Matangi vs. Namale???
Apr 21st, 2002, 10:18 AM
#1
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Matangi vs. Namale???
Hello All,<BR><BR>I am planning a trip to Fiji, and even<BR>after reading all of the messages here, I <BR>am still trying to decide between Namale<BR>and Matangi!<BR><BR>My husband and I are divers and avid <BR>snorkelers, so the news that the beach and<BR>snorkeling at Namale are not as good is<BR>disappointing. We will definitely want to<BR>do some snorkeling at whatever resort we<BR>end up at!<BR><BR>But we also read that Matangi has roosters<BR>running around that wake you up obnoxiously<BR>early. I only read one report that mentioned<BR>that, it was dated back in 2000. Anyone<BR>who has been there more recently know if<BR>that's true?<BR><BR>I know we'll get spoiled more at Namale,<BR>but it really sounds like the snorkeling<BR>and diving would be better at Matangi.<BR>Any feedback would be appreciated!!!<BR><BR>Thanks,<BR><BR>Jennie Holmes<BR>Dallas, Texas<BR>
Apr 21st, 2002, 02:08 PM
#3
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Our experience in Fiji has involved Matangi, Beqa and the Tasawa chain from a Blue Lagoon cruise boat. We are both avid snorkelers but non divers. The snorkeling we have found in all three areas from shore has been somewhat limited as the visability was not that great when we have been there in the May, coral formations are limited close in and the fish life was mostly juveniles. You should always be aware that there are heavy currents in Fiji. However, we both loved Matangi and we saw a adult lion fish about 10 yards from shore in front of the resort. This was our first and a thrill. Matangi is a private Island owned by the same family for two generations and has a family feel about it and they have the largest dive boat in Fiji. Since they are very small the diving experiences are very intimate as they only involve a few divers and their dive personnel are tops in this area. This was indicated to me by two couples that come almost every year for diving. Matangi is located in one of the top dive areas in Fiji and I guess another is around the Beqa crater. Yes there are chickens running around however we just love the sounds of the wind and also the crowing in the morning. This has never bothered our rest or sleep. Morning is such a wonderful time we were always up with the roosters anyway. As far as we are concerned we could not ask for a more tranquil place. The best snokeling I have enjoyed in Fiji was from their Matangi dive boat. The coral and canyons were some the best I have seen. The closest comparison was off of Anegada in the BVI except they were more extensive in Fiji. The can easily have a three dive day or just go along to snorkel if the site is shallow in parts. Just based on the appearance of the shorline either at Namale which we have flow by or from Taveune which is near Matangi I would not think snorkeling would be very interesting. Matangi has some coral formations in front of the property. The lagoon on the other side was not very clear due to wheather problems so I was not overly impressed there. However they really throw a wonderful picnic over there complete with table chairs and shelter from the sun. For a dive oriented experience I would vote for Matangi. The problem there is that it is mostly fully booked due to its small size. We like the deluxe bures in the breezy end. Their hotel rep in Colorado is staffed by experienced divers that have spent time on the island. They were great to work with and are in a position to answer any question based on their personal experience. You can rely on their answers. If you have real concerns about the roosters ask their hotel rep about them. You can get their number at www.MatangiIsland.com.
