snorkeling/places to stay-taveuni

Bula!
Our family will be traveling to Fiji in June - we have a 10 year old son. We plan to explore the Yasawas for a couple of weeks and then move on to Taveuni. My husband and I are both divers but would like to do lots of great snorkeling with our son (who has been spoilt with amazing snorkeling in Belize, Honduras). From my research, places like Octopus and Oarsman in the Yasawas appear to have the "right" atmosphere/price for us, but I'm having more problems in Taveuni. Places either seem a tad too basic or way to pricey/honeymoonish. We're looking for reasonably priced, clean, comfortable, friendly, good food with access to great snorkeling (that's all). . How basic is Bibi's (seems like a fun spot)? Any experiences with Karin's Place or Todranisiga? Coconut Grove looks nice for a bit more of a splurge? Other recommendations in this area?

Although not on Taveuni, a stay over at Dolphin Bay Divers Retreat or Almost Paradise (apparently both accessed from Taveuni) sounds interesting with supposedly fantastic snorkeling and diving. Any feedback about these places is really appreciated.

In southern Taveuni I had earmarked Susie's a few years back when we had initially planned to go, but I see this has now gone quite pricey (and maybe more couples oriented?). Don't mind a bit of a short splurge as long as it's really worth it. Vuna Lagoon or Dolphin Bay Guest House are also on the radar screen?

We have enough time so would consider dividing time between a few places...maybe Matei area and one of the offshore places-Dolphin Bay/Almost Paradise or southern part of island.

Thanks for any advice/comments you can give!
Cheers,
Caroline

In Taveuni, it's better to move around and stay at different places to visit the whole island. I stayed one night at Susie's, good snorkelling there. Vuna Lagoon is an excellent place in an untouristy village. But you should also go to the National Park on the NE side (great pools), you can stay at the Lavena Lodge one night.

I didn't much like the atmosphere up around Matei. Specifically, the up-market resorts with their 'private property' signs. I didn't stay at Bibi's. It seems a shame to go to Fiji and stay at a resort that isn't even a beach-front property, however attractive the grounds are. I have no direct experience with the other resorts you mention. I stayed at a guesthouse for a couple of nights, then left the area.

Considering the other dive locations, it may be worth taking a closer look elsewhere than Matei. I heard good things about Dolphin Bay, closer to Vanua Levu, basically a nicer overall setup, and of course closer to rainbow reef. But I have no personal experience. Their website Dolphin Bay refers to a guesthouse they also run on south Taveuni, so maybe you can arrange a combined deal with them

Yes, too bad about Susies being sold and turned into a 'boutique' resort. My guess is that the new owners figure they can charge per night what their Australian and N American clients are used to paying back home at the local Holiday Inn. From that perspective it might look like a good deal. But, for Fiji, their prices are outrageous. They've filled the pool and have put glass windows and modern plumbing in the bure's, but it's by and large the same old Susies by the look of it, so not good value for money. Great snorkeling, though.

If you considered going down south, Vuna Lagoon is better for an experience of village life. You'd still have access to the lagoon reef snorkeling (don't need Susies for that). Someone told me that they were even taken out for a paddle around the lagoon at high tides. No diving, there, though. Perhaps you could stay at Vuna and take advantage of the dive shop at the 'new' Susies -- now called Paradise Fiji.

I agree that Taveuni island is better as a multi-base type of place.

Hey everyone,
A belated thank you for the advice on Taveuni! Having done some more research I agree that moving around to see at least a couple of the different parts of the island is a good idea. We will also try to make it to Dolphin Bay Resort and I'll send a report when I get back.

Good, waiting for your report. I always appreciate updates.

Hello carol27- Would be great to hear your report. How was the trip?