10N Taveuni Island, Fiji June 14-24, 2025

 

Updated FAQ

 

9-June update

Mesh Duffle:
It's helpful to bring a mesh duffle for carrying small items between the boat and the resort, such as a dive light, computer, mask, and camera. The crew will wash and store your main dive gear and wetsuit, and have them ready for you when you return to the boat.

Dry Bag:
A small dry bag is also useful for keeping items like a shirt and shorts dry while you're out on the boat.

8-June update

• Footwear: The walk from the resort to the boat is pleasant, taking you along a jungle path and past a school. Flip-flops may not hold up after a few days, and thin water shoes likely won’t provide enough protection from the gravel. Hard-soled wetsuit boots, sturdy sandals, or similar footwear should work well.

 

• Pharmacy: Taveuni Island does not have pharmacy; if there are things you might need (like cough drops) it's best to bring them with you. 

 

Luggage on short NAN-TVU flight

• For domestic flights, 1 free checked bag up to 33 lb is included.
• If you booked this leg along with your international flight, your luggage allowance is likely higher. Be sure to check your baggage allowance.

• For carry-on bags, the stated limit for domestic flights is one bag weighing less than 15 pounds. However, when we traveled in 2017 and 2022, they didn’t weigh the bags individually. Instead, we stood on a scale along with our carry-on luggage, as their primary concern is the overall weight and balance of the plane.

  We each had an eBags backpack (with regulations, computers, lights, masks, etc.) and an under-the-seat briefcase. There isn’t any overhead storage, but there are empty seats where you can place luggage. The plane holds 19 people (7 rows with a 2+1 seating arrangement, minus 2 seats), but they usually carry only 10–12 passengers due to weight restrictions, so there’ll be open seats for storing bags. They also offer gate-checking for carry-ons.

• Don't worry if you don't have a seat assignment. The plane is like a bus with wings, and we may just pile in. 

 

Dress Code

• The resort has a very relaxed dress code.

• If you leave the resort (e.g., to visit a village), be sure to cover your shoulders and knees. In the village, remove your hat and sunglasses as a sign of respect.

 

Check-in / check-out times

• You can arrive at the resort any time on the arrival day. There is no diving that day. 
• Your room should be ready ~ noon.
• On the last day you should vacate your room by 10 am - 11 am.
• There is a pleasant open-air restaurant and bar where you can relax while waiting for your room to be ready or for your ride to the airport.

 

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Diving

*Dives/day: The package comes with 3 dives per day for a total of 24 dives. Depending on flight times, dive can be added on the last day.

**Nitrox:  32% available for FJ$30/tank (~ $14). The group decided to pre-pay for Nitrox at a discounted rate for the included dives. 

Expected water temp: The temperature is expected to be ~ 79°F (78 - 80°F).  

Expected viz: 65 - 130 feet.

Season: May through September gives the best visibiltity underwater and the nicest weather topside. Average air temperature 77°F - 82°F. We will NOT be there during cyclone season, which is November through April. 

Tanks, weights: Included. Most tanks are 80 cubic feet aluminum. There are four 100 cubic feet aluminum tanks available, and a few 65 cubic feet tanks The majority of the tanks are yolk. A few are DIN convertible, but anyone with a DIN should bring thier own converter. 

Other gear: Available for rent.

Dive guides: Dive guide ratio can be 4:1, 6:1, or even 8:1. It is not recommended that buddy teams break away from the group owing to the strong currents in the region. 

Expected diving: Limited to 50-60 minutes. The dive boats typically leave the marina at 8 am for 2 tank dives. It will take about 10 minutes to reach the Rainbow Reef. Return to the marina around noon. The afternoon dive leaves after lunch.  

Nearest hyperbaric chamber: There are no chambers available nearby. The one in Suva, (a six hour boat ride away), is installed and operational. In 2022 they didn't have anyone to operate it, but it appears that they do now.

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Resort

Style/Comfort: Nice. Guest have bungalows called bures which are scattered about the tropical grounds.   

Alcohol: Available for purchase. Beers are generally Fiji Bitter, Fiji Gold, and Vonu. 

Food: All meals are made to order. Full cooked breakfast, 1 course lunch, and 2 course dinner. Regular coffee, tea, and water while at the resort. Water juice, and light snacks are provided on the boat. 

Linens: Provided

Towels: Provided.

External Communication: Visitors from many countries can use their GSM handsets in Fiji. Mobile customer are advised to check with their network operatores for roaming status before traveling. There is wifi in the restaurant area. 

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Logistics

Airport: Taveuni, Fiji (TVU)

Getting here:

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Money

Travel insurance: Travel insurance is no longer required. This is available several places, including DAN, Dive Assure, and www.csatravelpro.com. It might be a good idea to have for the medical evacuation coverage. Getting an annual plan is an option. 

Dive accident insurance: Required.

Airfare: Not included

Other fees:

How settle bill for on board expenses: Accepts Visa, MasterCard and American Express.

Tipping: Direct tipping to individuals in not expected or encouraged in Fijji. Tip with a smile and vinaka, which is Fijian for Thank You. If you had a good time and would like to leave a gratuity for the Dive team, Resort staff, as well as their families and kid's school funds - you are free to do so. It can be simply added to your final bill. We do not recommend personal tips be given becuase all gratuities are collected each year and disbursed to all staff at Christmas. This helps make sure that everyone who helped you have a good time gets rewarded (even the behind-the-scene staff you may not have met!)

 

Non-divers:  A variety of activities are available, in addition to the pool and other facilities at the resort. This includes the Bouma National Heritage Park and Falls, Civa Pearl Farm, a 4 wheel drive to the highest peak at 3920 feet, horse trekking, coastal walk, visit a village, and more. 

http://www.taveunidiveresort.com/activities/

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Before you go

Bring: Cert cards!

Forms: 

Passport: Please ensure your passport is valid at least six months after your return date to the US.