Spend six amazing weeks on the trip of a lifetime exploring the beaches, corals and culture of beautiful Fiji in the South Pacific. Get involved in valuable conservation work and become a qualified scuba diver, while perfecting your tan and adjusting to the laid back style of Fiji-time.

 

Fiji Dive, Marine Conservation and Culture

An underwater adventure set in a tropical paradise.

  • Learn to dive in the soft coral capital of the world
  • Experience the real Fiji with village stays and authentic cultural stays to get under the skin of the real Fiji
  • Help protect the fragile underwater ecosystem
  • Chill on some of the worlds best beaches
  • Share your experiences with the group over three or six weeks.

This programme is perfectly suited to scuba diving enthusiasts, beginner or qualified, looking to further their skills and use their diving experience to give something back. At the same time, you will learn all about Fijian culture and be able to relax on the numerous beaches that Fiji is renowned for.

The Dive, Culture and Conservation Programme

This six week programme is split into three main sections, giving you chance to experience some of the many different ways of Fijian life.

  • Weeks one and two – dive course and village cultural stay
  • Weeks three to five – conservation project
  • Week six – relax on the beach for four or five days

Highlights include:

  • Scuba diving course – PADI Open Water Course or the Advanced Open Water Course, depending on your diving experience
  • Cultural experiences -stay with a traditional Fijian village learning all about the way of life of these amazing friendly people.
  • Conservation project – The research you undertake will support the work of the infamous Jean Michelle Cousteau marine protected area located nearby
  • Chilling time – relaxing on the Coral Coast at one of the top backpacker resorts and reflect on your amazing experiences of the past few weeks

Location

On and around the islands of Vitu Levu and Vanau Levu, Fiji, but locations can vary according to the schedule.


 Photos

Bula!

Come to the hidden paradise of Fiji for a dive adventure in the soft coral capital of the world.

What others say:

I got to experience everything that a person seeks in paradise. I got to stand on the top of a tropical mountain overlooking the beautiful Pacific Ocean on several occasions and on several different islands. I got to taste new foods that I have become obsessed with. I got to dive within eight feet of hammerhead sharks, I got to experience nights out with my new friends and drink the local beers, and go dancing. I even got the once in a life time opportunity to work with Johnny Singh, the marine biologist, of the Jean Michelle Cousteau Resort, whom I hold in the highest regard…

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 pelagics, hammer head sharks, turtles, dolphins, whales, swim throughs and caverns , drop offs, pinnacles and pristine waters.

Get your diving qualifications and help protect the reefs!

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 activities that make a real difference, enjoying the balmy days and fun filled nights and getting to know the friendliest people in the world

Unforgettable Experiences

The Fiji dive conservation and culture programme is split into two unforgettable experiences, above and below the crystal clear waters. Over the course of three or six 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 world’s 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 Culture Part

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 but many are not inhabited, all are worth exploring. During your stay you will be introduced into a range of cultural experiences, 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.

Learn the Haka!

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 affected 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 by a dedicated marine biologist and expert at the Jean Michelle Cousteau Resort. The marine conservation data that you will collate is included in the reports prepared by the Global Coral Reef Monitoring Network (GCRMN).

Itinerary

Days 1 – 2

Friday is the first day of your programme and you will arrive in Nadi and transfer to accommodation near the airport. Depending upon when you arrive, you should have the opportunity to go shopping or spend time relaxing by the pool. Late afternoon/early evening there will be a programme orientation and afterwards the evening is yours to spend as you wish. Saturday is a free day to explore.

Days 3 – 4

Stay in Nadi (or catch the bus on Sunday to Suva where you will overnight, spend Monday relaxing or exploring) and then catch the Monday overnight ferry to Savusavu. This can depend on ferry schedules. On occasions it might be necessary to stay on Viti Levu and catch the ferry within the next few days. Ah the famous Fiji time…………….

Days 5 – 36

Arrive early Tuesday morning in Savusavu which will be your home for the next four weeks. Have breakfast and then be welcomed by the local people before settling into your accommodation for the next week. Dive Certifications begin, diving at world class Koro Sun Sites and Savusavu MPA. Introduction to marine conservation, marine  conservation dives, reef check training and data collection, conservation project, cultural experiences and other programme activities.

What else happens during days 5 – 36?

Experience Fijian culture whist living at your village and with your new friends as the weeks go by. There will be opportunities to play sports like touch rugby and volleyball against locals, group members are often invited to a wedding if one is taking place in the village.

Activities can include:

  • Savusavu kava welcoming ceremony
  • A Bilibilii raft ride, a traditional Fijian bamboo raft used to transport heavy loads.
  • Enjoy a day with a picnic at a local island
  • Have Fijian cooking lessons
  • Attend the colourful island church service
  • Join in a Meke evening with Kava and music
  • Learn all about cooking food underground with a lovo cooking lesson

Dependent upon time of year and local events there is also often the opportunity to visit a local school to hang out with the kids, make your own shell jewellery, play volleyball, celebrate Diwali Day local style and go hiking to a local river or water fall..

