DRT Show Underwater Photo Competition 2011

DRT Show 2011 will feature the largest underwater photo competition in northern Asian region. If you have great underwater photo, please submit your underwater images online to join our competition, you will got the chance to win over US$30,000 in world class prizes. This event supported by Scubapro, Aqualung, Akona, Sherwood, 10Bar, UK, Scuba Formula, Aggressor Fleet, Minahasa Lagoon Resort, Hans Christian Andersen Cruise and many more...

Event Hosted by: DRT Show, EZDIVE Magazine Categories

1. Animal Behavior
2. Reefscapes
3. Marine Conservation

Deadline for submissions 18 June 2011

* Winners will be announced on 8 July online.
* Display in the DRT Show Exhibition Hall.
* Published by our media partners worldwide. Promotional Events



By: Stephen Wong & Takako Uno
Venue: GuangDong Vocational Institute Of Sport
Date: 16 April 2011

By: Takaji Ochi
Venue: San Want Hotel
Date: 17 April 2011

Sponsor Partners and Prizes


Scubapro MK25 A700 x1
Scubapro Bella BCD – Medium Size x1
Titanium Watch Mechanical Movement – Limited Edition x1


Aqualung 'Flight' regulator x1
Aqualung 'Zuma' BCD x1


Sherwood SR1 Regulator x1


Akona AKB149 Elite Roller Bag x1
(with fins pocket and large enough for 2 sets of full gears)


UK AquaSun eLED x1
(with rechargeabel battery + charger)


Mesh Bag x10
Mini Gauges x20


Cleaning Set x300
10Bar Housing x1


10 Nights Papua New Guinea Trip aboard M/Y Star Dancer.
Double Occupancy / Shared Stateroom Accommodations For 10 Nights. Airport transfers, Up to 5 dives daily, All meals and snacks, Beverages (including alcohol) while on board.


5 Days 4 Nights Dive Package at Minahasa Lagoon Resort, Manado.
Return Airport Transfers ex Manado Airport. 4 nights accomadation in Garden View Cottage + Fullboard. 6 guided day boat dives withing vicinity of the resort, tank & weights only.


8 Days 7 Nights live aboard trip to Southern route on Hans Christian Andersen.


Seashell Universal Waterproof Digital Camera Case x2


BARE wetsuit x1
(Winner can get his own fix body Size wetsuit)


First Stage UNIDIVE regulator x4
Second Stage UNIDIVE regulator x4


One Year EZDIVE Magazine Subscription x30
10 prizes to Animal Behavior Category.
10 prizes to Reefscapes Category.
10 prizes to Marine Conservation Category. DRT Show Underwater

Competition Judges

Tim Rock

Based in Guam, Rock runs Double Blue Images photo agency, and continues to produce underwater documentaries and TV shows. He has also authored books on Micronesia's treasures beneath the waves.

Stephen Wong

A full time marine photojournalist, Mr Stephen Wong's works have published in over 20 countries and 100 individual publications, including BBC Wildlife, GEO & Ocean Realm. His images have been in more than 30 photo exhibitions, including 4 solo ones with his wife, Takako Uno.

Takako Uno

A full time marine photojournalist, Takako has co-authored "An Ocean Odyssey" and "Gorontalo Hidden Paradise". Her images have also appeared in dozens of books and photo exhibitions (incl. "BBC Wildlife Photographer of the Year" at the Natural History Museum, "Ocean Views" at Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History & "Secret Lives of Seahorses" at Monterey Bay Aquarium).

William Tan

A violinist with the Singapore Symphony Orchestra, William earned his scuba diving certification in 1994. Thereafter, without his prized antique Italian violin, he travels extensively between concert seasons throughout the Pacific region photographing marine life for tourism organizations, dive magazines and resorts.

Takaji Ochi

Award winning photographer of Japan newspaper associations and Tokyo photojournalist associations. worked in major Japanese News paper company as sport, news, and entertainment photographer. Worked as a main photographer of MIVA (Marshall Islands visitors authority) until 2000, and Japanese representative Yap Visitors Bureau since 2009.

Matt Weiss

Matt is the editor of DPG. He has been magaing editorial duties since 2007 and is most likely the only full time underwater photography media editor in the world. Matt graduated from Skidmore College with a degree in marine biology in 2008. He also is a web designer and the official website manager for the New York Underwater Photographic Society (NYUPS.org).

