Dive Review of Matangi Island Resort in
Fiji and Tuvalu/Matangi

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Matangi Island Resort, Aug, 2008, by Valerie Deutsch, CA, USA ( 1 report). Report 4339.
No photos available at this time
Ratings and Overall Comments 1 (worst) - 5 (best):
Accommodations		Food
Service and Attitude		Environmental Sensitivity
Dive Operation		Shore Diving
Snorkeling
Overall Rating
Value for $$
Beginners
Advanced
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
Dive Experience	251-500 dives
Where else diving	Bali, Belize, Mexico (Cozumel, Akumal, Sea of Cortez), Grand Turk
Closest Airport		Getting There
Dive Conditions
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
Dive own profile	yes
Enforced diving restrictions	Experienced divers trusted to dive their own profile.
Liveaboard?	no	Nitrox Available?	N/A
What I Saw
Sharks	Lots	Mantas	None
Dolphins	None	Whale Sharks	None
Turtles	> 2	Whales	None
Ratings 1(worst) - 5 (best):
Corals		Tropical Fish
Small Critters		Large Fish
Large Pelagics
Underwater Photography 1 (worst) - 5 (best):
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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Dive Review of Matangi Island Resort in Fiji and Tuvalu/Matangi

Matangi Island Resort, Aug, 2008,

Ratings and Overall Comments 1 (worst) - 5 (best):

Overall Rating

Reporter and Travel

Dive Conditions

Dive Policy

What I Saw

Ratings 1(worst) - 5 (best):

Underwater Photography 1 (worst) - 5 (best):

Dive Review of Matangi Island Resort in
Fiji and Tuvalu/Matangi