Day 37

Back packer accommodation in Savusavu town so that you can have a last night with your local friends. Accommodation with breakfast and dinner included. Lunch not provided.

Day 38

Overnight ferry back to Suva. Breakfast and dinner provided. Lunch not provided.

Days 39 – 40

Bus transfer from Suva to Coral Coast backpacker resort accommodation with breakfast and afternoon tea included.

Day 41

Transfer to Nadi accommodation for final night. Breakfast at Coral Coast accommodation prior to departure, Nadi accommodation and dinner included

Day 42

Programme finishes after breakfast. Please note the itinerary is subject to change.

Accommodation and meals

During your time in Fiji you will stay with a host family and also at various resorts. One of which is “The Beach House” made famous on the ITV show “Love Island”. First week in Savusavu you will be at your village where you will have the unforgettable experience of learning first-hand about living in a village and your host family will provide you with the best of what they have. However, please expect very basic amenities (for example, electricity supply can be erratic, showers are cold water and may be only a bucket with some holes in it, your bed may just be a mattress and telecommunications are often non-existent!). All meals are provided, but catering for special dietary requirements is usually not possible for this segment of the programme. Second week in Savusavu you will be in a dorm at the Hidden Paradise Guest House in town where breakfast and dinner are provided. Lunch is not provided but it can be cheaply purchased at the local bakery and elsewhere for approx £ 3.50 euro per day. Third and fourth weeks in Savusavu 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 our doorstep! Breakfast/lunch/dinner included.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need diving experience?
No you do not need diving experience. On this trip you will be trained in your Open Water Qualification and that will enable you to build your dive experience with up to 30 dives.
Are there specific health requirements for this programme?
You need to be reasonable fit for scuba diving and like swimming.
What is the average age of the participants?
You need to be at least 18 years old to take part. The age varies from 18 to 30 years old, but occasionally we have participants that are over 30. In October the average age tends to be a bit higher as many people go on their holiday. In February and March the average age tends to be a bit lower as we have many participants who just left school.
I am travelling alone. Will I be lonely?
Fear not. 90% of the people that go on this trip travel solo. Everyone always makes friends and the group bond will be pretty strong through out. You will have an amazing time!
What is the weather like on Fiji?
Fiji is a year round destination. Given that Fiji is in the southern hemisphere, the hottest and wettest months are historically November to April (average 30ºC). The cooler (average 24ºC) and dryer months are May to October. During the wet season rain can occur sporadically, but is always followed by sunshine! Just like anywhere else, rain and wind can interfere with the diving experience, however visibility and other diving conditions in Fiji are generally good regardless of time of year.
Can you tell me more about accommodation and meals?
During the first week of the conservation programme (week 2), you will be accommodated in a small family-style backpackers near Savusavu. Rooms will have our volunteers sharing, based on a mixed or single-sex basis (group determines who they wish to share with.)

Two meals a day are included during this part of the programme (breakfast and dinner). Meals are made with local ingredients; however, different diets can be catered for. Volunteers will need to purchase their own lunch each day, which can be done on the way to the dive site each morning. You should budget £2 approximately each day for this.

During weeks three to four, you’ll be staying in comfortable rental accommodation located close to the Koro Sun Dive Centre. Here you can relax and prepare all of your meals with the comfort of modern conveniences and you are also encouraged to invite your local friends to come to and enjoy the hospitality of the house. All meals are included during these weeks.

For your final week on Vanau Levu, you will return to a backpackers lodge near Savusavu town (with breakfast and dinner included). This will enable you to visit different dive sites and be better placed for the overnight ferry to Suva on day 37. During this week you will also have the opportunity to go on a two day, overnight group excursion.

How many people will be sharing the same room?
This is a backpacker gap year vacation. The accommodation is kind of hostel type so rooms are shared. Numbers per room vary according to facilities. In Nadi, for example, we try to put the whole group together as it is the first couple of days and everyone is getting to know each other. In Savusavu you will stay in Aunty Elenoas Hidden Paradise Guest House, where there are a range of rooms. You share the rooms with two to five other participants. It also depends on how fully booked it is. At the village you live as the villagers do and usually stay all together in one village house which has three bedrooms, all operate as mini dorms.
Are the cyclones really bad on Fiji?
The cyclone season in the South Pacific runs from November to April.
Is there a minimum number of people for the programme to go ahead?
There is no minimum of participants. All the programmes that we have run since 2008 have taken place and had significant numbers of participants.
What kind of different scuba qualifications can I obtain?
There are ranges of different diving qualifications, some of which are pre-requisites before undertaking the next level of diving. The main qualifications are outlined below:

