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 iving in Fiji is a lot like dining at a 5 star restaurant… even if for some crazy reason, it doesn’t quite measure up to expectations, it still a million times better than eating at the local fast food joint around the corner. That being said, for the real diving enthusiast, there are decisions to be made that can significantly alter the experience you may have.
The good people at Tourism Fiji and their team at DiveMe Fiji provided us recently with access to some of Fiji’s top divemasters to offer their opinions on the great debate to help us draw our own conclusions. So let’s take a look at some factors that may help you decide what kind of diving adventure you wish to embark on.
Distance
The distance to some premium dive locations zones can obviously be prohibitive for Fiji shore-based divers. What one makes up for in evening and ‘day off’ comfort and amenities, one loses in access to some truly rare and spectacular dive locations. Fiji liveaboards will traverse some truly impressive levels of nautical miles to bring you to some of the finest (and occasionally secret) dive locales in the world.
Types of Dives
Pinnacle Dives, Wall Dives, Big Blue (Fish) dives, Shark Dives, Soft Coral Dives and Passage Dives… they’re all here in Fiji in multiple places. Fiji liveaboards will escort you to a front and center seat on every one. A shore-based will have a difficult time finding each and every type of dive. If you decide to go on the road and are willing to stay at multiple accommodators, it is possible to more closely recreate a liveaboard level of diversity.
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The Yachting Experience
I do say, old chum… it’s certainly a pretty cool feeling to cruise the spectacular Fiji Islands for a week or two in a really big, luxurious boat. Fiji liveaboards generally provide 4 star comfort; with 5 star scenery and 7 star diving. That’s a lot of stars. Fiji shore-based diving also has its advantages… they can be seen in the pampering, the exploring, the awesome activities and the world famous Fiji smiles.
The Sheer Number of Dives
Even the most hardcore of shore-based divers will find it difficult to average more than 2 dives per day. The travel time, the type of oxygen provided and the usual lack of enough crew will make it a ‘tough go’ to get out more than a couple of times per day. For those looking to eat, breathe and sleep diving, liveaboards often provide up to 5 opportunities per day (and evening) to explore the deep blue. Liveaboards also often use a nitrox mix of oxygen and nitrogen which allows for speedy recovery and leaves one with a general desire to get back in and see more of that incredible stuff!
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About Steve
Steve Reid has
written for many
publications,
websites and South
Pacific Island topics.
He has lived in Fiji
for the last 13 years and currently serves as the Executive Director of Webmedia Fiji, a creative E-based web marketing and design firm in the Fiji Islands. |
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The Cost Factor
For the cost conscious diving enthusiast, liveaboard diving may provide some fiscal advantages. Generally Fiji liveaboards are ‘all expenses paid’ and for those who like to have tight controls on their budget, they will have a very good idea of their outlay. Fiji sore based divers do have an ability to select from a wide range of accommodators, many who can provide great service at budget rates. When one calculates the cost of the full trip, Fiji liveaboards may or may not work out to be more money in the end, but you can be sure that with up to 5 dives per day, they liveaboards will certainly win in the cost per dive ratio. |
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Conclusion
There are many reasons why someone visiting the Fiji Islands may choose to stay on an island or to stay on a liveaboard while partaking of their diving pleasures. Hardcore diving enthusiasts will swear by the liveaboard option as the ultimate diving adventure, while the more cosmopolitan diver may choose to add land based adventures and fun in the sun options to their travel itinerary. Either way, when diving in Fiji, you will be sure to see some of the most spectacular soft coral, the most incredible passage and pinnacle diving and some of the most thrilling shark dives anywhere, and that makes either choice a winner. |
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