Looping mantas in Kadavu

Matava Resort- das Tor zum Great Astrolab Reef - Review of Matava - Fiji's Premier Eco Adventure Resort, Kadavu Island, Fiji - TripAdvisor

Im Im August 2009 besuchte ich das Matava-Resort auf Kadavu, der südlichsten der Fidschi-Inseln. Hauptprogramm meines Urlaubes war das Tauchen und dafür ist die Lage des Resorts ideal: auf der Südseite der Insel gelegen, bietet es mit Bootsfahrten von max. 40min Zugang zu insgesamt ca. 20 verschiedenen ausgewiesenen Tauch-Spots am Great Astrolab Reef, aber auch die Möglichkeit, das Riff an anderer Stelle zu erkunden. Die Philosophie des Resorts ist die Umweltverträglichkeit/ökologischen Nachhaltigkeit und die Kooperation mit den umliegenden Dörfern. Die Unterkünfte selbst liegen verstreut an einem kleinen Hügel, teils direkt am Strand, teils ein Stück bergauf. Doch jede der traditionell eingerichteten Hütten, von den Einheimischen Buré genannt, bietet einen einzigartigen Blick auf die vorliegende Lagune mit einer kleinen Insel sowie dem Riff. Die einzelnen Hütten sind für max. 3 Personen ausgelegt. Ausgestattet sind sie mit Doppelbett mit Moskitonetz, wenn nötig Einzelbett mit Moskitonetz, Schrank und Sitzgruppe. Das Bad ist über die Terrasse erreichbar und bietet WC, Waschbecken und Dusche mit Gaswassererhitzer. Licht gibt es nur über Solarenergie, Steckdosen sind in den Hütten keine vorhanden. Akkus etc. können aber in der Hauptburé geladen werden- vorausgesetzt, die Sonne scheint. Insgesamt sind die Hütten schlicht und einfach, aber dennoch gut ausgestattet. Der Service begeisert mit einer mir bis dahin unbekannten Offenheit und Freundlichkeit. Fragen, Wünsche oder Probleme wurden sofort in Angriff genommen und immer mit vollster Zufriedenheit erfüllt. Das Essen ist sehr abwechslungsreich und bietet eine große Fülle an unterschiedlichen Küchen (Indisch, Thai, Lokal u.vm.), eine vielseitige Auswahl von Früchten aus dem resorteigenen Obst- und Gemüsegarten sowie vielfältigste Variationen von fangfrischem Fisch, der teils von den Gästen selbst geangelt wurde. Angeln und Angelausflüge sind jedoch nur einer vielen möglichen Aktivitäten. Egal ob Schnorcheln oder Baden, Vogelbeobachtungen, Besuch von Dorf und Einheimischen, oder einem Spaziergang mit einem einheimischen Medizinmann- für jeden Geschmack ist was dabei. Eine große Rolle spielt im Matava auch das Tauchen. Der integrierte Tauch-Shop ist mit allem für einen erfolgreichen Tauchgang Nötigen ausgerüstet. Es ist ein großes Tauchboot vorhanden, aber bei größeren Gruppen werden auch mehrere Boote eingesetzt. Die Boote sind immer mit Sauerstoffkoffer und Notttelefon ausgerüstet und im Falle eines Notfalles existiert auch ein Notfallplan, der auch aushängt. Des Weiteren bietet der Tauch- Shop die Möglichkeit zur Aus- und Weiterbildung von Tauchern auf Basis des PADI-Ausbildungssystems.

Weiterhin als positiv zu nennen ist die familiäre Atmosphäre sowohl zwischen Gästen und Personal, als auch zwischen den Gästen untereinander. Aufgrund der geringen Anzahl von Gästen kommt man schnell miteinander ins Gespräch, egal ob bei den Mahlzeiten, bei der traditionellen Kava-Zeremonie oder den unterschiedlichsten Aktivitäten.

Zusammenfassend lässt sich also sagen, dass das Matava Resort durchaus ein Geheimtipp für all jene ist, die sich ausschließlich auf Sonne, Strand, sportliche und kulturelle Aktivitäten konzentrieren möchten und Abstand vom Alltag suchen. Und das alles in einer sehr freundlichen, offenherzigen und kommunikativen Atmosphäre!!!
Matava Resort- das Tor zum Great Astrolab Reef - Review of Matava - Fiji's Premier Eco Adventure Resort, Kadavu Island, Fiji - TripAdvisor

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 island.

