Which resorts and PADI ?

hi all

I have been lurking and doing much reading for a while now but this is my first post ! Expect to see more of me as we have just booked our RTW - so excited ! this is such a great forum and has been so much help for my plans up to now.

Me and my boyfriend are visiting Fiji in August 09 and are planning to spend 16 nights island hopping on the Yasawa islands. We are hoping to do our PADI Open Water Certification in Fiji so need to spend 5 nights at 1 resort and thought to split the remaining 11 nights over 4 other resorts. According to all you lovely Thorn Tree people recommended resorts are Octopus, Oarsmans, Manta Ray and Otto and Fannys.

We are looking for a laid back, relaxing atmosphere (no party islands!), with nice beaches and snorkelling. Are all these resorts/islands ok for this type of holiday or is there anywhere else you would particularly recommend to visit ? Budget accomodation only please !

Also does anyone recommend a local dive shop to do our PADI with - we have been looking at West Side Water Sports if anyone has used them before.

Thanks so much for your help
L

All the spots fit the bill (I have stayed at all except Otto and Fanny's). I didn't do my cert in Fiji but have dived with West Side, Octopus and Manta Ray

I really liked West Side Water Sports. Octopus also has a good dive shop. I'd probably recommend Octopus for your open water course, the house reef there is better and groups are kept small. West Side will be fine too; I'm not sure where they'd take you for training, but the Blue Lagoon (just outside the dive shop) is better for snorkelling than diving, as the coral isn't great. Lots of pretty fish though. If you're island hopping I'd suggest getting certified at Octopus, then doing more dives with West Side, who have some great sites that you will enjoy when qualified- request Wonderland or the Zoo!

Manta Ray is a great place to stay and swimming with the rays is awesome. The snorkelling is the best you'll come across. I wasn't impressed with the dive op; seemed to churn out big groups, and then didn't monitor them well after certification; we had an out of air diver on his first post cert dive, because the DM was giving very contradictory instructions to the briefing and did not ensure they were followed through.

Be aware that Oarsmans charges for drinking water (at least they did a few years ago).

I am not a scooba diver so I can't really give any advice there but the snorkelling at Octopus was great. As said by the previous poster, lots of pretty fish, friendly staff at the dive shop etc. It really isn't party orientated, but quite social with the communal dining set up.

I am not a diver but have snorkelled at Octopus, and have talked to many who have done their dive course there - all very happy. My nephews did a refresher course with them before going out with the dive boat & commmented on the high standard.
Look at their website - www.octopusresort.com. The bungalows which use the dorm facilities could be in your price range - always difficult to know what people mean by "budget" Remember their prices are shown in US$ & you have to add on the food cost (compulsory - great food!)
If you'd like to see photos of the resort post an email address for me & I'll send them.

"Be aware that Oarsmans charges for drinking water (at least they did a few years ago). "

This is not the case now. We were given fresh water at all meals, and often topped up our water bottles then We also did buy bottled water at the bar (at very reasonable prices)

Thanks all for your replies ! Looking into doing our course at Octopus now - will let you know how I get on!

TaiMarilyn I PMd my email address to you.

Photos sent to your email address. :)