David Hsiung

Mr David Hsiung is a professional and very senior underwater photographer in Hong Kong. He has been skin diving since the 1950s. David Hsiung always provide underwater photography skills to young generation divers, he was also one of the judges for many underwater photo competition and having his photo exhibition regularly in Hong Kong.

Michael Aw

Mr Michael AW saturated colour imageries have earn him 57 international awards; his work have been featured in BBC Wildlife, National Geographic, the Smithsonian, GEO, Ocean Geographic, Asian Geographic, Action Asia, Nature Focus etc. His most glorious achievement is a Palme D’or for “Philippines- Heart of the Ocean”, won at the World Underwater Pictures Festival, France 2009.

For more information, please visit:
http://www.diveguide.com/diving_resort_travel_expo.htm

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 !

Naiqoro Passage dive

We drop onto this coral wonderland at the Naiqoro Marine Reserve. No current, no swell, vis is perfect. We rummage through the reef like children looking for lost coins down the back of our dads lazy boy.

The striped dascylus like silver coins shimmering and darting in and out of the coral, anemone fish the golden coins just waiting to be spent, the colourful nudibranchs like a lost bag of jellybeans, your favourite kind, and out of nowhere Glass cleaner shrimps with tiny purple claws, like finding a clean twenty tucked far beneath the cushions.

Enough time spent here, we count our riches and head out further into the passage, wham! We hit the wall that is Naiqora Passage and with our belts fastened and our inflight entertainment rolling our journey begins.

Fan coral bending and shaking, fish swimming towards you but not moving at all as you fly past their anemone homes. We stop for a moment, cling onto a rock outcrop and watch a nudibranch, its tiny purple body with intricate orange trim, holding on for dear life as its antennae struggles with the ever increasing current.

We can’t stop, so much to take in. Soon its time to surface, we emerge with nothing, no one says a word, we feel like the richest people in the world and for that moment we probably are.

Missing Home

So every time I see this spectacular coloured tropical species I get a sudden rush of adrenaline and instinctively start sizing up the prey. I then quickly remember that I'm in Fiji not New Zealand and not undergoing the typical NZ cray hunt (which I have to admit I do miss).

So instead I just have to hover motionlesly staring at this beautiful creatures painted form, decievingly delicate looking features and strong well developed front legs.

In fact after spending so much time watching these fellows I don't know if I can bring myself back to the hunt that Im so used to at home.

Kate the Kiwi Diving Instructor at Mad Fish Dive Centre

Finding Nemo Every Day

So I cried during the first scene of Finding Nemo, who didn't? But don't worry, Marlin, Nemo and their entire extended family are alive and well here in Kadavu. No dive can go by without these little clown fish making a profound statement of protection for their little homes of anemone.

Reasonably brave anemonefish that don't give in too easily to a diver invading their symbiotic relationship. Yesterday during our second dive, whilst staring at a pair of these quite interactive clownfish, one swam right into my mask, as if giving me a little warning nudge - well whatever he attempted to do, it was enough for me to back off.

I couldn't tell if this brave little fishes actions were indicative of the fact that he had't seen the movie or he was inspired by it?! Either way I'll continue my search for Dory.

Kate, The Kiwi Instructor
Mad Fish Dive Centre @ Matava

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

Scuba Diving Eagle Rock In Kadavu

Eagle Rock is one of the very best dive sites that the Great Astrolabe Reef as to offer any keen diver. With its amazing rock formations, hard corals and great selection of fish life.

Getting to the site can be a task on its own with surface swells telling you weather or not it is to strong to take on, so timing is the key, but once you get to the eagle rock site you will initially experience eagle rays past by and see very few hard corals that give in to the currents here.

Then once fully into the channel you will find yourself been given access to an underwater paradise, with so much in site you first won’t know where to look. As you will be passing over the rough rock bed with grey reef shark flying past you will start looking in amazement.

With the truly amazing colours of hard corals and great selection of life that it as on offer here, there is something for every diver. Whether it be the green lettuce corals, pale grey corals, lime corals or violet finger corals, this great diving site as something new for everything individual to discover.

This is a site that will keep the attention of any diver that can get bored quick because of its truly amazing variety on offer.

