Divers don't stop for TC Tomas at Matava!

As TC Tomas passes East of Kadavu Island and Matava Eco-Adventure Resort, our diving guests clearly demonstrate an adventurous streak.....by going for a shore dive....


Well.....we are an Eco-Adventure Resort !

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Catching the Fijian Fever | Official Website of 10 Magazine Asia

One of the reasons why people travel to Fiji year in and year out are the magnificent scuba dive sites located all over the islands. Even if you’ve never taken one breath underwater, there has never been a better time to start. Choose between simple (and often complimentary) pool dives to get accustomed to life underwater or opt for a full licensed PADI Open Water Course available at many certified training facilities around the islands.

Experienced divers can of course skip the course and jump right into ancient shipwreck dives, witness an abundance of coral splendour, and explore mysterious underwater caves. Plus, the water around Fiji is always warm enough for a deep ocean dive.

Best Dive Sites in Fiji

• Great Astrolabe Reef (Near Kadavu)

This great reef may not be as well-known as the Great Barrier in Australia, but it does attract a lot of manta rays and the soft coral is pleasing to the eye.

Magical Islands
Kadavu

One of the best preserved areas in all of Fiji. The area lacks a lot of the predators that prowl the main islands, allowing native wildlife to roam free and delight tourists. Kadavu also offers the perfect starting point for a dive along the Great Astrolabe Reef.

Catching the Fijian Fever | Official Website of 10 Magazine Asia

What a trip!

For the last week I have had the pleasure of meeting and diving with Bill Boyce.

Bill has an extensive knowledge of the marine environment, a great understanding of current conservation issues, his joke telling ability is second to none and he has an amazing talent for underwater photography. And these talents I’m sure are the tip of the iceberg that is Bill Boyce, however the greatest thing about diving with Bill is his enthusiasm… about everything.

 Joe and Bill fishing for sailfish (a Fiji National Record there!)
AND we didn't cut Joe out the photo this time Tim!

Now as a dive guide you always want to find the holy grail of species, the most beautiful nudibranch, the harlequin ghost pipe fish, the biggest manta, whatever it is you want to show the divers, you want it to be well cool! So I show Bill a few things that I find amazing, a beautiful emerald anemone, this gets a "YAHOO!" (yes he can talk underwater!), a pipe fish gets a few high fives and by the time I show him a tiny little nudibranch nestled in a sand flat I get a great big shove and I can hear him shouting underwater ‘no way man – how’d you see that!’

We surface from every dive and Bill is exploding with excitement about everything we just saw. This is the kind of diving I love, when every single thing underwater is appreciated, when every fish is admired for its diversity, where every nudibranch has its five minutes of fame, where each scratch on a sharks sleek body is recognised. People who are excited about diving, keep diving alive.

Thanks a lot Bill, all I can say is what a trip!  

Take A Dive on Kadavu Island

Very few places on the Fiji islands offer you the opportunity to experience the real culture and feel of this great country the way the Kadavu Island does. So it's of know surprise that this remote island still as a lot of its natural beauty, valleys, hillsides and beautiful bays and reefs. Which in return as stopped a lot of the general tourists from coming to the island.

The Kadavu Island is a great destination for anyone looking for great diving locations that have not been overtaken with international resorts, but as still got all it's natural charm which is why you need to go and give this place a go.

With it being home to the amazing Astrolabe Reef on the southern end of the island and is estimated to being the 4th largest reef in the world with its colourful corals, reef sharks and schooling fish it makes it a great region to explore if you like the easy way of living, remote hideaways, undiscovered gems and hard corals.

Some of best diving sites around island are:

1. Yellow Wall

This is an all year round diving site and suits people of all levels. Here you will experience thick soft yellow coral, sweet lips, sergeant major fish and garden eels.

2. Eagle Rock

Being part of the Astrolabe Reef it as a lot to offer, but is recommended for divers of advanced level. It is also an all year round diving site.

Diving Season

This is an all year round water sport on the Kadavu Island. However the months of November to April will see the most rainfall, but is also the most tropical months when temperatures can reach as high as 32C. It is the most coolest months between July to October when the waters will be generally a bit more cooler.

Take A Dive on Kadavu Island

Kadavu Island Where Crowds Don’t Go

The Island of Kadavu offers the traveller a real taste of Fiji with it’s very few roads and plenty of rough terrain it makes it great way to experience the real natural beauty what the country as to offer. With the island having only a very few resorts ranging from backpacker accommodation to 5 star hotels, its main audience it attracts are travellers with a touch of adventure within their spirit.

