2 weeks in Fiji

Hi Everyone..

I know this is a well asked question but i've got an idea for 2 weeks in fiji.. Just wanted some advice.

I'm 25 and want to spend my birthday in Fiji snorkelling, trekking and Kayaking (maybe doing my Padi's if I can get the finances).

I was thinking 3-4 days on the following islands:

NANUYA BALAVU- Manta Ray Island Resort

WANUYA LAILAI ISLAND- Sunrise Lagoon Resort

NACULA ISLAND- Oarsmans Bay Lodge

I guess the main things I wanted to see was the manta rays and the 'blue lagoon' but as mentioned above I have other things I would like to do also. I will be traveling on a budget 'backpacking' and staying in dorm accommodation.

Are the islands mentioned above suitable? or should I rethink these??? I was also considering Taveuni for the treks.. not sure?

Cheers

Cassie

Beside Oarsmans Bay is the much newer and nicer Blue Lagoon resort, which would be a better choice (and probably the best possible choice in the entire Yasawa islands...).

Nacula has some really good walks you can do.
Manta Ray is also pretty good - everybody stays near the resort, but there are much nicer beaches on the opposite side of the island with absolutely nobody around.
Don't know about the other one on your list.
Wayalailai has some good walks. Waya (Octopus Resort) would be a poor choice for that since they don't want you leaving the resort area unescorted, though it is otherwise a great spot.

Very good snorkelling at Manta Ray & Oarsmans Bay/Blue Lagoon.

Manta Ray attracts the young drinking crowd and the dorm is very crowded. One day there was enough for me.

tch7 the manta dorm isnt always crowded only a few there when i was which was good as im not into the party life, def Blue Lagoon over Oarsman which has been doing it hard for a long while. The blue lagoon itself isnt that special but the trips they do over to the nearby caves are fun. I haven't been to Sunrise but thanks for the reminder. Most folks dont get away from the Mamauncas or Yasawa Islands, or Coral Coast on the mainland and you generally fly over to Tavenui or Savu Savu in a lite aircraft. There you will find it very very basic and with not many folks/travellers there it is a different experience on the more 3rd world undelvelpopled variety. I havent been to Tavenui but beliwe you would need to hire a 4wd there to get around the place.

The dorm in Manta was full when I was there, but is cramped and hot anyway and close to the noise of the restaurant (evening games, loud people etc), so not recommended imo. If you can afford it get a bungalow, the cheaper ones have shared facilities. Snorkelling only good at high tide, otherwise too shallow. The manta trip is totally worth while and very close to Mantaray.

I'd definitely recommend Blue Lagoon Beach Resort over Oarsmans. And btw it's not the "real" blue lagoon (from the movie with the same name). The beach is stunning though and the snorkelling is great.

Consider also Volivoli Beach Resort at the most northern point on Viti Levu Island. Good snorkeling and a great inexpensive PADI dive certification course. Low backpacker accomodations and a good reasonably-priced restaurant. 2.5 hours by bus from Nadi.

Their kayaks are only sit-on-top, but if you want real sea kayaking, contact me by private email. I live nearby but am not promoting Volivoli for any financial reasons.

John

john at outdoorplace dot org