How much do we have to plan ahead?

Hi all,
Four of us are going to Fiji in May for 3 weeks, two of us divers, the other two snorkelers. I know we would like to go to Savusavu and maybe Taveuni, and probably one or two other spots (Yasawa? Mamanuca?). My biggest question, how much do we have to have booked ahead? Are we likely to find the planes/ferries to Taveuni and other places full? Can we just "wing it" and book things last minute? I'm pretty sure we could always find accomodations (can't we?), but can we just show up at a dive shop and probably get room on the boat, gear, and maybe even bargain for dive packages?

Thank you so much for your help!
Reisa

I have always "winged it" on all my trips to Fiji, and never had any problems finding transport or accommodation.
And prices negotiated locally (where negotiating possible) are indeed often better than what you can book from abroad.

Maybe getting four seats on certain flights could be more problematic during busy periods. But May shouldn't be too busy.

Hi Laszlo,
Thank you SO much for the quick reply. How many times have you been there? I know we are going to Savusavu first - do you have a recommendation for a reasonably priced place to stay? Of course, all the "resorts" I see online are quite expensive. We will probably take the ferry over there, and hopefully also spend a couple days on Taveuni. Again, any recommendations? Do you dive? Two of us are divers, two snorkelers. Thanks again, Laszlo, I REALLY appreciate your time and information.
Reisa

4-5 times, never stayed in Savusavu, and don't dive, only snorkel.
For accommodation recommendations, have you looked into guidebooks like the LP (not really reliable but something) and Moon? If not yet, do.
In Taveuni I stayed in 2 places, both were very cheap, but neither offered diving.
I general, in any sizeable town in Fiji there will be some kind of budget accommodation available.

have you thought about Kadavu for diving, there is a ferry to there as well, there are dive cruises to other different places but you may not want to pay for those, also the Tui Tai does cruises that are diving and adventure oriented around Taveuni, and on Blue Lagoon cruises or Captain Cook you would be doing different sites twice a day, if you are thinking of flying to some of the places you may find a cruise more convenient.

Thanks guys,
I'm off to get a lonely planet guide! Kadavu is definitely in the tentative "plan" (I'm not good at planning), and sadly, liveaboard dive boats are out of our price range. Looking forward to our trip and thanks for the info!
Reisa