2.5 weeks in Fiji this coming december

my girlfriend and i are thinking about spending a few weeks in Fiji this coming december. would really like to do some great snorkeling, a few days at lovely, secluded resort and some exploring of other outer islands, villages and the like.

can anyone who really knows the area suggest some great spots and how to spend this amount of time there and whether or not the weather would be good that time of year?

really looking for as much guidance as possible!

thanks

bula its a privieledge to guide you for your stay in my homeland.Mamanuca grp is the most wonferful group of islands that can offer you the best vacation in a quiet small island like ,castaway,mana,tavarua,likuliku,robinson crusoe etc.
My suggestion would be stay in Nadi and take day trips to outer island which is 45mns boet ride

cheers
pit

I prefer the Yasawa Islands which are more remote (but still easily accessible on the Yasawa Flyer, big catamaran which goes daily) - smaller resorts. Mamanucas tend to be bigger resorts, more touristy. My favourites are Octopus on Waya Island and Blue Lagoon Beach Resort on Nacula Island - (you can Google both) but there are plenty of others. Depends on your budget really.
Weather - at that time of year really hot, inclined to be humid, although cooler on the islands because of sea breezes. Likelihood of rain because that's the start of the rainy season, - but again less likely out on the islands. At that time of year I'd stick to the Western side of Fiji which is the "dry" side of Fiji.

interesting.

how is the snorkeling in fiji?

where is it the best?

thanks!

I would also suggest the Yasawas, maybe Nanuya Lai Lai for something quieter.
There is good snorkelling in most of the Yasawas, right off the beach in many places.

Cheers,
Peter

Very good snorkelling on the house reefs of both Octopus Resort and Blue Lagoon Beach Resort. Easy access right from the beach. Good atmosphere in both resorts and the best dorms I ever stayed at.

Snorkelling with manta rays is possible and easy, because close by from Manta Ray Resort (guided boat tour). I didn't like the resort itself that much, especially the big, hot and cramped dorm and it has a bit of an in-your-face-party atmosphere which wasn't my thing, but snorkelling with the manta's was amazing.

Probably good snorkelling on other islands of the Yasawas as well, but I can't comment on that as I've "only" been to Octopus, BL and Manta Ray.

Fiji is a great place to stay, relax and many locals will be willing to help and suggest local areas.

I stayed on the Coral Coast while I was there, the resort looks after you when you dont feel like 'thinking' too much, and have many activities, most include free non motorised water equipment, so there is always something to do.

If you are feeling a little more adventerous, hire a car and take a drive around, stop at local villages and waterfalls, and many other things at your own pace. You can also hire a driver for about $70FJ a day if you want to be shown some local secret locations.

A cava ceremony is a must.

Also, most resort employees will invite you to their house for a meal, this is normal and a great way to see the flip side of a 'resort package deal'.

last question:

is the weather in december decent? good for snorkeling?

too much rain?

thank you!

December is in the 'wet' season - starts in November. It will be very hot. Chances of rain - see my post above. It's just the "luck of the draw" when it comes to weather.

"too much rain?"

A lot of rain, especially on large land masses, can make water clarity a problem and interfere with your snorkeling enjoyment. If you stick to the Yasawas and other small islands you shouldn't have that problem. Worst case is having to stay inside a day or so waiting for a storm to blow over. Take a good book or two.