VoliVoli, Mantaray, or South Seas?

Hello,
I'll be in Fiji in mid November, and I'm making my final decision on where I would like to get my Open Water certification. It is between diving with Ra Divers at VoliVoli beach, or with Reef Safari at either Mantaray or South Seas.

Currently in last place is South Seas, which I hear has a frat-party like atmosphere.

I'd like a place that's easy to meet other people (other solo backpakers). I'd like to have a few beers and a fairly relaxed night life, but I don't want to feel like I'm on a Contiki tour...

In regards to Mantaray - how much should it cost to get from Nadi airport to the island? How much time would it take?

Any info appreciated!

I have no experience with Ra Divers, but i recommend mantaray and reef safari.
If you book with reef safari through awesome adventures, the ride from the airport to whatever hostel you are staying at, and to the marina is free, and the boat ride is included.

http://www.awesomefiji.com/<BR><BR>If i remember correctly the boat ride will take approx 2hours to mantaray.
If you by south seas mean south sea island, i would recommend mantaray, not because of any frat-party atmosphere, but simply cause there's less to do when you're not diving.
Wherever you go, have fun, i had blast!

Have you thought about getting off the main island properly? That's where the better diving and the 'real' Fiji is.

How about Taveuni or Kadavu as a place to do your open water course? Be surrounded by cool people surrounded by nature somewhere at least a little remote rather than staying in some resort 2 hours from the airport.

If I was you I would make doing the Open Water course in Fiji as much about Fiji as it is about the course.

Anyway am sure you will have fun!

Everyone keeps saying the islands are "the real Fiji", but photos and travel blogs make the islands (at least those that offer in-my-price range accomodation) seem like not a-lotta-Fiji, just a-lotta-backpackers. I'm finding it hard to convince myself that staying in ANY resort will be showing me the real Fiji, mainland or islands. Also, I checked your site, and those sites seem too expensive (student budget...)

What is the opinion that the islands are "the real Fiji" based on? Am I wrong in thinking I will be more surrounded by backpackers on the islands than on the mainland?

I just wrote to Mantaray, apparently the boat transfer to the island costs FJ$200 return from Nadi to Mantaray Island (includes pick
up from your accommodation).

Have you made your mind up of where you're going? I'll be doing the same thing as you mid-december, so it would be nice to hear from you after your Fiji stay :-)