 3 to 5 star. If you are after romance and comfort, then Tokoriki Island is right for you. Something more family friendly is Treasure Island or Castaway Island. For more of a backpackers break then look at Bounty Island or Beachcomber Island. The Yasawa Islands are out past the Mamanuca Group of Islands. They are budget accommodations ie 2 to 3 star. You can access them via the Yasawa Flyer (SeaCat) from Denarau Mariner (about 25 mins from the airport). It departs around 9.30am every morning and returns 5.30pm every evening. It takes 4 hours for the Seacat to reach the last island ie Nacula Island before turning around and stopping at all the islands again on the way back. Oarsmans Bay Lodge is by far the nicest 3 star resort in the region. It has a spectacular beach with excellent snorkelling. It is well worth the effort to get there and stay, even for 3 or 4 nights. If this island is too far out, then my second recommendation is Botaira Island. This also has fantastic snorkelling off the beach, howeve the beach is rocky and tidal. If you are short on time and want to get out to the Yasawa Islands and are cashed up, then take a seaplane. Website: http://www.turtleairways.com It takes 25 mins to reach Nacula Island by seaplane and the experience / views are spectacular. If you have more specific questions, let me know. Happy travels Schwabbie | 3