TRIP REPORT - FIJI - Dive Wananavu Fiji & Wananavu Resort

[DocVikingo]

Now that was informative, and I love the photos. I'd forgotten how many splendid memories I had of the place--I found your TR moving. Thanks.

[dascubanut]

Another epic report JudyG. I've been looking at setting up a trip to the Philippines, but I may have to check out Fiji too. As usual, I am in awe of your wide angle shots. Thanks for taking the time to write this up.

Doug

[JudyG]

Now that was informative, and I love the photos. I'd forgotten how many splendid memories I had of the place--I found your TR moving. Thanks.

Thanks for the kind words Doc. Yes, Fiji has many happy memories for me too, going way back. Speaking of memories - I met a very nice female Fijian divemaster - Mere - and she remembered you well (now working for Wananavu - was at Crystal Divers way back when, has had two kids since then). She sends her warm regards. Also a bit of news - apparently Dan's insurance finally paid out, so his kids are all set for post-secondary education. I've spoken with a couple of the Fijians who were on the boat that day. We went right by Mary's Maytag (where they went missing) when the current was really ripping. Made my hair stand on end seeing water conditions like that and imagining trying to dive it...

[JudyG]

Another epic report JudyG. I've been looking at setting up a trip to the Philippines, but I may have to check out Fiji too. As usual, I am in awe of your wide angle shots. Thanks for taking the time to write this up.

Doug

Hey Doug, thanks for the kind words. Fiji is worth checking out. I can't compare to Philippines, as I haven't been there (yet ;^), but imho, it is much better diving than Thailand, and right up there with Indonesia, and although it lacks the epic biodiversity of some parts of Indo, I think it exceeds it in beautiful reefs and liveliness - the anthias that pulse on the bommies and reefs are fantastic...

J.

[NatashaS]

Another superlative-inducing report Judy. Beautiful images, chock full of key info and posted so quickly! Love the pajama cardinal, and it was great to hear more about the shore diving.

Best news of all was that the new managers are devoted to making it to the Bligh waters more regularly. I am still grouchy about having hauled up there for 5 days specifically to see those reefs, and despite one day where all four Ra restrictions were simultaneously met, never getting to lay eyes on them. Will have to try again....

Thanks for the terrific report.

[JudyG]

Another superlative-inducing report Judy. Beautiful images, chock full of key info and posted so quickly! Love the pajama cardinal, and it was great to hear more about the shore diving.

Best news of all was that the new managers are devoted to making it to the Bligh waters more regularly. I still grouchy about having hauled up there for 5 days specifically to see those reefs, and despite one day where all four Ra restrictions were simultaneously met, never getting to lay eyes on them. Will have to try again....

Thanks for the terrific report.

Thanks so much for the kind words Natasha. Yes, the new on-site up is a huge improvement over Ra. In our two trips there diving with Ra, we were quite fortunate (it seems) that we managed many dives out in the Bligh/Va-tu-i-Ra waters, but there were some fubars for sure. On the last trip there, diving with Ra, we organized a small group to go together (I think there were 8 of us) so we could pretty much guarantee they would have to take us out (weather and conditions permitting), and they did most days.

Chris & Vicky at the new on-site op (Dive Wananavu Fiji) told me that they will take as few as two divers out to the Bligh, as long as conditions are okay for the smaller of the two boats (which is still a great dive boat - a six pack - just not as much freeboard as the bigger one). They don't require local check out for arriving divers, so none of that nonsense of being held to close in sites when new divers show up on any given day. I would really recommend you give them a whirl - I don't think you'd be disappointed.

J.

[waynec]

Well done Judy. Your reporting truly is an invaluable resource for those fortunate enough to visit paradise.

The photos are beautiful as well.

[Moonman]

kick butt report Judy!!!! I finally sat down and read through the whole thing and am amazed. I want to go so badly! Looks a gorgeous spot. Since we're on the west coast as well, it seems doable.

[JudyG]

Well done Judy. Your reporting truly is an invaluable resource for those fortunate enough to visit paradise.

The photos are beautiful as well.

Hey Wayne, welcome back from Coz, and thanks for the kind feedback. I hope more folks will venture to Fiji - especially from the west coast of North America - in my experience it is not more expensive nor time-consuming to get to than the Caribbean, and man, the diving is wonderful. Wananavu has always been a beautiful spot, for divers and non-divers, and it is just so awesome that they have a worthy dive op on-site now. It is pretty new, so that is why I wrote it up. I plan to return as soon as I can.

J.

[JudyG]

kick butt report Judy!!!! I finally sat down and read through the whole thing and am amazed. I want to go so badly! Looks a gorgeous spot. Since we're on the west coast as well, it seems doable.

Thanks Mark! I say, go for it!

J.