In fact, it’s far more cost-effective to take PADI training in Fiji than in many other countries. This is especially true if you head to the Beqa Adventure Divers office in Pacific Harbour (contact info below). The instructors at this surprisingly affordable course somehow manage to make holding your breath fun.

Once you feel comfortable in the water, move on to the world famous shark dive that the company offers four times a week. You can swim with tiger sharks, bull sharks, and a whole host of brightly-coloured aquatic life, and it is actually a lot safer than it sounds. 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

Scuba Divers on Astrolabe Reef - Indo-Pacific Underwater Photography Gallery 6

Scuba Divers on Astrolabe Reef - Indo-Pacific Underwater Photography Gallery 6

Students breed clams for future - Fiji Times Online

Students breed clams for future

SAKIASI NAWAIKAMA
Monday, September 29, 2008

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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

ScubaBoard - View Single Post - Who's been to Fiji? Advice needed

ScubaBoard - View Single Post - Who's been to Fiji? Advice needed

One or two months ago, I asked a few questions down here, all related to diving or lodging in Fiji. As I'm now back from the islands, I wanted to input some feedback about my recent fijian dive experience for whomever it might interest.

Firstly I'm traveling with my wife end 14 yo. daughter, both non divers, I'm the only -quite experienced- diver of the bunch.
I had chosen Kadavu, the Yasawas (mostly as a counterpart for the two girls of my party) and Rakiraki area on a very tight schedule (only 12 days in the Fiji).

Full report: ScubaBoard - View Single Post - Who's been to Fiji? Advice needed

Adventures in Travel Expo – Chicago, New York, Washington DC, Los Angeles,Seattle

In an effort to increase its market share of the lucrative scuba diving market, The Fiji Islands Visitors Bureau has teamed up with its industry partners and Sportdiver magazine to provide a comprehensive 12 –month “virtual destination tour” of its top scuba diving experiences . 

Launched on August 4^th on www.sportdiver.com the tour showcases the best in Fiji diving experiences around Viti Levu, Kadavu, Beqa Island, and Taveuni. It also outlines stunning scuba diving imagery, detailed descriptions of dive sites, testimonials, tactical packages, and current marine conservation programs in Fiji designed to protect Fiji’s unique marine ecosystems. 

Regional Director Ili Matatolu described the program as “ a win win partnership that will increase Fiji’s visibility to this lucrative segment”. More information can be obtained from the Sport Diver magazine site at www.sportdiver.com or the Bureau’s website at www.fijime.com.

Adventures in Travel Expo – Chicago, New York, Washington DC, Los Angeles,Seattle

South Pacific Travel Blog: Mai Dive Resort Fiji

Mai Dive Resort Fiji

The Mai Dive and Astrolabe Reef Resort (tel. 679-603-0842) opened recently on Ono Island near Kadavu, Fiji. The resort is on a spacious 19-hectare property with green jungly slopes and a lovely one-kilometer beach. Mai Dive is fully owned and operated by local Fijians from Tiliva village on Kadavu and resort guests are introduced to the culture. Most of the resort’s fruit and vegetables are grown on-site, the sea provides abundant fish, and the power is solar.

The resort’s three beachfront bungalows begin at $180/270/360 Fijian single/double/triple with discounts after four or seven nights. Meals, non-alcoholic drinks, kayaks, snorkeling gear, and tax are included. The units have private bath, open air shower, window screens, mosquito nets, fans, bar fridge, deck and chairs, and hammock. Campers with their own tents are most welcome at $75 per person including meals. Roundtrip boat transfers from Vunisea Airport on Kadavu are $140 Fijian per person. Pacific Sun flies to Vunisea from Nadi, while Air Fiji arrives from Suva.

Mai Dive’s specialty is scuba diving, and their location near the fabulous Astrolabe Reef means easy access to some of Fiji’s finest soft coral diving. Two-tank dive trips cost $150 with reductions on three- and five-day packages. Gear rental is $30 a day, if required. Mai Dive is a PADI five-star dive resort offering dive training programs at all levels, from beginner to advanced certification. The company also provides dive services for those staying at Kenia Resort and Tiliva Resort.

Aside from the diving, Mai Dive is a perfect base for sea kayaking, and experienced guides from Tamarillo Tropical Expeditions are available to lead kayak tours of one or more days. Fishing charters are $500/900 Fijian a half/full day, and you can even hire a sailing yacht at $900 Fijian a day. The snorkeling is great right off Mai Dive’s beach and guided snorkeling tours by boat to see manta rays are possible. Mountain hikes can be arranged.

