Fiji in July

Bulla!

Me and my partner are going to Fiji in July for 10 days. It's our first time in Fiji. We would like some advise as on which islands are the best to stay/visit for coup of days. We are interested in nice white sand beaches, good snorkling, diving and maybe some activities as rafting/kayaking, getting to meet villagers. Not too loud and partyish. Quiete 'backpacker' place on the beach in burra. Not too expenssive. Any ideas?

Also is it better to book a package of visitng and exploring islands etc. or to arrange trips when we're there?

Is it common to bring presents for locals from home? WHat kind of things?

Thanks heaps for any information!!

Darya.

Edited by: dadarya

Fiji is amazing. You will love the people there. Never have I encountered so many warm, kind folks. School supplies are a popular gift. I brought maple syrup, as I live in the northeastern US.

My pick is Nananu-i-ra, in the northern part of Viti Levu (the main island). Why? The island is small, quiet and beautiful. The biggest attraction is the diving, due to its location near the Bligh waters and Vatu-i-ra channel. Diving is not cheap, but it is world class. Bethams is a popular lodging choice on the island. Kai Viti Divers visits the exotic dive sites.

I would also look at some places on the Mamanucas islands. They're easy to get to by ferry. Diving is good, but not in the same league as the Bligh waters. Enjoy.

Thanks for that!

How about Rainbow Reef? Worth trying? Not too crowded?

And currency? It's probably better to exchange money on arrival in Nadi airport? Do many places accept cards?

Lots of questions and excitement. =)

Thanks for your help.

Upon arrival at Nadi airport, you can use an ATM or change your cash at a bank.

Rainbow Reef is an area in the Somosomo Strait. You would be making a flight to the island of Taveuni. The following is coverage of a trib by Eric Cheng, a popular underwater photographer: http://echeng.com/travel/fiji2004/taveuni/

He also dived the Bligh waters, and based on his gallery I made my decision to dive there. I enjoyed it very much. This page also gives you a map showing where everything is:
http://echeng.com/travel/fiji2004/vatu-i-ra/

Now is a nice time to go ! it is cooler to sleep but still hot during the day.
There are plenty of Islands to choose from. I guess as you are going for 10 days, you can do 2 or 3 islands.
Some that i really like:
Matacawalevu (hilly volcanic island) with one of the longest and whitest beaches in the Ysawas
Bounty Island in the Mamanuca Islands, which is surrounded by white sand.
Waya Lailai is also beautiful.
There are so many.

To get to these Island, you can take the ferry, http://www.fijime.com/page.php?id=35
Awesome adventure Fiji offer all different types of packages and also a ferry pass. check it out.
Have a brilliant holiday

Stephane

The Yasawa island chain will fit your plans. When you arrive from NAdi, go out of the airport and cross the road and wait for a bus heading west. Tell the driver to drop you off at the Lautoka dock for the Yasawa flyer. When you board the Flyer, the boat will actually stop to the more party islands like sand spits that a few coconut trees were planted during the last few yrs. These are part of the Mamanucas island group chain. You can stay in either one of those island if you like the typical meat market scene or party island theme. Other wise head to the real Yasawas. The first island of the Yasawa will either be Kuata, Waya or Wayalailai. you can stay on those lovely bures and island hop all the way to the last island. Our favorite was Long Beach (we were the only ones there during that time between july -aug) and the beach was gorgeous. They had 2 kayaks and their turqoise lagoon is all yours. Noah and his family will take care of you.
Most of the accomodations on Yasawas will have no electricity. A lot of snorkelling or free diving just off the shore. Wayalailai has a sand spit that connects Waya (or vice versa) which has an elementary school. You can walk across the sand spit during low tide.high tide will just have water all the way to your waist.
You can take the tours to the "Blue Lagoon" where Brooke Shields made the famous movie. There is also an excellent swim through cave in the northern part of the Yasawas.

hope this help.

Edited by: drgreenthumb

Please don't follow the instructions given in post #5 above to catch the Yasawa Flyer or you will be lost before you start.......

I apologize. the embarkation for the yasawa is Denarau which is less than 30mins from the Nadi airport. We took a small boat from waya back to lautoka.

We've just been to Caqulai (south east side of viti levu in the lomaiviti grp)
it's a tiny little coral island...great snorkelling off the beach and a small dive shop, if your keen on diving.
the accomadation was cheap and basic...and good.
a great quiet place...a bit off the main tourist routes. (though not totally isolated)