Ohmigod! I can't believe I'm FINALLY going! Help!
 

After almost a dozen years of using my timeshare exchange to explore the Caribbean -- but always requesting the South Pacific just in case I got lucky -- well, I finally did! Going to Fiji next April!!!! But know little about what to expect... Can some of you provide your personal recommendations as to snorkeling/diving? Day trips to other islands? Hikes worth taking? Other activities worth the ticket price? All your comments and suggestions are GREATLY appreciated! Thanks!! (How long is the flight from Los Angeles? Straight thru??)

Without knowing where your timeshare is located, how long you will be staying, and the size of your budget it is very difficult to make useful suggestions. The flight to Fiji from LAX is roughly 10 hrs direct. The government web site at http://bulafiji.com will be helpful for you to get oriented. You will find a lot of info on Fiji if you run a search in Australia & The Pacific section here.

If you are staying on the mainland (Vite Levu) you MUST go out to the islands any way you can, if possible for more than a day trip. The north of Fiji has the best diving, while around the Mamanucas/ Yasawas is best for snorkelling. Visit one village on an island - that's enough - above all enjoy - Fijians are the most wonderful people.

Hi, Louis... Of course, you're right... I didn't give you much info to go on, did I? We're staying at the "WorldMark at Fiji" on Denarau Island, Nadi; Will be there for 2 weeks; Budget is not a terribly big concern. Don't care much about dining and nightlife, if there is any (some Caribbean islands have plenty, while others have none... have always assumed South Pacific would have very little), prefering to spend $$ on day trips, diving, hiking, etc. ALWAYS rent our own transportation, so love to explore back roads. Any suggestions you can share??

Hi SuzieQ....That was rude of me. I made some comments and then promptly went out of town. <BR> <BR>I will try to help. You are staying in an area with many resort type places with features that most tourists and tour groups expect. Thus you will find lots of help in setting up activities at the desks of one of the nearby resorts or perhaps where you are staying. Also you will find activities that that you will not find elsewhere in Fiji, such as para sailing, jet boats etc. Your expectations regarding the rest of Fiji may be a little different that what is there. The only real road circles the island and you drive on the left. Except for a few villages and towns there is not much of real interest other than the views of the country side. Taxis by the hour, trip or day are inexpensive and prices are negotiable. If you rent a car, I don't think you would want it more than a day. You need to spend a few hour and the orchid gardens nearby. <BR> <BR>The best way to visit other islands is on a Blue Lagoon Cruise. This is highly recommended. A three day cruise will give you an excellent feel of the Yasawa island chain. Except for resort areas there only a few small villages on the small islands of Fiji and people there live a simple village life. <BR> <BR>On Viti Levu there is only one road and that cirles the island. There are no real roads inland. Except for Suva, Nadi, Latoka, there is little along the road other than scenery. <BR> <BR>There are hiking trips and with a group and you can overnight in a village if you have an interest in the Fijian culture. There was also a rafting trip down one small river at one time. <BR> <BR>We are snorkelers and spend time in small islands such as Matangi or Beqa so we only have limited knowledge of Viti Levu and diving. I believe that the best diving is off of the northern islands but they are too far for your use. I thing that Beqa lagoon is your closest best spot. Beqa Divers may offer a trip from your location. I am not certain what is available closer. In general you need to get as far from Viti Leva as possible. I don't believe there is much snorkeling in the area you are staying but for your sake I hope I am wrong. <BR> <BR>I don't think I have helped much. You must understand that Fiji is still an area a natural undeveloped area by western standards were village life still continues as it was in the past. It is mainly in the tourist area and large towns that you see anything similar to the rest of the world. <BR> <BR>