Be aware, Mai Dive is not a large international resort like those around Nadi or along the Coral Coast. It’s perfect if you want to enjoy nature or relax in a friendly unspoiled environment. While the resort does have 24-hour electricity, wireless internet, and a bar, things like shopping, organized entertainment, bus trips, and air conditioning are best sought elsewhere.

South Pacific Travel Blog: Mai Dive Resort Fiji

Dive Fiji : Scuba T-shirts and Gifts - Dive Inspirations : CafePress.com

More then anything else, Fiji is an exotic destination. There are over 300 islands to explore, where you can you swim with huge manta rays congregating by the shore, snorkel over giant rainbow gardens of soft coral, or scuba dive the White Wall and famous Astrolabe Reef.

Fiji's popularity with divers is based on the ease of access and sheer beauty of its dive sites. The Northern region is justifiably regarded as the most spectacular area for soft coral diving. The best spot to catch the colour is in the strong currents of the Somosomo straits between Vanua Levu and Taveuni.

The Western Region is the closest to Nadi International Airport with watersports being a main feature at all of the resorts. For those wanting to learn to dive this area is ideal with safe diving and operations heavily geared towards dive training. The Central Region begins on the coral coast with its huge resorts and wall diving. All diving is on the outer barrier reef wall which means early morning dives are the norm, as the onshore trade winds tend to pick up in the afternoon.

Our personal favorites here at Dive Inspirations? Matangi in the North, and Kadavu in the south.

Dive Fiji

Dive Fiji (blue)

Dive Fiji (red)

Dive Fiji : Scuba T-shirts and Gifts - Dive Inspirations : CafePress.com

Fiji - Scuba Diving Magazine

Fiji - Scuba Diving Magazine:

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Brilliant soft corals may be Fiji's signature dive attraction, but there's much more to the underwater story here. With more than 320 islands to choose from, divers never run out of options.

The largest island of Viti Levu offers easy access to the widest range of sites (including the world-famous Beqa Lagoon and the shark encounters off Pacific Harbour) and has the most extensive diving infrastructure.

Vanua Levu and Taveuni, to the north, feature otherworldly walls of snowy soft coral. And the smaller islands of the Yasawas, the Lau Group, the Mamanucas, the Lomaivitis and Kadavu each have a distinct underwater appeal.

Acres of plate and staghorn corals have colonized the Yasawas and Mamanucas, considered to have some of the best vis in all Fiji. The bommies off the outer Lomaivitis are known for pelagics drawn to their shoals of baitfish, and the Great Astrolabe Reef of Kadavu is a top spot for big animal encounters.

underwater.com.au | Article | Escaping to Kadavu - A Fiji Secret

underwater.com.au | Article | Escaping to Kadavu - A Fiji Secret:

Contributed by Wandy Hochgrebe

Yes! We had arrived in Fiji for our two week stay. We were lucky that the Nadi (pronounced NaNdi) airport had very comfortable couches as we had to wait till midday for our flight to Kadavu (pronounced KaNdavu). During that time we learned the proper pronunciation of Nadi and Kadavu as they were announced over the speakers and we kept wondering why on the schedules they left out the 'n'. Obviously, we were very new to the Fijian language....

Kadavu is only one hour south of the main island Viti Levu by plane and it has a tiny little airport at Vinesea. From there, most transport is by boat as there are not many roads on the island.

Part 2: Matava

It only took us 30 minutes to get to Matava by boat. Each healand we passed and each corner we turned us showed us more of the undeveloped hills of Kadavu.

Matava itself is located in a small cove and at first sight you don't see much of the resort. However, once you step on land you can see the main bure right in front. The other bures where people stay are amongst beautiful tropical gardens with all kinds of flowering bushes, papaya trees and banana trees. Narrow paved walkways meander through the grass in all directions.

We were welcomed at the little jetty by Maggie, who gave us an introduction of the resort and how the diving was conducted. Our bure was only a short stroll away and yet felt very private.

Basically, we were staying half-way up the hill that forms the back-drop with a stunning view over the ocean. In the distance, we could see the waves breaking on the Astrolobe Reef. Again, we had big bunch of fresh flowers in our room and hibiscus flowers were put everywhere.

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