Fiji
 

Hi, My fiance and I are planning to spend our honeymoon in Fiji in March 1998 at QAmea Beach Club (I believe off the Taveuni area). Does anyone have any feedback? Also, we don't currently dive, but were thinking of getting certified vefore we go. However, we're wondering whether it is worth the $800 investment it will cost us. Any thoughts are appreciated! Thanks.

Sorry, I can't comment on the resort, however, I did want to offer an opinion on getting certfied for diving. If you have never had an opportunity to try SCUBA diving, then you might want to try a "resort course" at the hotel you are staying. Most tropical resorts offer this and it allows you to dive with the dive shop/instructor that trained you for the duration of your stay. It will involve about 4 hours and around $100 - $150pp for the class, including rental equipment. It is a great way to introduce yourself to the sport. As far as getting fully certified, $800pp seems too expensive. You will have to purchase mask, fins, snorkel, and dive boots, plus the class, but I would recommend renting the rest of the gear on vacation until you are absolutely positive you want to make the investment in your own BC, wet suit, regulator, dive computer, etc. You might look into used SCUBA gear that is in good condition and upgrade later. Remember, SCUBA diving is not an inexpensive sport but can offer some of the most memorable experiences of your life. For me, it's worth every nickel!

Hi, saw you rmessage, couple of comments. I stayed at Matagi and it is gorgeous. Saw Qamea and it looks very nice. I believe it has different owners now as I saw it listed for sale in the Wall Street Journal. Snorkeled in front of resort and it is beyond description! As far as scuba, get certified before you go-you dont't want to spend time doing classroom work while in paradise and paying a lot of money. Also that is expensive here in Seattle the basic cert. costs aprox $300.00. You can do all your basic work at home and get your open water cert. at the resort if you prefer to do that. Talk to your local scuba shop. First thing I did after coming back from Fiji (other than whine) was learn to dive.

Hi, saw you rmessage, couple of comments. I stayed at Matagi and it is gorgeous. Saw Qamea and it looks very nice. I believe it has different owners now as I saw it listed for sale in the Wall Street Journal. Snorkeled in front of resort and it is beyond description! As far as scuba, get certified before you go-you dont't want to spend time doing classroom work while in paradise and paying a lot of money. Also that is expensive- here in Seattle the basic cert. costs aprox $300.00. You can do all your basic work at home and get your open water cert. at the resort if you prefer to do that. Talk to your local scuba shop. First thing I did after coming back from Fiji (other than whine) was learn to dive.

My wife and I just returned from our Honeymoon in Fiji. One thing that you need to know is that no matter what activities you plan to do you will love Fiji. We stayed at the Yasawa Island resort and couldn't tell you enough good things about it...especially the food and service. The diving was very good but not one of the main activities that they offered. We met some friends that went on to Qamea and took the diving classes there. They loved the diving (and the instructor) but said that Yasawa was a much more deluxe/romantic resort. Maybe you can fit them both into your schedule. Either way I highly recomend diving in Fiji or anywhere else. It is a great sport and one that you will truly enjoy. I recomend that you take the classes ahead of time. That way you can enjoy your honeymoon to its fullest.

Spent 3 years in fiji with Peace Corps and just returned from there in August. Resorts are beautiful and the diving and snorkeling is unbelievable. All resorts offer classes and equipment. Go, enjoy, moce mada..