Fiji and the Amazing Technicolor Dream Dive
Posted By Abigail Smigel on 2 November 2006
When determining your next scuba trip destination, there are several factors to keep in mind. One, does the location provide ample underwater scenery and critters to be worth countless hours of travel to your destination of choice? Two, is the destination affordable enough not to refinance the home for the fourth time? Three, are there activities above water that can be enjoyed while off-gasing? And four, does any of this really matter as long as you're getting out of the hustle and bustle of the nine-to-five and entering the hustle and bustle of a coral reef? If the answer to all of these questions is "No," and for that matter, if the answer to any of them is "No," then stop reading right now. Find yourself an online Sudoku magazine to entertain yourself. If the answer is "Yes," then you are probably envisioning a past or potential future trip to Fiji.
When my recent motley crew of Scuba junkies and I were plotting our latest adventure, one of the destinations that kept popping into my mind was Fiji. Mind you, I was not preparing for my honeymoon, nor am I a shredder of waves (isn't that what the surfers call it?). Rather, images of orange Anthias orbiting the soft coral of the Rainbow Reef seemed to be beconing me from somewhere far off into the exotic waters of the Pacific.
Surely you've spoken with someone who has been fortunate enough to travel to the magical islands of Fiji. The majority of Fiji alums will start their story with a heartfelt "Bula." The stories often involve memories of brilliant colors above and below the water, and the wonderful people they met on their vacation. Perhaps a tear may roll down their cheek as their mind drifts off to that happy place.
Anyways, I had to find a way to get there. Fortunately I came across a great article in Rodale's Scuba Diving magazine in which readers rated the top diving destinations around the world. Seems this little resort on Taveuni Island in Fiji came in first for the Reader's Choice Award of 2002 for best value as a resort worldwide. Well, if "affordability" doesn't happen to be my middle name! I had to check it out. The name of this little resort is The Garden Island Resort, situated right smack dab next to the famed Rainbow Reef and Great White Wall. This was going to be perfect!
- Bookmark with :
- what are these?
