Maravu Plantation Resort Diving: Maravu Diving, Taveuni Diving, Fiji Diving Resort

Taveuni, known as Fiji's Garden Island, is an elongated emerald enclave. The third largest island in the Fiji archipelago, it is located just south of Vanua Levu (Fiji's second largest island) across from the Somosomo Strait. Verdant and rugged, it reaches a maximum height of 1241 meters at Mt. Uluigalau.

In addition to the prolific flora, Taveuni is renowned by naturalists for its intact native bird population, which includes parrots, a barking pigeon (Peale's pigeon which does sound like a dog barking), and other rare species. Known in the colonial days for its coconut plantations, today Taveuni is a landmark for divers.

Beneath the surface of sea, in the coral reefs that fringe the island, is an equally rich eco-system that rivals the bio-diversity found on the surface. Fed by rich nutrients that emerge from the depths of the Tongan trench, Taveuni is famous for its multitude of tropical fish and pelagics. However, if there is one trademark or signature species in the area, it is soft coral, which billows and undulates in the currents. Soft coral comes in dramatic, sometimes electric hues of orange, red, pink and white, which are fringed by purple.

Protruding into the strait from the Vanua Levu side to about 3 kilometers from the shores of Taveuni is a magnificent reef, called the Rainbow Reef. Here one can find one of the most famous dive sites in the South Pacific, the Great White Wall. It is named because of the unusual soft coral that inhabit the area. Starting at a depth of about 15 meters and continuing to over 65 meters, this underwater escarpment is covered with an almost luminescent white coral tinged with lavender.

There are a great number of other dive sites sprinkled throughout the area and new attractions are found all the time. It is estimated that only 3% of the entire reef system in the Taveuni area has been explored by divers and it's not unusual to see pelagics such as dolphins, turtles, eagle rays and a number of species of shark.

The diving is mostly at the world famous Rainbow Reef - extending approx. 20 Miles (30Km) into the Somosomo Strait between Taveuni and Vanua Levu. The emphasis here is on spectacular soft corals and teeming marine life as the tidal current provides perfect conditions for incredible multi-coloured soft coral growth and magnificent hard coral formations. The world renowned Great White Wall complements a list of equally impressive sites including Annies Bommie, The Ledge, Yellow Grotto, Jerries Jelly, Blue Ribbon Eel Reef and the Cabbage Patch. The underwater terrain varies - a wide variety of drop-offs, tunnels and rainbow coloured bommies. The dives are either from a fixed spot or drift dives depending on the conditions. Depths vary from 45 to 120 feet ( 15 to 39 meters).

2008 DIVE RATES Rates are in US$ per person, and include weights, tanks, boat and guide. All rates exclude 12.5% VAT (taxes). All prices are subject to change without notice, and should be verified at the time of booking.
JEWEL BUBBLE DIVERS		PRICE IN USD$
1-TANK DIVE (incl. weights, tank, boat, guide)		US$ 75.00
2-TANK DIVE (incl. weights, tank, boat, guide)		US$115.00
NIGHT DIVE (incl. spotlight), minimum of 2 divers		US$ 90.00
DAY TRIP (3 dives and lunch), minimum of 4 divers		US$185.00
DIVE COURSES
DISCOVER SCUBA DIVING (incl. equipment)		US$100.00
OPEN WATER DIVER (incl. equipment)		US$460.00
REFERRAL COURSE (incl. equipment)		US$300.00
ADVANCED OPEN WATER DIVER		US$330.00
MEDICAL FIRST AID		US$145.00
DIVE PACKAGES
3 DIVE DAYS (2-morning dives)		US$330.00
4 DIVE DAYS (2-morning dives)		US$425.00
5 DIVE DAYS (2-morning dives)		US$510.00
6 DIVE DAYS (2-morning dives)		US$610.00
EQUIPMENT RENTAL
Regulator with dive computer		US$ 10.00
BCD with weight belts		US$ 10.00
Wetsuit		US$ 7.00
Complete Equipment		US$20.00

Rates are in US$ per person, and include weights, tanks, boat and guide. All rates exclude 12.5% VAT (taxes). All prices are subject to change without notice, and should be verified at the time of booking.