With few roads on the islands as it is, just getting there is an adventure all on its own. So there is no surprise that the main reason people come here is because they want to get away from the crowd and the big name hot spots.

Reasons why travellers come to this island

1. It offers great surfing breaks in particular areas of the island. Nagigia Surf being one of them

2. You get to experience world class diving in one of the top destinations, known as the Astrolabe Reef.

3. Great island to explore eco-tourism, because of it’s excellent rainforest and bird life.

4. Great budget accommodation on both the Island of Kadavu and Ono.

Kadavu Island Where Crowds Don’t Go

Anyone been to Kadavu? - TripAdvisor

LindaJohn99 TripAdvisor

Bellbrook, OH

"Hi Jules,

We choose to go to Matava Resort instead. We were there for 5 nights (10 dives) starting the 25th of November. My husband and I stayed in a beautiful bure and totally enjoyed the experience of this Eco Resort. We have dived around the world and we rate this as one of our most enjoyable dive trips. The diving was some of the best we've done (manta rays, healthy vibrant reefs, lots of fish diversity, etc.).

We completed our Advanced Open Water Certification while there and found the PADI Dive Instructor , Simon, to be excellent.

Several of the guests that were staying there at the same time as us were Fiji locals (marine biologist, ex-Dive Shop Owner from Taveuni, Fiji resort planner) as well as a well known underwater photographer from the UK and we enjoyed learning alot from them during our stay. They obviously knew about this nearly hidden treasure!

It's a small place without the frills of a big resort and if this is what you like, his may not be the place for you. But if you enjoy being close to nature and are going for the diving, this eco resort more than makes up for the lack of a fancy pool or beach. (check out the exising reviews on Trip Advisor) or Matava (http://www.matava.com/) for more information."

Kadavu Island forum - TripAdvisor

Scuba Diving Locations In Fiji

Scuba Diving Locations In Fiji

"If you are in Fiji for a scuba diving vacation, you must dive in the world famous Astrolabe Reef on Kadavu in the Southern Islands. This dive spot has excellent hard and soft corals and abundance marine life. There are more soft corals along the north and south coast with some interesting caves to explore. Majestic drop-off can be found on the western tip of Kadavu."

Scuba Diving Locations In Fiji

Broadreach | Teen Scuba Summer Adventure Program in Fiji, Solomon Islands.

With world-class diving, beautiful islands, rich history and unique cultures, the South Pacific is a destination like no other. Dive on breathtaking reefs, pinnacles, walls and WWII wrecks, with guaranteed sightings of big rays, sharks, sea turtles and intensely colored corals. Above the waterline, the islands offer cool rainforest hikes, idyllic beaches and rare glimpses of cultures forgotten by time. Fijians are known to be the friendliest people in the world, and you'll quickly discover why. Learn to weave palm frond baskets, hike to waterfalls, challenge villagers to a soccer match and learn ceremonial dances at a Fijian celebration.

Fiji firsthand

The views as we arrive in Fiji give us a taste of what's to come — crystal clear water, brightly colored coral and lush mountain rainforests. Ready to dive Fiji's best? We start with Kadavu's Great Astrolabe Reef, the fourth largest barrier reef in the world and home to a resident population of manta rays. Off the beaten path, the diving is pristine. The rich nutrients passing through the strait make this one of the best places in the world to observe astounding coral growth and plentiful marine life. If you can take your eyes off the brilliant soft corals, you'll find giant humphead Napoleon wrasse, banded sea snakes, majestic manta rays, black tip and white tip reef sharks and turtles. A closer look reveals the colorful nudibranchs and pipefish that hide out on the reef along with the lionfish and odd-looking crocodile fish.

Outrageous colors and lots of fish

After two or even three incredible dives a day, there is still time to play volleyball, enjoy the beach, check out the sea kayaks or just hang out with new friends. We also explore this tropical paradise. Take a guided eco-trek up to majestic waterfalls, walk along the rugged Kadavu shores and hike through dense jungle terrain with towering rubber trees. Visit a Fijian village where gracious locals treat us to a proper welcome with a "lovo", a traditional Fijian meal cooked completely underground. Share a bowl of "kava" with the village chief. Listen in awe as they share stories about the headhunting days.

