Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
SNORKELLING, DIVING AND OCEAN SPORTS AROUND MATEI
From Matei it takes roughly forty minutes by boat to reach the superb dive sites along the
Rainbow Reef
off the south coast of Vanua Levu. The rich current-fed waters off Matei
are also fantastic for big
game fishing
, with marlin, swordfish and yellowfin tuna plentiful.
As well as the operators listedhere,
Makaira Resort
can also organize game-fishing trips
(US$360 per half-day) in a 24ft aluminium boat.
OPERATORS
Jewel Bubble Divers
Beverley Beach 888 2080,
jeweldiversfiji.com
.
Diving and
snorkelling trips. Two-tank dive US$120.
Swiss Fiji Divers
Beverley Beach 888 0586,
swissfijidivers.com
.
Long-established
outfit offering diving and snorkelling trips. Two-tank dive F$150.
Taveuni Dive
Waiyevo 828 1063,
taveunidive.com
.
Diving and snorkelling trips to
the Great White Wall on Rainbow Reef. Two-tank dive F$265.
Taveuni Ocean Sports
Nakia 867 7513,
taveunioceansports.com
.
Family-owned op-
eration, offering snorkelling, kayaking, surfing, fishing and scuba diving. Activities cost
from F$40 per day; 2-tank dive US$120.
ACCOMMODATION
Matei is one of the few places in Fiji where you can rent a
self-catering
holiday home or cot-
tage. There are also several excellent small
boutique resorts
around Matei, and an excellent
campsite
.
RESORTS
Bamboo Resort Taveuni
West Matei. Book through Bamboo Travellers in Nadi 672 2225,
bamboobackpackers.hostel.com
.
This stylish resort with an open-plan central hall was
once a high-end resort, but has been taken over by Fijians and turned into an excellent back-
packer destination. It's set on a 90-acre coconut plantation on the mountain side of the coastal
road and offers informal but hugely enjoyable speedboat trips incorporating village visits,
snorkelling and surfing. Back at the resort you can learn about Fijian medicine and jewellery
making, and there's copious
kava
drinking and fire dancing. The 21 bures have a warm, colo-
nial feel, with dark wood furnishings and thatch roofs; there's s
pora
dic wi-fi
fi but
no a/c, and
the electricity supply is limited. Rates include breakfast. Dorms
F$25
; bures
F$90
Taveuni Island Resort
West Matei 888 0441,
taveuniislandresort.com
.
Exclusive resort
set on a landscaped hilltop with perfect ocean views across the straits to Vanua Levu. The
twelve villas are rather box-like from the outside, but interiors are spacious and come with
luxury fittings, fine white linen and private rainforest show
ers. Ste
ps from an infinity pool
lead down to a delightful sandy beach. Rates include meals.
US$830