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.

Scuba Diving Eagle Rock In Kadavu

World Ocean Day

8 June is World Ocean Day and you can join Project AWARE Foundation in celebrating our ocean planet and the personal connection divers have to the sea. Conceived in 1992 during the Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, World Ocean Day is the perfect opportunity to recognize the importance of the underwater world.

Whether you live at the water’s edge or far from the sea – your everyday actions can affect the 70 percent of the planet covered by water. From the food we eat to the air we breathe, the oceans shape our lives.

The world ocean faces serious threats including over-fishing, pollution and habitat degradation. What can you do this World Ocean Day?

1. Change Your Perspective – As a diver, think about the escape and adventure the ocean provides. What does it mean to you and how would you like it to be for future generations?
2. Learn – Discover how you’re connected to the ocean and how it affects your life. Learn about the diversity of the sea and how to protect it.
3. Change Your Ways – No matter where you live or what you do, your actions are carried downstream. Making small efforts in your home and community contributes to ocean conservation.
4. Celebrate – Take time to organize or volunteer for environmental events that protect and celebrate the ocean.
5. Donate– Join the Project AWARE Foundation. Your support helps conserve underwater environments from inland waters to the ocean floor.
   

World Ocean Day

Going Green Travel » Leaving small footprints in our big world. » Going Green Scuba Diving Tips

Going Green Scuba Diving Tips

With the environmental impact of overfishing, dying reefs, heavy metals from industrial pollution, kelp deforestation, and the havoc wreaked by invasive marine species our thoughts turn to the sea. Specifically, we wanted to offer some ways we can enjoy the benefits of scuba diving in the world’s oceans without leaving any further footprints on this most wonderful of natural resources.
Here are our top tips for “going green” scuba diving:

CARBON OFFSET FOR YOUR AIR FLIGHT
Since there’s no way to travel by plane in a “green” way - the only solution is to offset the carbon emissions caused by your flight. Many companies offer ways to do just that. One we especially like is called Carbon Fund. They offer ways to offset all your carbon emissions from all the different things you do in life (driving your vehicle, electricity for your home, energy used to produce the food you eat - as well as the carbon footprint you create through air travel). The next time you plan a dive trip, contact Carbon Fund to offset your Co2. Your contribution is tax deductible and, best of all, you’ll feel great knowing you’re doing your part to leave small footprints on the planet.

CHOOSE GREEN ACCOMMODATIONS
As most of you know, some resorts and hotels do better at being “green” than others. Some think if they have a policy where they don’t necessarily wash your towels every day that they are a “green” resort. We’re certainly happy for any changes resorts and hotels make to help the environment, they’ll have to do more than that to be considered “going green” in our view.

Look for resorts that grow some or all of their own food in an organic garden. This reduces carbon emissions through a reduction in transportation.

Special attention should be paid to resorts and hotels that create some or all of their own energy — ask if they create solar energy or if they have a wind turbine or water wheel.

Ask about the light bulbs — replacing standard bulbs with compact florescent is an inexpensive way resorts and hotels can reduce their energy footprint and begin to go green.

How do they handle their water consumption? Reducing the amount of laundry they wash is great, but it’s only a start. Look for biodegradable soaps and see if they’re recycling their gray water to care for landscaping or vegetable gardens.

Do they recycle and reduce their trash? How do they handle plastic bottles and aluminum cans? Do they use consumable glasses and pitchers in rooms that will wind up in a landfill or do they utilize re-usable items?

CHOOSE A GREEN DIVE OPERATOR
Choose local operators who emphasize sustainable dive practices and adhere to a “green” code of conduct. Do your research before you book your trip. The Green Fins program in Thailand is a great example of what to look for. They have a specific code of conduct they require all their affiliated dive operators to adhere to. If every dive operator in the world instituted the same guidelines, we would be well on our way to preserving our ocean’s reef systems.

USE ETHICAL DIVE PRACTICES YOURSELF
You already know what to do — so just commit that you’re going to do it. Don’t ever litter the ocean with your junk. No water bottles, plastic cups, wrappers, film canisters, or anything. Make sure you secure all your trash on the boat so it doesn’t blow into the water. If you see any junk in the water during your dive, remove it and throw it away properly. You’ll be creating some good karma for yourself.

