Some Frequently Asked Questions about fiji 2012:
Why is the departure from LAX (Los Angeles International Airport)?
This is the normal departure point for the direct flight to Fiji. Fiji is just dinner a couple of movies away once we are in the air. Also, LAX provides a centralized departure point for divers from all over that may be joining the trip. For those from the coast who wish, flying out to California a day early allows for some sightseeing and a more gradual acclimation to the time change. We will be happy to help arrange travel to LAX for all our divers.
How long is the flight to Fiji?
Have a snack, go to sleep, and wake up in Fiji. The flight works nicely with a late evening departure and an early morning arrival. Go to sleep, or watch a movie or two, and you there. The flight leaves LAX at 11:30 PM and arrives in Fiji 10 hours later at 5:15 AM local time. This means you will be able to be on the beach and enjoying by the afternoon.
How come we leave on the November 1 and arrive November 3?
The flight to Fiji crosses the international dateline and you lose a day, but don’t worry, you get it back on the return flight when you leave in the evening, and arrive back on the afternoon of the same day! The International dateline actually crosses land on one of Fiji’s islands, Taveuni. Visitors to the island can straddle the line and have one foot on two days! This is why Taveuni is called the island with no today, only tomorrow and yesterday.
Is The Trip Deposit Refundable?
There is a $500.00 non-refundable deposit to hold your place on the trip. The trip deposit can be transferred to another person within 90 days of departure providing airfare is available (airfares are not guaranteed until purchased in full and ticketed and subject to availability), and If your spot is successfully filled / re-sold your deposit can be refunded.
Are there non-diving activities?
Non-divers can participate in a number of activities, or just enjoy the beautiful resort beach. Free activities include kayaking, beach volleyball, snorkeling, or shopping and site-seeing in town (taxi required). Some other activities that can be arranged (but not free) are organized island and village tours, exploring and picnicking on nearby islands, sport fishing, half day horse trekking, and outer reef snorkeling.
What is the cost for shore diving?
Volivoli Beach Resort provides unlimited free shore diving, provided tank availability and tanks must be reserved 24 hours in advance.
What is the package price for non-divers?
Non-divers that want to join the trip have a special non-diving rate for their trip.
Divers total package price for 10 nights / 8 days diving: $3,472.00
Non-divers for 10 nights: $2992. 00
Non-divers pay $480.00 less for their 10 night stay
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Divers total package price for 7 nights / 5 days diving: $2,829.00
Non-divers 7 nights: $2529. 00
Non-divers pay $300.00 less on a 7 night stay
What is the currency in Fiji?
Fiji uses the Fijian Dollar. In the current exchange rate is $1.00 US Dollar is worth $1.76 Fijian dollars.
What Documentation do I need to Travel?
You will need a valid passport with at 6 months life before expiration. This means for this trip your passport should be valid until at least May of 2013.
How much Scuba experience do I need to dive on this trip?
The trip is open to all certified divers, and all experience levels can enjoy diving in Fiji! An advanced certification is recommended to maximize your experience. For those who want to improve their skills before departure we will offer many opportunities to dive this summer. If you have an instructional goal, such as achieving your advanced certification, we will work with you to complete that goal before departure, or even during our trip to Fiji.
Why travel to Fiji and the Pacific?
Diving all over the world is pretty incredible. Warm water and abundant marine life make for a truly memorable and incredible experience. A common expression used to describe tropical diving is “it’s like diving in an aquarium”. Although in some ways this does convey the wonder of what you will see, it falls far short of painting an accurate picture. The amazing amount of life, blends of colors, variety of fish that are all around you as you dive, and the level of activity that surrounds you, is hard to describe. There is nothing like a dive in the pacific except the next dive in the pacific! You are engulfed by the busy communities that make up the tropical reef environment, and everywhere you look something is happening.
While it is true that the Caribbean also offers some beautiful underwater sites, it is nothing like the Pacific. The Caribbean has 66 native species of coral, the pacific is home to over 700, and the largest underwater biodiversity on the planet.
