Where in Fiji?

Hi!

I'm starting my RTW trip in Fiji at the end of September. I'll have a about a week or a week-and-a-half in Fiji -- flying into Nadi. I was originally thinking of going to leleuvia, but if I do, will I spend most of the time getting there? I'm a female in my late 20s traveling solo and would also like to be around other travelers. Is the Octopus Resort in the Yasawas a better option? I'm also looking at Robinson Crusoe Island. Which one is the best in terms of beaches and scenery? It seems like there are budget options on all three. I'm also PADI certified and would love to do a couple of dives. I would appreciate any recommendations you could give in terms of which of the three options would be best for such a short trip.

Thanks!

Kristy

You wouldn't be spending "most" of your time getting to Leleuvia. However, the quickest way does require flying from Nadi perhaps direct to Ovalau island (otherwise via Suva), and then from Ovalau/Levuka on to Leleuvia. If the flight connections worked you'd lose only 2-3 hours getting to Levuka. The town itself is worth a day's wandering around. Then you could move on to Leleuvia, which is about a hour's boat ride away.

If you did not fly then you'd have to figure on a day there and a day back doing it all overland.

On the other hand ... the Yasawa Flyer takes around 3 hours to get to Waya island and there's only a morning departure. All the more reason to check Nadi-Ovalau flights. Depending on when your flight gets into Nadi, it could conceivably be quicker to get to Levuka. So check on direct Nadi-Ovalau flights. It'll be the big time-saver. If flight isn't on, then the Yasawas are easier/quicker to get to.

Personally, I prefered Ovalau etc for the culture and location. Waya island was a nice place, though. Hilly scenery for some hiking in between the snorkelling.

Might have been a coincidence, but I also met more RTW travellers outside the Yasawas. The long-term travellers tend to wander around Fiji, whereas the 2-week holiday makers head as quick as possible to a beach/island resort type of place near Nadi.

I fall into the later category of traveller. (Holidaymaker/tourist.)
Can't speak for the other locations, but Octopus Resort was perfect for a week when we were there at the beginning of April. Plenty of people through, always near maximum occupancy, yet didn't feel crowded. Meals are communal; you would not have any problems meeting folk. There were all sorts of travellers, too, from honeymooners, RTW /gap year, plenty of singles, and OF's.
The island is attractive. There is very good snorkeling right off the beach, teeming with sea life.
The resort is well run, it also offers transport too/from the mainland on its own boat, which does the trip in about 90minutes or less, depending on weather.
Check out opinions at Trip Advisor

Another vote for Octopus - got back 10 days ago ! My trip report is coming in the next few days.Feel free to PM me in the meantime.There were some singles (20-40yo) on Octopus including females and they were happy enough.

I met a couple who had been to Robinson Crusoe's and they enjoyed that place too, but said that the beach/snorkelling was better at Octopus.

What a dummy !!! I actually stayed at Oarsmans and NOT OCtopus. Freudian slip, cos Im just a bout to book for Octopus for next year.

I haven't been to the other places you mentioned but I spent a week at Octopus Resort in Jan 2007.

It's great for price performance, fantastic snorkeling right in front of the resort, first class dive operation, great food and very nice setup for socializing with the other guests. The staff is very friendly and accommodating and we had a good time.

The only negative is that they are a tad too organized for our style. It's hard to get out on your own without a guide. Perhaps we're spoiled by the laid-back hospitality and freedom to roam we have in the Cook Islands.