Fiji Dive, Conservation and Culture Essential Info
Bula! Come to the hidden paradise of Fiji for a dive adventure in the soft coral capital of the world. Diving in Fiji offers the largest variety of fish and coral found anywhere in the world with a multitude of small reef dwellers and large ocean pelagic, hammer head sharks, turtles, dolphins, whales, swim through and caverns , drop offs, pinnacles and pristine waters.
You will gain PADI qualifications from Open water (for beginners) to Divemaster (if you are already experienced) and you will dive, dive ,dive. But it is not all about the diving.
It is also about having an awesome time with the rest of your group living the simple life in a village, ,learning about marine conservation, participating in volunteering that makes a real difference, enjoying the balmy days and fun filled nights and getting to know the friendliest people in the world.
The Fiji dive conservation and culture programme is split into two unforgettable experiences, above and below the crystal clear waters. Over the course of 3 or 6 weeks, you will live in a stunning environment, and kick back with the locals enjoying "Fiji time" on some of the best beaches in the world. You will learn to dive (or further your diving skills to advanced rescue or even Divemaster) in some of the worlds best dive locations, and have a laugh with the locals, and carry out vital marine conservation work. Why can´t everything in life be this good?
The Fiji Culture
Fijians are an exotic blend of Melanesian, Polynesian, Indian, Chinese, Micronesian with a tinge of European influence. A pretty mixed bag you could say, but their traditions, are strong and incredible to experience. Fiji has over 300 islands many are not inhabited, all are worth exploring.
During your stay you will be introduced into a range of cultural experiences, from staying with a host family at Waivunia village and Nagigi village you will have plenty of opportunities to become involved in traditional activities like kava drinking, singing and dancing, climbing coconut palms, learning about local food and cooking. Trying the local boiled Beka (bat) is entirely optional.
One of the highlights for the volunteers on the Fiji Culture and diving programme is attending a traditional Sevusevu Ceremony, and being adopted by the village and learning the Haka!
The Marine Conservation Project
The Marine Conservation project is devoted to the study of soft corals in a Marine protected area. These are areas that have been effected by changing weather patterns and modern economic pressures, which combined have been damaging these natural resources. Your role will be mainly monitoring, data collection and receiving education about conservation efforts.
With assistance provided by volunteers on this programme,the marine park is beginning to flourish once more. Your efforts will be monitored and checked a dedicated marine biologist and expert at the the Jean Michelle Cousteau marine resort. The marine conservation data that you will collate is then included in the reports prepared by the Global Coral Reef Monitoring Network (GCRMN).
Accommodation & Meals
During your time in Fiji you will stay with a host family and also at various resorts. One of which is the famous "beach house" made famous on the ITV show "Love Island".
All accommodation and most meals are included for the 6 week programme:
nights 1 - 3: at Nadi Bay Hotel
night 4: overnight ferry
nights 5 - 10: village host family
nights 11 - 17: hidden paradise guest house nights
night 18 - 36: self catering accommodation
night 37: hidden paradise for last night in Savusavu
night 38: overnight ferry night
nights 39 - 40: beach House resort on Coral Coast
night 41: last night of programme at Nadi Bay Hotel
More info on the accommodation and meals:
Village host family night 5-10. The family will provide you with the best of what they have. However, please expect very basic amenities. All meals are provided, but catering for special dietary requirements is usually not possible for this segment of the programme.
Hidden paradise guest house night 5-10. In Savusavu you will be in a dorm at the Hidden Paradise Guest House in town where breakfast and dinner are provided. Lunch can be cheaply purchased at the local bakery and elsewhere for approx F$5 per day.
Self catering accommodation night 18-36. You will be in self catering accommodation near the dive shop on the Koro Sun side. You will be able to relax, entertain your new friends and enjoy a good standard of amenities, not to mention chill out at the beach which is just about on your door step! Breakfast/lunch/dinner included
Get to know the locals during your stay.
If you would like to prolong your stay in Fiji we can arrange additional nights in Nadi or even bolt on a Island hopper pass.
Getting there & when to goFiji is blessed with beautiful hot sunshine, but it is in the tropics, and Cyclones do effect the area, this is predominately in the period of December until March.
June to October is the dry season when the water is the clearest. In November the seasons change and the water gets very warm, the winds disappear and the micro sea life and plankton blooms, the same again in April and May. This has two effects the viability is lowered but this also offers the chance to see more of the large plankton eaters, a highlight for any diver!
Getting there is pretty straight forward, most travel from New Zealand or Australia as part of a round the world trip, which of course we are able to help tailor to your liking. Please contact us for details.
Included
- Airport meet and greet (Nadi airport)
- Meals as stated
- Accommodation
- Program transfers (includes inter island ferries,transport to ferries and airport, transport when shifting to a new accommodation provider,taxi or bus transport to group dinners arranged by Program Support as part of the program, bus transport to marine conservation lectures and diving)
- One PADI course
- Up to 30 dives
- All lectures and training,
- Research materials,
- Diving equipment.
- A couple of days on a the coral coast to perfect your Fiji Tan!
Excluded
- Flights
- Visas
- Travel and dive insurance
Price and Dates If paying in Pounds Sterling:
- 2499 GBP - 6 weeks
- 1900 GBP - 3 weeks
- If paying in Euro: (contact us)
SPECIAL OFFER!!
If you book your Fiji 6 week trip before July 2010 we have someting spectacular for you.
Enjoy a two tank shark dive and get an awesome adrenalin rush. Ranked as one of the best shark dives in the world you will be able to experience the awe- inspiring feeling of being up close and personal to Blacktip Reef Sharks, Whitetip Reef Sharks, Grey Reef Sharks, Silvertip Sharks, Tawny Nurse Sharks, Sicklefin Lemon Sharks, Bull Sharks and the occasional Tiger Shark. In addition, you can also encounter Giant Groupers, Maori Wrasse, Rainbow Runners, Giant Trevally, Java Morays, Eagle Rays and more than 400 species of tropical reef fish. Shark diving doesn't get any better and it will be yours to experience at no cost if you book your Fiji programme before the end of July. Only applies to the 6 weeks programme.
6 week program dates 2010:
- Feb 11 - March 24
- March 25- May 5th
- May 27th -7th July
- July 8th - August 18th
- August 19th - 29th September
- Oct 14th - Nov 24nd
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3 week program dates 2010:
- Feb 11 - March 3rd
- March 25 Feb 14th
- May 27th - 16th June
- July 8th - 28th July
- 19th August - 8th September
- Oct 14th- November 3rd
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