Fiji-Raki Raki & Beqa Lagoon info?

[Reg]

We were based in Beqa, but spoke with few other travellers who had done some diving in the Mamanuca Islands and others that had come from Raki Raki, both having really good reports and i got the feeling everyone passes through beqa purely for the Shark dive

[Travelnsj]

Originally Posted by Reg

We were based in Beqa, but spoke with few other travellers who had done some diving in the Mamanuca Islands and others that had come from Raki Raki, both having really good reports and i got the feeling everyone passes through beqa purely for the Shark dive

So are you saying the diving is a pass in Beqa unless you are going to do the Shark dive?

[Reg]

Its hard to decide without having something to compare it to. There was a lot more colour, fish and diversity than in Thailand, but we've only dived around phuket in Thailand. Maybe after our Sipadan trip I'll be able to provide a more detailed comparison

I'm interested to understand why you are not interested in the shark dive? We were somewhat reluctant to do the dive as my wife is not fond of anything that not within the natural behaviour of the animal. We are quite impressed to learn the operation is to attract and feed the giant travelley in the area, the splashing and excitement created by the travelley attracts the sharks as part of their normal behaviour. Of the 10 - 15 Bull Sharks that turn up to the sight only 3 or 4 will take food that is handed to them, while others feed off the fish that have gathered. The whole operation started when the fish waste from the local markets was dumped into a deep 300m trench in the area which is now a marine reserve. While we accept this is form of feeding we feel its as bad as purposely chuming the waters.

Just wanted to share this and i have no intention of starting a huge debut on this topic.

[Travelnsj]

Originally Posted by Reg

Its hard to decide without having something to compare it to. There was a lot more colour, fish and diversity than in Thailand, but we've only dived around phuket in Thailand. Maybe after our Sipadan trip I'll be able to provide a more detailed comparison

I'm interested to understand why you are not interested in the shark dive?

When I compare locations or ask questions I will look at someones dive history ( i wish ST would put that into the personal profile). I know people who have dove Micronesia, Solomons and Indonesia they loved Raki Raki. Being I will be coming back from the Solomons...Raki Raki's good dive sites are an hour or more boat ride....Thus all the questions about Beqa. But beauty is in the eye of the beholder. I'm currently in Layang Layang...many people love it thus my choice....but their diving history is the Good Barrier Reef or other parts of Malaysia....Sorry to say this diving is mediocre at best!....The three people I know who have dove Indo-Pacific region who have been to LL...said Pass....I should of listened!...I passed on my annual Palau trip this year to come here.

Regarding the Shark dive thing. It is un-Natural and promotes un-natural behavior in Sharks and other fish. Hawaii outlawed it a few years ago and I believe Florida did the same. One who has dove with probably 1000+ sharks over the years and had Sharks in my face....DO NOT want them coming to me looking for food!....Plus I have seen Sharks feed naturally in Palau...I got the Hell out of there!....I have sat out shark dives before in protest to the feedings!...it is everyone decision to do as they want.

[Reg]

So what did you decide? Are you doing Fiji in 09? I'm thinking of checking out Raki Raki and to see what bligh waters has to offer.

[Travelnsj]

Going back to Raja Ampat

[mrm777]

"When I compare locations or ask questions I will look at someones dive history ( i wish ST would put that into the personal profile). "
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What an advantage it would be to have those locations in the profile....that would really help out with trip planning. Would also provide a little insight into experience.

[chinacat46]

Originally Posted by mrm777

"When I compare locations or ask questions I will look at someones dive history ( i wish ST would put that into the personal profile). "
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What an advantage it would be to have those locations in the profile....that would really help out with trip planning. Would also provide a little insight into experience.

I got to agree it would be much more useful then the huge section they have for "gear info" then again Scuba Toys sells gear and not travel.

[Travelnsj]

Originally Posted by Reg

So what did you decide? Are you doing Fiji in 09? I'm thinking of checking out Raki Raki and to see what bligh waters has to offer.

Reg....I forgot in April I did have a trip planned to go to the Solomons and Fiji for this December and January. I canceled for a couple of reasons. my intital research on the Solomons was with people who have only dove places like Fiji, Australia or Malaysia. After doing more research on ST, SB and Undercurrent and finding people who dove Raja Ampat, Palau, Coco's etc. They kinda gave the Solomons an average rating....at best. I did talk to a few people about the Bligh waters including Chinacat who has dove Raja, Palau etc. Although all their feedback was thumbs up for the Bligh waters.....it was nothing more exceptional than Palau or Raja.....I wanted to combine Fiji and the Solomons....Thus I canceled the trip....after the October stock market crash...Happy I did it!!!!