Diving on a budget

Great place for diving from the main Island Viti Levu is up in the north near Raki Raki. I stayed at Voli Voli Beach resort, its run by an Kiwi family and has a high western standard despite being very good value for money in the dorm accommodation. Really well suited to backpackers on a tight budget if you want a bit of luxury (lovely pool, quality beds, spacious dorms with personal plug sockets and very decent ensuite bathrooms) for the same price (Fijian $30) you pay for a grotty dorm in Suva. The diving on the outer reef Nanu-i-ra was spectacular, 1000 times better than the Yasawa Islands, with much better quality equipment and dive masters who care about the coral and protecting the underwater environment. Couldn't fault it. Just be prepared for the $15 taxi ride to the resort, no public transport available, stock up in the town's market as there is a self-catering kitchen for backpackers.

i have seen a few similar posts "advertising" this place. the dive prices are actually very expensive!

The prices found online differ from what can be negotiated in person. I dived with a cheaper local agent on the Yasawas and was horrified by the poor quality equipment, bad safety diving practises and the blatant disregard for nature, including baiting and aggravating marine life. Of course money is a consideration, I backpack on a very tight budget but principles and safety come into the equation also.