Lonely Planet™ · Thorn Tree Forum · 2020

Quick Advice

Country forums / Pacific Islands & Papua New Guinea / Fiji

Hi guys- arriving on Air Pacific at 5am.

I'm assuming i can take the ferry over to beachcomber island? They must have an AM run.

Stay overnight at beachcomber.

Is there a direct ferry from Beachcomber to the Yasawas? Or do i have to go back to the mainland and pay 2 ferry costs.

After beachcomber i'm looking at going to Naviti and staying at the Manta Ray. But I havent' ruled out Oarsman or Octopus either. Stay 2 nights, do some diving.

I know you're not supposed to dive 24 hours before a flight, although 12 hours is standard.

If i dive in the AM, and take ferry back to the mainland and fly out- i should be ok.

Any advice would be appreicated. I would love to go to Tavenuni- but just don't have the time.

I have 4 nights- i just don't want to stay on the coral coast, and 1 night at beachcomber should be enough. (2 late 20's backpacking, diving and snorkeling a must)

Thanks for your quick tips.

Catch the Yasawa Flyer to Beachcomber island from Denerau Marina Yasawa Flyer Timetable. - it leaves at 8.30am and gets to Beachcomber at about 9.15am.
Either that or contact Beachcomber directly about their own boat which makes various runs throughout the day from Denerau.
Beachcomber Transfers. As you will see from the Yasawa Flyer timetable, they can pick you up from Beachcomber for the Yasawas. Best to check out the accommodation/food prices on the websites for the likes of Octopus, Oarsman and Manta Ray, as from what I've read from recent postings, prices have risen considerably.

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Just a suggestion- go to Yasawa resort for your diving first and Beachcomber if you want last. Seems a good idea to go farthest place first when dealing with boats, but in your case of wanting to dive it seems doubly practical. Same boat can take you straight up and drop you back for your day of partying at Beachcomber before your flight, or you can get one of theirs at the last minute if you don't buy a return/2-way ticket. Have fun!

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Got to agree with photosnapper, do beachcomber last. 12 hours may well be enough if you don't go too deep but its not worth risking it. Manta Ray has some great diving/snorkelling. Saw loads of rays, eels, random colourful fish and some pretty amazing coral just off the beach. They do some good diving trips out to reefs just around, apparently the other side of the island is good for pelagics and there is good critter life in the area too. Hope you have a great time.

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I agree wholeheartedly with #2 & #3. You will have plenty of time to catch the Flyer when you arrive (leaves around 8.30/8.45 am now). Unlikely you will get a booking at Octopus, they are very busy these days, don't know about the others you mention. The other thing you have to factor in though is the time of your flight leaving Nadi. The Yasawa Flyer will get you back Denerau around 6pm and then you have to get to the airport (allow 20 - 30 minutes by taxi or longer by bus.) Is that enough time to check-in for your flight? From Beachcomber you should be able to get an earlier ferry though.

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