  • PADI Open Water – this 5-day course gives you your basic licence to dive anywhere in the world to a maximum depth of 18 metres. It consists of studying five academic modules, with six confined dives and four open water dives.
  • Advanced Open Water – this course takes five days to complete, with certification allowing you to dive to 30 metres. You need to complete ten dives, choosing from night dive, deep dive, underwater photography, underwater videography and more.
  • Emergency First Response – this non-diving qualification is a pre-requisite course for all divers, looking to go beyond Advanced Open Water Level. It teaches you both primary and secondary care, which involves learning how to resuscitate someone, develop CPR skills, identify how to treat someone etc.
  • Rescue Diver – this 4-day programme requires you to complete five academic modules that enable you to be a competent rescue diver. You learn emergency management, how to identify equipment problems, ways of identifying diver stress and panic, and how to administer diver first aid.

Please Note: If you are already qualified to Rescue Diver level or beyond, you have different options available to you. There are some PADI speciality courses you can do that would greatly benefit your volunteer work, such as fish identification and coral conservation courses. If you are to undertake your Rescue Diver qualification, you will need to complete the Emergency First Response Course. This can be done prior to arrival or arranged locally at a reasonable cost.

This is a really exciting part of the programme, especially if you have never been scuba diving before. You will learn all of the basic theory of scuba diving in classes, while also practising the principles you have learnt in a controlled environment. After passing your exams, you will need to complete your first open water dives to receive your Open Water Certification. This will enable you to get your PADI card and official log-book!

What is the scuba instruction like?
All diving is conducted under the supervision of a fully qualified scuba instructor and will include all of the necessary equipment and resources to complete each course. All examination fees are also included in the programme.
Where is the dive centre located?
The Koro Sun Dive Centre itself is based on the island of Vanua Levu, one of the largest islands in Fiji, located north east of the main island of Viti Levu. The centre has been running for a number of years and is located at the Koro Sun Resort.
What is the cultural experience about?
This part of the programme is a lot less structured, just to reflect the genuine Fijian daily routines. You will learn as much as possible as village members. You are being welcomed to the island with a typical “Bula” and taking part in the rituals such as the “Sevusevu” ceremony, where the famous kava drink is shared!
Can you tell me more about the conservation project?
Our marine researcher, who works at one of Fiji’s most prominent resorts, directs this project. The resort has won awards in eco-tourism and is also a leader in the establishment of the current Savusavu MPA. Furthermore they are connected with one of the world’s leading research centres. During your stay, you will have the chance to attend conservation lectures given by a marine scientist. This will enable you to view the underwater eco-systems that you will experience with an established knowledge base.

With your involvement, the project aims to support the existing MPA (Marine Protected Area) in Savusavu Bay, Vanua Levu Island. A marine protected area is a place where corals, fish and other marine eco-systems are allowed to flourish without risk of being altered or harmed by man. This is a particularly difficult challenge in a country like Fiji, where natural weather events impact on reef health and the people live a largely subsistent lifestyle and rely on the sea to provide them with food and an income. As a result, fish populations have fallen and ecosystems are being threatened.
However, villages have traditionally selected areas where they limit or stop fishing and gathering, in order to allow species to regenerate. Although this custom has slowed in recent years, the project aims to gain the support of local communities and encourage the development of some underwater areas to host the breeding stock for re-population of the reef ecosystem.

What will my tasks be as a volunteer?
As a volunteer, you will gather base-line data to provide evidence of reef health in areas that are not protected. This information, once collated and analysed, will provide valuable research material, which may be published with a view to establishing an additional MPA. Over the medium term the project is looking to establish a database of information on non-MPA dive sites, to support the established MPA and rebuild the eco systems through the following volunteer activities:

  • reef surveying,
  • fish identification,
  • artificial reef construction,
  •  harbour and reef clean-ups.
Who will provide me the conservation training?
Training for the volunteer project i.e. reef building and surveying techniques will be conducted by our local marine scientist and project leader. You will be taken through the important considerations, ensuring you are aware of the goals of the project and the importance of accuracy when implementing each activity.
At which dive sites will I be diving?
Throughout the programme you will take part in a number of dives – purposeful dives for the project and diving course; and recreational dives to see the abundant marine life and corals. Most dives will take place around Koro Sun and Savusavu Bay areas. During the programme, you should expect to complete up to 30 dives, which includes the PADI Course dives and those on the conservation project. Please note, however, that weather and unexpected illness may affect this.

