Gap Year Fiji

Programmes in Fiji

Fiji - UNESCO Seascape Plan

Working in partnership with the Wildlife Conservation Society, you will be surveying the reefs surrounding this remote South Pacific island in order to create a UNESCO Seascape multi-use reserve. Diver training is available for those that require it and survey dives are carried out around twice per day. When you're not diving you can explore the island, venture off to the local village, swim, sunbathe and simply enjoy being at this lovely, remote beachside location!

Guide

Location

Fiji is perhaps one of the furthest destinations from the UK - an ideal spot to get away from it all! You will be based on an island called Nasonisoni - it is situated just off the larger island of Vanua Levu.

Vanua Levu is about 160Km from the largest island in Fiji. It is the second most populated island with major industries being coconut plantations, sugarcane and fishing. The whole area around the island (including Nasonisoni) is popular for its reefs and scuba diving adventures, archeological sites, kayaking and hiking.

Nasonisoni is largely an undeveloped island and has one major village - about 20 minutes by boat from our base. The bures (huts) are located on the beach front and are sheltered by lime, coconut and orange trees. It really is quite primative out here and it's a remote and secluded part of this world!

Dive Centre

This is not your usual "standard" dive centre. It has been custom-built for all you volunteers. There is a compressor for filling all the tanks and a sheltered area where we keep all the equipment. There's a fresh water tank for rinsing your kit and a small open-air classroom for PADI tuition and marine conservation lessons.

Diving in the area

Diving in Fiji is often world class - there are many beautiful and exciting dive sites around the islands. To give you an idea of the underwater world you can expect in Fiji, during your stay you will defintely see wonderful soft corals, several species of shark, all sorts of rays, turtles, lion fish, eels, tutrtles and so much more.

All diving takes place in the stunning un-commercial waters near the camp, meaning volunteers work within undisturbed marine habitats creating some of the best dive opportunities in the world.

Accommodation

You live in traditional grass ‘bures’. The bures are under palm trees on the beach which overlook the Pacific Ocean - a stunning location.

The ‘bures’ are built by volunteers and locals. The roof is about 2/3 the entire size of each ‘bure’ which provides ample space and keeps the inner space cool during the day. Windows and doors are also built into each ‘bure’ so that a fresh breeze can constantly come through.

Good reasons to go here...

1. Quite literally on the other side of the world! You are 70 miles from the Meridian.
2. Beach location
3. Live in traditional grass bures on the beach
4. Fijian welcome ceremony!
5. Community work, marine conservation and diving in one.
6. Great weather and diving conditions
7. Chance to dive with sharks, whales, mantas, dolphins, turtlesand much more
8. Chance to get away from it all
9. Close to Australia and New Zealand for onward travels
10. It's good fun!

Country Fact File