openwater on the (sorta) cheap

Hey,
I'll be arriving in Nadi but am willing to get out of there for a good dive school. Is it expensive to get to the islands? Most dive schools have the openwater at 600-700 fijian dollars, which is fine. However, I'm very used to dodgy (but secure...) hotels, and would like to save money in that respect.
Can anyone reccomend an island/beach/dive school where I'll be able to find cheap accom.? How much time and money should I budget to get there/back from Nadi?

Thanks!

Check out the backpacker resort Manta Ray Island in the Yasawas. I did an intro dive there and the company was so awesome that I went to another backpackers the same company worked out of and did my open-water there (went to the other because the dive sites are some of the best in Fiji, but Hilton bought the entire island and it's now being turned into a five-star resort so all of the people who were working on that island have moved back over to Manta Ray with the rest of their team). The dive company is Reef Safari. Manta Ray is a backpacker resort with a reputation of best diving in the Yasawas... has awesome dorms to save money and great food. Reef Safari's dive courses are some of the cheapest (and best, from my research) in Fiji-- plus they include extra site dives in the cost compared to all of the other companies I found. Also, high quality equipment, very safe feeling.

If you go, tell Kristen from Reef Safari that Nicole from Atlanta/Wilmington said "hi" and "I miss my dive mommy."

Manta Ray is great but you are going to pay for staying out on the island - $60 -$70 FJD a night including all meals. Volivoli Beach Resort is a great alternative. Not sure how much the course is but it is $12 - $15 a night in an 8 bed dorm (new) no meals. On the Viti Levu near Rakiraki in the north.

Colin

If you go to Fiji in february or march and stay at least 5 days, diving on Beachcomber is half price. The accomodation is not the cheapest, but the food is great and the dive company is probably the best in Fiji. I did most of my courses there back in 92 and 95 and had a look in april. It's still really good and safe with lots od divesites. It's the only place I know where you can get an endless tank which is great value.