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For Divers since 1975 The Private, Exclusive Guide for Serious Divers Since 1975 |
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Matangi Island Resort, Aug, 2008,by Valerie Deutsch, CA, USA ( 1 report). Report 4339. |
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No photos available at this time | |||
Ratings and Overall Comments 1 (worst) - 5 (best): |
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| Accommodations |  |
Food | |
| Service and Attitude | |
Environmental Sensitivity | |
| Dive Operation |  |
Shore Diving | |
| Snorkeling | |
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Overall Rating |
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| Value for $$ | |
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| Beginners | |
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| Advanced | |
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| Comments | "Come us friends, leave as family" is the motto at Matangi Island Resort, a true paradise for those seeking a quietly luxurious stay on a remote privately owned tropical island with easy access to spectacular soft coral diving. As with many remote resorts on Fiji, this is not inexpensive but it was so worth the splurge. Matangi is a perfect destination if you want to mix a romantic tropical escape with low-key, mellow diving. Travel involves a 10 hour non-stop flight from LA, a 1 hour 10 passenger flight to Taveuni, and a 30-minute boat ride to the island which has been owned by the Aussie Douglas family for generations. The Fijians who live nearby and work at Matangi are the epitome of kindness and warmth. Chickens roam free, an organic garden provides fresh food, the Fijians share kava, sing and extend their joy with life into the relaxed pace of the day. There are 12 private bures (treehouse or beachfront steps from a white sand beach or in a garden) at varying prices with quite delicious 3 meals provided. Vegetarian, fish or meat choices blend Fijian, Asian or Western cuisine; full bar with reasonably priced drinks. No children under 16 so this is truly an adult getaway. As most of the guests (at least in August) were an international array of honeymooners, the dive boat never had more than 5 people on board. For non-divers or those interested in adding other activities to their day, there are hiking trails around the lush island, free use of kayaks (you can kayak around the island in 3 hours), spectacular snorkeling in the house reef steps from your bure, 2 small sailboats, indulgent massages (for about $60 US). There are additional but reasonable costs for excursions to snorkeling spots, to the local village, school and church on Quamea or to Taveuni for waterfall and rainforest hikes. Each couple is provided in the base package with a boat ride to a private white sand beach called Horseshoe Bay (listed in 1000 Places to See Before You Die) with a picnic where not a sole is in site. Shore diving is free if you commit to diving; packages cost $615 US for five two-tank dives. No nitrox. As for the diving, most dives are within 15 minute boat ride; trips to the Somosomo Strait can be arranged. 2 tank dives leave at 9:00 am and return you to Matangi at around noon so days can be as full or mellow as you like. The area around Matangi, Quamea and Taveuni truly lives up to it's claim to fame as the soft coral capital of the world and we never saw another dive boat. Pristine and spectacular soft corals were in full bloom with reef sharks, baracuda, turtles, lion fish, octopi, nudibranch, large schools of parrot fish, trumpet fish, trigger fish, surgeons, nemo, damsels in many varieties, etc, etc. Dive master Bale is great at pointing at small and unusual critters. For surface intervals, we moored off a remote beach with towels, tea and cookies provided. This is the type of upscale but low-key holiday that has you yearning for a return visit. As we departed and the Fijians sang us their traditional farewell from the shore, we were already planning next year's visit. | ||
Reporter and Travel |
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| Dive Experience | 251-500 dives | ||
| Where else diving | Bali, Belize, Mexico (Cozumel, Akumal, Sea of Cortez), Grand Turk | ||
| Closest Airport | Getting There | ||
Dive Conditions |
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| Weather | sunny | Seas | calm, currents |
| Water Temp | 73-75°F / 23-24°C | Wetsuit Thickness | 3 |
| Water Visibility | 50-80 Ft/ 15-24 M | ||
Dive Policy |
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| Dive own profile | yes | ||
| Enforced diving restrictions | Experienced divers trusted to dive their own profile. | ||
| Liveaboard? | no | Nitrox Available? | N/A |
What I Saw |
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| Sharks | Lots | Mantas | None |
| Dolphins | None | Whale Sharks | None |
| Turtles | > 2 | Whales | None |
Ratings 1(worst) - 5 (best): |
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| Corals | |
Tropical Fish | |
| Small Critters | |
Large Fish |  |
| Large Pelagics |  |
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Underwater Photography 1 (worst) - 5 (best): |
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| Subject Matter | N/A | Boat Facilities | |
| Overall rating for UWP's | N/A | Shore Facilities | N/A |
| UW Photo Comments | Although I am not an UWP, I noted that those who were had no rinse tank on boat and no specialized facilities at the resort. | ||
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Note: The information here was reported by the author above, but has NOT been reviewed nor edited by Undercurrent prior to posting on our website. Please report any major problems by writing to us and referencing the report number above. |
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