Broadreach | Teen Scuba Summer Adventure Program in Fiji, Solomon Islands.

Scuba Diving Fiji

Top Macro Life

Pacific & Indian Ocean
1	Indonesia	98.6
2	Philippines	89.7
3	Palau, Micronesia	87.5
4	Fiji	86.1
5	Great Barrier Reef, Australia	82.8
6	Egyptian Red Sea	75

Scuba Diving Magazine - Top 100 Readers'' Choice Survey

Scuba Diving Fiji

Students breed clams for future - Fiji Times Online

Students breed clams for future

SAKIASI NAWAIKAMA

+ Enlarge this image

Students of Vunisea transfer young clams for breeding along the reef.

STUDENTS of Vunisea Secondary School in Kadavu are playing an instrumental role in breeding clams.

Seven students, under the guidance of Kadavu Yaubula management support team coordinator Josaia Ravulo, went on a clam diving expedition on Friday and were given first-hand practical lessons about the breeding program.
The marine studies program at Vunisea Secondary School is sponsored by AusAID and is in its third module this term.
Mr Ravulo said the students would be involved in practical research aspects of marine life, particularly the breeding of clams.
He led the students on an early morning dive for young clams to be transferred to Cevai, Ravitaki, Galoa and Solovola villages.
The students snorkelled in a passage at Solovola Village for young clams that were bred in a cage and transferred to the Ravitaki, Cevai, Muani and the islands of Matanuku and Galoa.
The young clams were transferred into triangular cages for their relocation and the students were instructed to secure the cages against rocks to keep away predators.
The clams were kept in the water in a sack and transferred to Muani and Galoa on Saturday.
Vunisea Secondary School principal Serupepeli Udre said the program was introduced early this year where students were taught how to mould a fibreglass boat and maintain and repair outboard engines.

Students breed clams for future - Fiji Times Online

Diving in Kadavu

The Great Astrolabe Reef

Kadavu is one of the less visited islands of Fiji which is precisely the reason why you should go there. No big resorts and fast food outlets here. Instead you can get a taste for the real Fiji, where the quickest transport is by boat, where the resorts are in tune with nature and where the true Fijian culture and warmth shines through. Part of Kadavu's charm lies in its secluded bays which can see you kayaking and snorkelling seemingly in the middle of nowhere.
The Great Astrolabe Reef, which curls away into the deep blue distance from the shores of the island, is what scuba diving in Kadavu is all about. Pristine hard corals in massed stands of colour abound, around which play a tremendous variety of marine life.

Highlights

Eagle Rock - One of The Great Astrolabe Reef's signature dives. Sunken boulders, pinnacles, narrow channels, sheer walls and a rugged, rocky sea floor combine to provide some of the most interesting topography you are likely to see. There is a great chance of seeing spotted eagle rays and there are other sights to watch out for such as large groupers and Napoleon wrasses, but it is the simply astonishing collection of hard corals here which makes this Kadavu diving site exceptional.

Diving in Kadavu

Manta Diving At Its Best

12/1/08

We dropped in on Manta reef hoping for a good day. But it was more than good, it was special. We saw the first Manta after about 5 mins, I just caught a glimpse of the wing tip as it cruised along the top if the reef. As we made our way along the reef another manta came past us, another monster at just under 4m, but white underneath with “go fatser” stripes on top. They disappeared, then minutes later they both came back into view with another smaller black one behind. 3 mantas flying in formation. That’s what I’m talking about!

As we got to the end of the reef and turned around, two of them came directly towards us and, as we watched them turn back the other way, the third came from behind and no-one knew where to look. We headed back and I remember thinking, “that was a bit special”. But that was just the beginning.

After a few minutes we bumped into Joe’s group and he signalled that one was barrel rolling, so we went to check it out. We were met with the 4m black manta barrel-rolling about 3m away from us. He moved along a bit and suddenly the dive went crazy. Joe was pointing up at a 4th small white manta barrel rolling above us and the other 3 big ones were putting on the most amazing arial display I’ve ever seen.

The RAF Red Arrows haven’t got shit on these guys. We were surrounded by 3 enormous mantas rolling over and over and a smaller one going crazy above our heads. Diving does not get any better!

FVB Dive ME Guide

Please look at the FVB's updated website:

http://www.bulafiji.com/diveme/online_brochure.html

http://www.bulafiji.com/tourism-resources/diveme_ebrochure.pdf

Here you will find a new "e-brochure" about Fiji diving. It's awesome!

