Fiji - when to go?

[Travelnsj]

Originally Posted by azdiver

I thought you only went in if the water temp was above 82!

Told you how awesome Fiji diving is but guess you needed to hear it from other divers.

As for the weather, it rained more when I was there in March. The weather during my June/July trip was absolutely beautiful!!

BTW... I meant a group trip for summer 2010 not this summer.

Ahhhhh....that post was almost a year old 8-23-08....Yes I do want to got to Fiji...probably do November or March-April to hit the warmer waters.....perhaps in 10.

[azdiver]

Originally Posted by Travelnsj

Ahhhhh....that post was almost a year old 8-23-08....Yes I do want to got to Fiji...probably do November or March-April to hit the warmer waters.....perhaps in 10.

I dove the lagoon in March and the Somosomo Straits in June/July... both the weather and water temps were better during my summer trip...

[Travelnsj]

Originally Posted by azdiver

I dove the lagoon in March and the Somosomo Straits in June/July... both the weather and water temps were better during my summer trip...

I only have an interest in going to Wananavu (for the Bligh waters) and maybe Ono Island. I talked to to many people who have dove Palau, Raja Ampat etc....and they have said those are the only spots that are comparable.

Are you saying in summer you had 82+ degree water temps in Wananavu (Bligh waters) or Ono Island? I have heard in November thru April (Dec thru mid March major rains-storms) you will hit 82+....any other times of the year you will be lucky to see those temps. If I go it probably only be April or November.

[azdiver]

Originally Posted by Travelnsj

I only have an interest in going to Wananavu (for the Bligh waters) and maybe Ono Island. I talked to to many people who have dove Palau, Raja Ampat etc....and they have said those are the only spots that are comparable.

Are you saying in summer you had 82+ degree water temps in Wananavu (Bligh waters) or Ono Island? I have heard in November thru April (Dec thru mid March major rains-storms) you will hit 82+....any other times of the year you will be lucky to see those temps. If I go it probably only be April or November.

Couldn't say what the water temps were (my memory isn't that good) but do know that all I dove in was a lycra skin and never got cold. Somosomo straits (also know as Rainbow Reefs) are off Taveuni which is NE of the main island and the area you are referring to. The wall diving and soft corals there were comparable to Palau... and the white wall was awe inspiriing

I want to go back and dive many other areas of Fiji including astrolabe... people are friendly, love the food and the diving is tops!!

You are correct about the late winter/early spring rain storms thoug!

[cutter77]

At least Fiji is more out of the typhoon belt than northern parts of the Coral Triangle.

[azdiver]

I'll be heading back to Fiji the first week in October... will be diving Taveunit for 3-4 days and then over to Beqa. Will let you know the water temps when I return.

[Travelnsj]

Thinking about going in the first part of April....looks like the water will still be 82+ from everything I have read!

[azdiver]

Originally Posted by Travelnsj

Thinking about going in the first part of April....looks like the water will still be 82+ from everything I have read!

Thought you were heading back to Palau that tme of year...

I might be taking a group down to Coz the beginning of March.. will wait to see what deals I can find at DEMA

[Travelnsj]

I'm headed to Palau in late Feb thru March 15....figure I can squeeze in Fiji while the water is still in the mid 80's during the first couple of weeks in April.

[azdiver]

Originally Posted by Travelnsj

I'm headed to Palau in late Feb thru March 15....figure I can squeeze in Fiji while the water is still in the mid 80's during the first couple of weeks in April.

Scott... heard you're doing the nekton with Chuck. Will be very interested in hearing from you when you get back... I did the nekton many years ago and was not impressed at all.

Also, even though they say you don't get seasick on it I highly recommend you taking bonine before you board. I did and it got me through the first full day and nite and then I was fine for the rest of the trip.