  • Koro Sun sites
    The local sites are only a few minutes from the scuba diving centre but offer great pelagic, shark, soft coral and swim-through diving. With a depth of 30metres, “Dream House” is renowned in Fiji for its big fish action with large schools of barracuda and occasional visits by hammerheads. “Purple Garden” is a wonderland of purple soft corals with topography to take your breath away, including big drop- offs, canyons and swim- throughs.
  • Savusavu Bay sites
    Savusavu Bay offers awesome safe diving in protected water with beautiful coral heads covered in vivid yellow soft corals and an abundance of fish.

Group excursion
On days 33-34 there will be an overnight group excursion with transport, accommodation, breakfast and dinner included. The location and activity type of the excursion varies according to the time of year, weather and the wishes of the group. Therefore, the trip you undertake may not even be decided until you are there! However, a few of the possible options include:

  • Taveuni Island – Known as the “Garden Island”, Taveuni is the third largest island in Fiji. The island is covered in tropical rainforests and three well known waterfalls are within easy trekking distance.
  • Natewa Bay – This is the largest deepwater bay in the South Pacific. It has beautiful panoramic views and fantastic snorkelling. There is a hidden lake, which is connected to the Koro Sea and a salt lake surrounded by rainforest and coconut plantations.
  • Labasa Town and the surrounding area – the town itself is an excellent destination to see the Indian and Fijian cultures blended together. There are many ethnic craft shops to visit and the town is a beautiful sight in November when the local Hindu people celebrate Diwali. Around the town, there are archaeological ruins, beautiful beaches and even a floating island!

Please Note: During nights 29-36 (excluding day 33 when you go on the excursion), you will stay in a backpacker lodge near Savusavu Town. This will enable you to visit different dive sites and be better placed for the overnight ferry to Suva on day 37.

What will we be doing during the relaxation week?
The final four days of the programme are spent relaxing on the Coral Coast at one of the top backpacker resorts. You are completely free to do as you wish during this part of the programme, with opportunities to snorkel, go diving or just top up your tan. Accommodation is provided in a dorm-style lodge. Breakfast is included, but you will need to budget about £6 each day for lunch and dinner.
Will I have programme support during the entire course?
Throughout your programme, you will have the support and supervision of our scuba instructors, conservation researchers and coordinators. Fully qualified and experienced they are able to provide you with all the instructional and safety support necessary on a programme like this. They will also provide you with competent assistance and help you with any questions or advice you may need during your stay. The coordinators and programme staff will be on hand throughout the day and will be available to you 24 hours a day if you have any serious problems or emergencies. In addition, we will provide you with a 24 hour emergency contact number before you depart, so that you can contact one of our UK staff at any time should you need to.
How will the orientation on arrival look like?
At the start of your programme you will receive a local orientation, to go alongside your pre departure handbook. This orientation will be conducted by one of our programme coordinators, one of the village elders and your dive instructor, and will cover the following areas:

  • Scuba course outline and criteria: You will be briefed on what the course requirements are and what is expected of you at the assessment stage of each qualification.
  • Programme outline: What to expect at each stage of the programme and some more information about the conservation project.
  • Safety: How to keep safe in the local area and how to ensure everyone’s safety whilst on the programme.
  • Expected behaviour: How to ensure you respect the local people and the environment.
  • Questions & answers: An opportunity for you to ask any further questions.

Price in GBP

Duration Standard
3 Weeks 1899
6 Weeks 3095

Included

  • Meet and greet at Nadi airport on the island of Viti Levu
  • Meals as stated
  • Accommodation
  • Transfers, including inter-island ferries,transport to ferries and airport, transport between accommodations, taxi or bus to group dinners arranged as part of the programme, 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 the Coral Coast to perfect your Fiji tan!

Excluded

  • Flights
  • Visas, 200 Fiji Dollar to be paid locally for training Visa
  • Travel Insurance

Dates

 

6 Week 2014

  • 06 12 13 – 16 01 14
  • 14 02 14 – 27 03 14
  • 28 03 14 – 08 05 14
  • 23 05 14 – 03 07 14
  • 04 07 14 – 14 08 14
  • 15 08 14 – 25 09 14
  • 10 10 14 – 20 11 14
  • 05 12 14 – 15 11 15

3 Week 2014

  • 06 12 13 – 06 12 13
  • 14 02 14 – 06 03 14
  • 28 03 14 – 17 04 14
  • 23 05 14 – 12 06 14
  • 04 07 14 – 24 07 14
  • 15 08 14 – 04 09 14
  • 10 10 14 – 30 10 14
  • No December start date for the 3 week programme

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[name="Suzanna" gender="female" ]“On my gap year in Fiji I saw all great marine life. From whales to turtles, from coral to sharks and rays! Now I am back in the UK and look back on my trip I can honestly say I had the time of my life! I did so much diving in my 6 weeks in Fiji and saw so much marine life, I just could not get enough! With the conservation work it gets even more interesting as you learn a lot too! Everything on this trip was great but what really made it were the other volunteers and the Fijian people! You will see the biggest smiles ever. “
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