PADI License in Fiji

Me and my friend were thinking about getting our PADI license when we go to Fiji in February.
We have been looking at the course in the Volivoli resort. And that seems to be the cheapest option.
A lot of people seem to have recommended Octopus resort. They don´t seem to offer any packages for both accomodation and diving. So Octopus costs a lot more than Volivoli. But is the diving that much better?
Has anyone gotten there license in Fiji and can share some experience? About these places or recommend somewhere else.

Edited by: chippie24

Can't answer your specific questions, but Volivoli run a very professional dive operation and their accomodation is excellent. They dive in the Straights, so there are plenty of good options there.
You can get there by local bus from Nadi (3 to 3 1/2 hours) followed by a short taxi ride from Rakiraki.

Cheers,
Peter

Volivoli's dive operation is great and dive sites are also superb. It's a nice resort. Octopus is a lovely resort though- nice dorms and great food. Diving operation is professional, but sites not as good. Octopus also has other activities and tours to offer and ok snorkeling for free right off beach. If diving is more important, choose Volivoli, but if you are more about the resort and beach, go for Octopus.

Hi chippie24

Great to hear you're heading diving - you'll have an awesome time underwater in Fiji! There are a few options to choose from for your PADI - every island is slightly different in terms of what they offer. If you are price driven, South Sea Island could be a good option but it is quite small and the nightlife is entirely based on the group you are diving with. Not such a bad thing considering you'll have homework in the evenings! The rooms are dorm rooms. Mantaray Island resort and Octopus would be a good choice as they are quite diverse but also a bit more expensive. Nanuya and Oarsman's are the next tier up with beautiful surroundings.

Either way, you'll have a great time!

:)

Where ever you want to take your training, you can go to the PADI website, where they have a listing of all professional dive operators and dive-related resorts. Also, try www.scubadiving-directory.com or www.dive-the-world.com

Thanks everyone for your input. We think we will go to octopus, but are also thinking about South Sea Island...

You can do the Padi theory on line too.

Cheers,
Peter