“Any country with coral reefs like this has a national treasure that should be protected. Fiji is on of the lucky countries.”
Roger Steene: Author, photographer and marine naturalist.

Fiji Special Photo-Site by Don

"I am glad to have a chance to have experienced a memorable trip to Matava. Also, you guys there have done a fabulous job contributing lots to the education of our fragile environment and needs to conserving them for the future generations, cultural as well as Improving the social status of the locals. Hope the “Fiji Special” will contribute towards your goal."

Vinaka

Don, Hin Lim

Hin Lim Photography

274, Victoria Street
Richmond 3121 Victoria,
Australia
Tel: +61 (0) 3 9421 1548 (available on Thursday and Friday)

HP: 0401 012 374

Richard Akhtar makes another good call

“Let’s try Naiqoro,” said Richard at breakfast. I wasn’t sure conditions were right, but, as usual, it was a good shout from the boss. We went to Spot X and had a cracker.

My group of 6 dropped in a bit further out than Joe’s group, as we were sure we’d catch them up easily enough. Joe had 3 marine biology professors and 3 of their students, all from Long Island University and they are as happy in a pile of rubble as they are in a school of sharks. As we watched them burrowing in the sand, I laughed as we watched 3 white tips circling them, which I’m sure none of them saw! As we left them in our wake, we started drifting along the wall, in water so clear we could see the surface from 30m. Surrounded by yellow tail fusiliers, schools of snapper and above us Crocodile Needlefish; trevallys and Jacks having fun with the bait fish, it was one of those dives that just makes you smile.

Then it got really interesting. A big walu came sauntering past, as they do, about 3m away from us. Nice. Then I saw something a bit bigger.

A grey reef shark. No, 2 grey reef sharks. Wait, 3, no 4,5,6. We think 7 was the final count. 3 smaller ones on the reef behind us and 4 bigger ones staying out in deep water.

Then a huge Spotted eagle ray, with the most beautiful markings I’ve ever seen, came swooping past and from the opposite direction an enormous napoleon wrasse cruised by. It was one of those “where the hell do I look” moments. If Jason wasn’t so big I would have hit him for letting me know at that point he was low on air!!!.

Oh well, you have to come up some time and the sun was shining and we all had stupid big grins on our faces – even Nikki!!

Matava’s latest PADI Open Water Divers

Congratulations to Matava’s latest PADI Open Water Divers. Part of the Long Island University Marine Biology group, here for 3 weeks, these girls had only just been snorkelling for the first time then one night at dinner decided they wanted to learn to dive. After only 2 days they had already established themselves as the loudest and most troublesome members of the 22 students, so I thought, “hmmm, this could be interesting.” It turned out to be one of the funniest PADI Open Water courses ever.

It was a bit slow at first, with both girls trying to convince themselves that they weren’t actually going to die. But confidence grew, skills were mastered and I was even reprimanded for a couple of incidents. Firstly I was stopped half way through a demonstration to be told that I was too close to the coral. Fair enough, I thought. Then I was told even if I am holding onto a BCD for safety, I am not to touch the boobies!! We laughed so much for 4 days straight, I’d like to thank both girls for making it so much fun.

And our Favourite quote from Camille, when a 4m manta was heading straight towards her –

“If I just stay still, maybe he won’t eat me!”

Brilliant. Thanks girls and massive congratulations.

Ayoumi and Taki

Domo arigato to Ayoumi and Taki for being such fun on their recent trip to Matava.

Here on their honeymoon, the fearless couple decided to try out scuba diving with a PADI Discover Scuba Diving experience. It was a big enough challenge just to get the wetsuits on, after a bad case of sun burn from the previous day, along with Ayoumi’s 3 inch fingernails which had been specially done for the wedding. But after only 2 hrs we were suited up and ready to go.

Having only snorkelled for the first time ever on this trip, it was pretty brave of them to be scuba diving. After the initial panic’s were over, they were looking more comfortable and they were both clearing regulators and masks like professionals - so we headed down to 12m to check out the fish. Ayoumi didn’t let go of my hand for the entire dive and Taki looked like he was flying.

After we surfaced I asked them if they enjoyed it. I will remember their responses forever. Ayoumi just said, “I need to pee!” – But after a quick visit to the toilet, she told me she loved it. Taki’s answer might be the best I’ve ever heard.

“It was like being in a dream!”

Couldn’t put it better myself.