Oarsmans bay resort and castaway island resort need recent i

four middle aged couples from california are flying in to Nadi next week. We go by boat frst to Oarsmans bay resort for 5 nights then boat to Castaway island resort for 5 nights then return. I would appreciate any recent experiences at these places and any tips for us, first timers here. We spent 2 weeks last November in the Cook Islands. We expect to mainly snorkel and some of us may want to scuba . Thanks for any advice. How about any insect precautions? I read there is no malaria in fiji. What about other stuff like Dengue fever, etc.

I stayed at Oarsmans in Jan 07. Didn't have any problem with insects ... but don't know about this time of year. No dengue fever. Good snorkeling off the beach and inexpensive trips - "reef hopping" - to a variety of other spots can be arranged easily. Diving is also available daily. I recommend going to church if you are there are a Sunday - a trip is arranged.

My tip is that the snorkel equipment they have is terrible, mismatching and in short supply, which can really ruin that activity. We bought good quality snorkel and mask in the US and took it with us and were so glad. Sounds like you're a South Pacific fan, so you'll use them again - or maybe you already have them from your CI trip. The fins weren't great either, but we got by with the ones they had.

Also, they recommended that we not drink the tap water. They sell bottled water at the little bar - but that adds up $ in a hot climate. One traveller actually brought a case of water on the ferry with her - seemed like funny thing to do to me, but once at the resort she had her water.

Take a few good books. The view is stunning, the water clear and blue, water floats are plentiful, and aside from diving, snorkeling, and local hiking, you can't get very far from the resort. There are a couple of small kayaks. So the short walk down the beach to the coral and a little snorkeling filled a whole morning at resort pace - perfect!

There is almost nothing for sale anywhere - just a few very basic toiletry items and a limited selection of snacks for sale at the bar.

When I was there, there were people from 20's to 50's, mixing and enjoying the family style dining and evening activities. It was a very friendly and relaxed atmosphere. You will enjoy yourselves.

Hi, I have just returned from 8 days at Oarsmans and loved it. I agree that the snorkelling gear isn't great, but we didnt have our own and got by. The snorkelling is fantastic and right off the beach. We also went diving, they arrange free boat pickups to a nearby island where there is a dive school. they have loads of different dive sites and theyre all great, the staff are ace. Oarsmans also do some trips like reef hopping, island hopping, hand fishing etc. the reef hopping for snorkelling is really good.

They do say not to drink tap water, but they have massive tanks that collect rain water which we used and it was fine. saves money!

Definately take insect repellent but i we didnt take any malaria/dengue fever precautions, we were told there was none there, and we're fine. quite a lot of bites though.

Have a great time!!