Transfer options to resort on a tight connection

Hello,

I am planning a trip for my nephew and his fiancée for December 2012. They shall be flying into Nadi from Hong Kong by Air Pacific Flight which has now been re-scheduled to arrive into Nadi at 08.00 hours. I had earlier booked a boat for them departing Denarau Marina at 09.00 am to their resort. I have given the new flight arrival time to South Sea Cruises who have suggested that it should generally be possible for them to clear customs by 08.20 and they should be able to make it, but I know it could be dicey – we are presuming a lot too many things – timely arrival of flight, speedy immigration and baggage retrieval. They have said that if they dont make it they shall be put on the next connection, which departs only at 3.00 pm. I dont think I shall make them wait so long for their transfer specially since they are on their honeymoon. So if they miss the boat, I would rather have them take a seaplane or chopper to their resort although that is 2.5 times more expensive. Also I have to probably go ahead and cancel the boat transfer as of now, because it cannot be cancelled on the same day. Could you help me with the following:

1. Whether VISA exempt means queuing up on a separate counter for some kind of VISA stamp/sticker or at the same counter with the immigration officer just stamping the entry permission on their passport? If its the same counter then I suppose it should not take additional time.

2. If they buy the boat transfer on arrival at Nadi, is it okay. I trust there are no capacity constraints and tickets are always available and there is no need to book in advance.

3. South Sea Cruises operates coach transfer frm Nadi Apt to Denaru. Is it advisable to buy frm them or to take a taxi?

4. If they miss the boat then they have to buy seaplane or chopper transfers. Are these readily available if purchased same day?

5. Do you think Helicopters are better or seaplanes?

We dont think that they would like to pay for chartered boat. It is expensive but does not add value.

Too many questions... Thanks for the trouble replying to these !..

Thanks a lot

I've only been to Fiji and the Yasawas once but I do have 25 years experience flying a floatplane.

I think that clearing customs is the same for no-visa-required and people that are required to have visas. The only difference I've noticed is that returning residents and sometimes first-class passengers have a different line for customs.

As for alternative transportation it really depends on several factors. You didn't mention the location of the resort so I'm assuming it doesn't have a land-based strip. The variables for seaplane operations are visibility, wave height and ,to a lesser degree, windspeed and direction.

Visibility requirements for visual flights are lower (less visibility required) for helicopters than for fixed-wing aircraft. Of course wave height isn't a problem for a helicopter putting down on the land.

On a per-passenger basis helicopters cost more than fixed-wing aircraft to operate.

So.... I'd say a helicopter flight probably has slightly better odds of not being canceled out than the floatplanes do. Helicopters will most likely be the most expensive option.

I wouldn't depend on getting from a 8:00 arriival at Nadi to Denarau Marina by 9:00.

December is right in the wet season, so delays are very possible. They will stop unloading luggage during thunderstorms due to lightning risks and if another flight arrives just before theirs, delays are almost gararranteed.

Pacific Island Seaplanes operate out of the domestic terminal at Nadi.
http://www.pacificislandair.com/index.html

Let's know where they are going. There may be other options.

Cheers,
Peter

I love Air Pacific but sometimes it runs on Pacific time, so that transfer time is probably too tight.

Why can't they make their own plans? Planning and researching is half the fun.
What happens if plan A doesn't work...will they call you?

1. I believe they go to the same counter.

2. You didn't mention your resort. The resort should have it's scheduled boat transfer. You should contact them.

I'm guessing the capacity is fine. Although, like you said, it has set times so they might just miss it or be waiting for awhile.

1. I do know taking a taxi to Denarau is cheap and you can get a taxi as soon as you step out. You might have to wait for the coach transfer.

2. I don't know if they're readily available, it would depend on availability. Late December is peak season. Call them and find out:

http://www.amazing-fiji-vacations.com/Fiji-airlines.html

1. I think a helicopter ride would be especially romantic, coming in on top of the resort with a fantastic view of the island, then touching down!