Fiji Island-hopping - yes, another thread!

Hi there,

We're spending 3.5 weeks in Fiji from July 20th and had a few questions.

• Is the Bula island-hopping pass worth getting before you arrive or is it cheaper to get in Fiji itself?

• We weren't sure if we wanted to actually visit too many islands. Maybe 3 - 4. In which case, is it cheaper to arrange travel locally between them?

• What we'd like to do ideally is do some diving with sharks / mantas, laze about for a week or so, and maybe do a party island for a week. Which would be the best islands for the above activities?

• Which islands/resorts in Fiji have ATMs in?

Many thanks!

1. The pass may be cheaper in Fiji, partly as you pay in FJD, and partly as travel agents there may give you a discount, even at the expense of their own commission, if you shop around and bargain.

2. If all the islands you want to visit are in the Yasawas, and you want to use the Flyer, buying more than 2 OW tix seems to be more expensive than the pass.

3. Other than the mantas (only regularly seen at one location I believe), this is very subjective. Perhaps take the Flyer first to the furthest island up the chain, seeing all others along the way, and pick the ones you liked most. My personal faves are Nacula and Waya.

4. Hmm, not sure about the upmarket resorts (but then those mostly take foreign currency) but otherwise probably none. Stock up on FJD in Nadi.

Manta Ray is a party place. Can't recommend the big, hot and cramped dorm, but the mantas are close by and snorkelling with them was amazing and possible every day when I was there (Sept). The party atmosphere was a bit too much in-your-face for my liking, but that might be just what you are looking for.

Don't know about the Bula Pass; I just got a (3 week) return ticket on the Yasawa Flyer from Nadi to the furthest island (Nacula, about 4,5 hours travelling time) and then on the way back to Manta Ray and Waya. A shark (feeding) dive is possible from Blue Lagoon Beach Resort on Nacula.

There are ATM's in Denerau, the place where the Flyer leaves from. Laszlos advice to stock up on money is spot on; no ATM's on above mentioned islands as far as I know. The resorts that take credit cards charge a -I think it was 5%- fee.

I dont think there are ATMs on ANY island other than the mainland/Denerau