diving away from the crowds

Hi

we are looking to spend around 3 weeks in Fiji in April, flying in from Sydney.
WE are looking for a low key tropical paradise where we can dive unspoilt coral reefs at day and star gaze at night. Would like to get away from it all and just kick back.
Can anybody recommend a dive region/shop and or accomodation (we are thinking wood rather than concrete). ?
Also is Nadi the best airport to fly into and then make our way from there to some more remote islands ?
Last but not least what are nice goodies to bring as "thank yous" for the locals ?

Thanks a lot
Dora and Tony X

You might find what you are looking for on www.levukafiji.com

Hi Dora,
Paradise on southern Taveuni is great. Stayed there recently and enjoyed the diving. Vuna Reef is on the doorstep and they are the only place diving there - ask for the The Stairs and Orgasm reef. I also dived Rainbow Reef with them. Good local knowledge of the waters. Lots to do - tried wild boar hunting - no didn't get one but great hike day. They have kayaks, horseriding, fishing. Good people there and offer discounted rates as they are building.

Hi,

thanks for the info. I went to their website it looks gorgeous. I have heard lots of good things about Taveuni but it seems really expensive. Was hoping to spend around $US 50 a night and not 200...so looking into Levuka as it sounds a lot cheaper (charging in Fijian dollars)...however it might not be as nice. Did they make you a deal ? Regarding building work....is it noisy and obstructive ? Thanks for your info

Dora X

Taveuni diving is way over rated, but must be to get people there to fill the hotels.
Its almost boring to dive in in the north compared to a trip on the Naja. why do the live aboards dont dive taveuni????
Ok in Somosomo Strait you have stunning soft coral on most sites, and impresive diversity of macro creatures.. and what else??? another soft corall reef.

dora you asked the same question couple of weeks ago, but with also mentioning encounters with bigger pelagics. nothing beats central fiji regarding diversity of reefs and big fish action.

Hi Dora

Sounds to me like Kadavu might suit you better than the suggestions above. Low key - the real Fiji - uncrowded, unpretentious, excellent rugged diving.

See this place- might be just the ticket - Matava Resort