Best (cheapest) South Pacific Country with Spectacular Diving??

Hi everyone,

I have about 2-3 weeks to go anywhere in the South Pacific. I don't even know how to start figuring out which country to visit, so I thought I would ask for your opinions. Here is what I'm looking for, hopefully you can help me:

• spectacular scuba diving and a variety of types of dives (I'm a Divemaster but my brother, who I am traveling with, isn't even certified yet--so a good mix of easy and advanced, reef and wreck)
• CHEAP!! I am used to traveling in South Asia, where I spend $5-6/day. Obviously I know this is impossible in the South Pacific, but I am traveling on a budget.
• conducive to backpacking, but without the backpacker culture (meaning, it's easy to get around various islands and cheap, but not overrun with tourists, especially the always-high backpacker types--I get enough of those in India)
• variety of inland activities (hiking, volcanoes, waterfalls, rafting, caves, etc.)
• if possible, archaeological sites from both the indigenous culture and WW2
• beautiful beaches, but that's of course a given for all these countries

if i had to give priority to any of the above, it would have to be diving and cost.

also, if you know of any great dive companies or cheap hostels, i would appreciate if you could include those in your recommendations.

thanks so much for all your advice!!

PS: I will going in July, if that makes any difference. And I would like a village experience, but I'm afraid it's going to be pretty hokey no matter where I go.

Diving + cheap : Vanuatu

I'm a PADI rescue diver and have been to almost every country in the Pacific (save for Tuvalu). I'd go with Fiji.

Lots of flights mean that transportation will be cheaper than anywhere else. Vanuatu might be cheaper if you are flying from Australia.

The Yasawa islands are very cheap. You can stay for $20-30/night, all meals included. The water visibility is the best I've seen anywhere in the world. It can approach 40m during the right time of year.

The diving infrastructure isn't the best in the Yasawas, but there are a few resorts which do cater to divers. Resorts here are village run operations, not what you'd normally think of as a resort.

It is also a great place to snorkel. There were many times where I didn't even think I had to go diving the water was so clear. You can swim around the lagoon for an hour or two for free and check out the reef.

If you just want good diving and not worry about cost, I'd recommend Palau. Diving really is the big industry and the rates are a bit higher. It is however well worth it.

but aren't the Yasawas a little too full of backpackers? at least, that's what i've heard. my brother and i really don't care for that scene. also i heard there isn't too much to do on the Yasawas except sit on the beach (but what I heard may be incorrect?). we are not sit-on-the-beach-all-day people; we get antsy. and because my brother is not yet a diver, we would really like a variety of activities available.

thanks again for your suggestions!!

Fiji in general is an inexpensive destination.

Comment about backpacker scene. Backpackers in Fiji do not compare to India. It's more like conventional package holiday types, just lower budget. Also, many might be just like you, backpacking, budget, but also interested in diving or other sports. My own impression is that the since diving does require a level of skill, the atmosphere at diving resorts are a lot less pretentious - teenagers mixing easily with married couple in their 40s. Diving and the reefs is what brings them together. So I wouldn't let it put you off. As far as the Yasawa islands are concerned .. for your interests the main thing is that the diving is generally better elsewhere.

Better diving in Fiji is Rainbow reef between Taveuni and Vanua Levu.

Link to one low-budget place

And jungle hikes on Taveuni for some variety in activity.

Astrolabe reef off island of Kadavu is another good possibility.
Here is a link to a resort in the area. Not a recommendation as such since I've never been there, but it will give you an idea.

A third option is the diving out of Levuka on Ovalau island. Apparently a good place for hammerhead sharks .. and also a good place for extra activities - interesting town, some hiking on the island. Link with information.

Vanuatu is not cheap, diving in Fiji is, well, not world-class.

Fiji, Samoa and Tonga are the cheapest countries in the region, but their marine life is much poorer than that of PNG or the Solomons, the 2 best countries for this. Of the latter 2, the Solomons are certainly cheaper, so there you go.
Having said that, I prefer PNG for its greater diversity and hospitality.

that's great to hear, because we chose Tonga and the Solomons! i started another thread about these countries, but i can ask here too. does anyone have recommendations for cheap accommodation and reliable dive companies? for Tonga specifically, does anyone know the best company to take to swim with whales (but an afternoon thing, not a weeklong trip, as I've seen advertised)? and which islands in the Solomons have the best diving? thanks!

I haven't been to Tonga.
In the Solomons, the islands closest to PNG seem to have better reefs - I found the Shortlands stunning!
However, your choices are limited by what is available in terms of facilities.
Luckily, Gizo, New Georgia and the Marovo Lagoon happen to be the most developed part of the country in terms of tourism, and are even covered decently in the (otherwise very poor) Lp guide, so start searching for info on these spots.
Around Honiara you might find rewarding wreck-diving though.

thanks! if the LP guide is poor, what guidebook would you recommend?

For general info, the last edition of the separate LP Solomon Islands guide - try finding and buying it 2nd hand online. Obviously dated for practicalities.

You could also have a look at the Solomons chapter of the last edition of the Moon guide to the South Pacific. It is also out of print now, but you can read it online!

The latest Lonely planet is very sparse on Solomon Islands, and Moon guide is completely out of date. The most up to date information is at Exploring Solomons