Never remove anything from the ocean - period. Take your camera and get pictures of everything that looks cool, but never be tempted to take it with you. First, you’ll be contributing to the destruction of the earth’s reefs and, second, you’ll likely get caught at some point and could end up in real hot water with the local authorities. It’s not worth it. Let your camera “take” photos of whatever you find interesting in the water. Never violate this ethic.
Be careful when splashing around in shallower water. Make sure you stay near the top of the water and never, ever, kick your fins into the delicate reef coral or other marine life. Don’t be a bull in a china shop. Leave the reef the same way you found it — the way the diver before you left it for you.

Okay, that’s it. Get out there and enjoy your next scuba trip knowing that your travel dollars are voting for sustainable travel choices. The more people vote with their dollars — the quicker we’ll see changes in the way the travel industry addresses environmental travel issues.

Going Green Travel » Leaving small footprints in our big world. » Going Green Scuba Diving Tips

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.

How to be an Eco-Friendly Scuba Diver | eHow.com

How to be an Eco-Friendly Scuba Diver

By Jennifer Harvey

While scuba diving is an inherently eco-friendly sport, there are many steps you can take to protect the reef and its inhabitants. Learn how to protect and maintain this priceless resource.

Things You’ll Need:

• Octopus clip
• A keen eye

Step1

Make sure you have a low diving profile. Ensure that all of your equipment is secured and as close to you as possible. Invent in an octopus clip. Secure your octopus before you ever jump in the water. This will keep your equipment from dragging and damaging the reef.

Step2

Do not touch the coral. You can undo hundreds of years of growth in a second. Do not molest the sea life.

Step3

If you see any trash, such as plastic bags, bottles or cans, pick it up and put it in your BC pocket(s). Throw it in the garbage once you get back on the dive boat.

Step4

By being a good example to other divers, you are teaching others to be green. Keep up the good work!

Tips & Warnings

• Scuba diving is an inherently dangerous sport and should not be attempted by a novice.
• Do not handle fish or sea life. You can remove protective coatings, leaving them vulnerable to disease and parasites.

How to be an Eco-Friendly Scuba Diver | eHow.com

Eco dilemma: Is it OK to scuba dive? | Travel | The Guardian

This winter, thousands of British travellers will visit coral reefs all over the world, from the Red Sea to Indonesia and the Great Barrier Reef. Yet the world's coral reefs - the "rainforests of the sea" - are under imminent threat. According to the World Wildlife Fund, 27 have been destroyed and, if present trends continue, 60% will be lost in the next 30 years.

While the most significant threat to coral comes from pollution, over-fishing and climate change, bad scuba diving practices can cause significant damage to these fragile ecosystems. The key to all good diving is buoyancy control - the more in control you are the less likely your fins, hands, knees and scuba equipment will bump against the coral and damage it. On average, it takes 25 years for coral to recover from a diver's single clumsy brush against it. Too many divers at a site can also cause disturbance to fish and the coral, so check that your dive operator avoids the busiest dive sites. Responsible dive operators should also have a policy of anchoring only to permanent buoys (attached by concrete to the sea floor) rather than dropping anchors on or near reefs.
 
PADI (padi.com) runs a course on protecting the marine environment and a Peak Performance Buoyancy course, which both count as "speciality" courses required for the Master Scuba Diver certification. It also runs Project Aware (projectaware.org), which organises underwater conservation activities.

And you can put your dive holiday to good use by contributing your underwater observations to the Global Dive Log (earthdive.com).
· To ask a question or offer advice, go to greentraveller.co.uk.

Eco dilemma: Is it OK to scuba dive? | Travel | The Guardian

Free Diving in November

FREE DIVING!

Due to a very last minute cancellation of a group of 10 divers, Matava now has a few clear weeks to fill until the end of November.

Therefore we are offering a KILLER deal for divers out there willing to travel at last minute by offering F~R~E~E  D~I~V~I~N~G !

Yes, totally FREE 2 tank morning dives for every full day you stay at Matava until the end of November!

Dive the wonders of the Great Astrolabe Barrier reef in Kadavu, Fiji and experience pelagics, mantas, sharks and the fabulous hard corals of the 3rd largest barrier reef in the world for the wonderful price of $0!

Just book any bure and quote promo code "NovFreeDive" to redeem this one off deal at Matava!

