Fiji Dive sites for new/beginner divers?

Hi all,

I have posted this on the scuba diving and snorkelling thread as well as I wasnt sure which would attrack the best comments.

Me and my boyf recently got certified for OW and AOW in Thailand and now want to dive in Fiji.
We have only done 9 dives in total and they were all in Koh Tao in Thailand and all part of the OW courses so this will be the first time we are diving on our own without an instructor to hold our hands.

My boyf recently atempted his first dive in Oz and had a really bad experience which has knocked his confidence and made me really nervous about diving with just a guide.
I know that after completing the AOW course we are technically qualifed to dive on our own but after this bad experience we are looking to do some easy relaxing dives to start off which we can enjoy and feel safe with just a guide while improving our confidence.

Can anyone suggest a good area/dive shop for us in Fiji for our level?
Any recommendaiotions for us to join fun dives with groups of divers at a similar level would be much appreciated.

Also I am a bit of a wuss and therefore not too comfortable diving with sharks, is it possible to avoid them in Fiji or is there a possiblity that they will be present at all the dive sites?

We are budget travellers we wil be in Fiji for 2 weeks at the end of this month and have about 1500-2000GBP but I do have access to a credit card if we need a bit more for diving cos we enjoyed it so much in Thailand we want to have a similar experience in Fiji. Apart from the diving we are really just looking to chill out and relax on a nice beach.

Thanks.

We would suggest Matamanoa Island Resort.
Rae and Dave run the dive operation and Rae will hold your hand if you are nervous.
I am sure they will be able to regain your confidence.
There may well be sharks on any dive in Fiji but the are harmless and enhance the experience.
We saw the same sharks each day just snorkeling around Matamanoa and they were just great to snorkel with.

thanks for the recommendations guys I will check these out. :D