Email RichardThis e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it at Matava now to secure your booking.

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

AdventureUs.com | Manta Madness Dive Package , offered by Matava - Fiji's Premier Eco Adventure Resort

Manta Madness Dive Package

Offered by Matava - Fiji's Premier Eco Adventure Resort

Come and dive with the Mantas of Kadavu on this awesome 10 day scuba diving package and stay at Fiji's Premier Eco Adventure Resort directly on the Great Astrolabe Reef. 8 solid days of diving on the world renown Great Astrolabe Reef and Kadavu's all year round Manta Reef with Manta rays, devil rays and sharks. * 7 day of 2 tanks diving (14 dives) * 1 day of 3 tanks diving (3 dives) * 1 night dive * All day free access to shore diving at The Critter Junction * 10 nights in Oceanview Traditional Bure * All meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner, unlimited tea/coffee) * Airport and boat transfers to/from Kadavu airport * All taxes Price F$2799 per person (price based on Double Occupancy and valid to 31st March 2009)

Photos

AdventureUs.com | Manta Madness Dive Package , offered by Matava - Fiji's Premier Eco Adventure Resort

Anyone been to Kadavu?

TripAdvisor

sandfly22

Fiji

"Oh and by the way NZConny....Matava is the place to be if you want to dive the Astrolabe...they have numerous dive sites along the astrolabe..drift diving is popular as most of their dive sites are channels....and the dive team there are very flexible,you can arrange special dive trips with them.When I was there they can have like two dive trips a day and this one girl wanted to do a night dive coz they were leaving the next day and actually took her again thst night...I mean she was the lone diver. They had like 2 dive instructors and 2 dive masters when I was there(Dec. 2007)..whether it be 2 dive trips a day, or one day trip and one night dive or 2 day trips and one night dive...they have the manpower to accomodate your diving needs"

Kadavu Island forum: Anyone been to Kadavu? - TripAdvisor

Thinking Before You Shoot: 10 Quick Tips for Success!

Thinking Before You Shoot: 10 Quick Tips for Success!

By Annie Crawley

Every time before I dive, there is a strict method I follow to ensure my success with my system. This is the fun part, right before I am getting into the water, after I have planned my story, my destination, my purpose for shooting. What I am talking about now is how we must become a bit AR, dare I say the words…anal retentive…about our equipment and our diving.

Have you ever heard someone talk about the most amazing dive they ever had in their life, with nine whale sharks in one dive but nothing to show because their port was dirty? I have seen people get in the water without charged batteries in which case your housing and camera becomes a useless lead weight. To prevent this and help you with success, I have compiled a few golden rules to think about while on your next dive!"

Thinking Before You Shoot: 10 Quick Tips for Success!

Fiji Diving - Thorn Tree Forum - Lonely Planet

Fiji Diving - Thorn Tree Forum - Lonely Planet

Dived at Matava, Kandavu, Fiji in 2002 after reading in the LP about a dive site which always had mantas. Was already in Fiji backpacking but before booking the internal flight to Kandavu phoned Matava to confirm the manta story and was told there were some happy divers who had been diving with mantas that day. Booked flight and stayed for one week.

Great place and always always thinking of going back. There is a site that was generally used once per week where I was told they see mantas on 8 to 9 out of every 10 dives. Dived at site Xmas Eve and saw mantas on both dives. The 2nd dive was a re-run of the 1st dive - all 4 divers in the group wanted this rather than an alternate 'non-manta site'. (even though there was the chance of destroying the memory of the 1st dive - by not seeing mantas - it was just too good a dive not to repeat In fact due to work committments didn't dive for a long time after that trip - and I mean a very long time - but the memory of these two dives kept me going.) I think it's sensible to only dive at the site once per week. Guides can 'tweak' diving skills and ensure mantas dont get too much hassle before the trip. Don't know how things have changed over last 5 years! They did say mantas were there all year but best to email to check.

It was a very emotional and humbling dive. The dive site was pretty good without mantas - a lovely swimthrough with glassfish. The mantas swam to us out of the blue and then spent around 30 mins encircling us always at about 10m distance. They were curious to see what was going on and didn't seem at all frightened by the experience. Would recommend a trip - Google Matava should do it.

Fiji Diving - Thorn Tree Forum - Lonely Planet

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