Mar 23, 2008

Fiji Dive, Culture and Conservation Programme

Fiji Dive, Culture and Conservation Programme

Fiji Dive, Culture and Conservation Programme


This programme is perfectly suited to scuba diving enthusiasts, beginner or qualified, looking to further their skills and use their diving experience to give something back. At the same time, you will learn all about Fijian culture and be able to relax on the numerous beaches that Fiji is renowned for.

The Programme

This 6-week programme is split into 3 main sections – Cultural Experiences, Scuba Diving and Conservation. However, the programme finishes with a few days relaxing on one of Fiji’s most popular beaches, so you have a holiday week too.

Scuba Diving Course
During the first 2 weeks you will receive your scuba diving training, which will enable you to join the conservation programme and partake in the diving at other points during the programme.

Your training will require you to complete 1 scuba course – either the PADI Open Water Course or the Advanced Open Water Course. If you have already completed these qualifications, you have options for other courses or extra dives instead.

Culture Experience
Also during the first 2 weeks, you will stay with a traditional Fijian village and learn all about the way of life of these amazing friendly people. You will spend half of your time on the scuba courses, with the remainder of your time spent with the village people, in a complete cultural immersion programme.

Conservation Project
The project aims to build an MPA (Marine Protected Area) in Savusavu Bay, Vanua Levu Island. A marine protected area is a place where corals, fish and other marine eco-systems are allowed to flourish without risk of being altered or harmed by man. The research you undertake will support the work of the infamous Jean Michelle Cousteau MPA located nearby.

Location

Savusavu, Vanua Levu, Fiji (locations will vary according to schedule). Fiji is a tropical Island Nation situated in the South of the Pacific Ocean.

Accommodation and Meals

During the programme, you will be accommodated in a mixture of different forms of accommodation, from hostels to a private rented house. Please see further information for more details. Rooms will be shared, based on a mixed or single-sex basis (group determines who they wish to share with.)

Most meals are included during the programme, however, please check the full itinerary for further details. During the conservation programme, volunteers will need to purchase their own lunch each day, which can be done on the way to the dive site each morning. You should budget £2 approximately each day for this.

Relaxation week
The final 4 days of the programme are spent relaxing on the Coral Coast at one of the top backpacker resorts. Accommodation is provided, with up to 6 volunteers staying in a dorm-style lodge.

Meals are not provided during these last few days, so you will need to budget about £6 each day.

This programme is perfectly suited to scuba diving enthusiasts, beginner or qualified, looking to further their skills and use their diving experience to give something back. At the same time, you will learn all about Fijian culture and be able to relax on the numerous beaches that Fiji is renowned for.

The Programme
This 6-week programme is split into 3 main sections – Cultural Experiences, Scuba Diving and Conservation. However, the programme finishes with a few days relaxing on one of Fiji’s most popular beaches, so you have a holiday week too.

Scuba Diving Course
During the first 2 weeks you will receive your scuba diving training, which will enable you to join the conservation programme and partake in the diving at other points during the programme.

Your training will require you to complete 1 scuba course – either the PADI Open Water Course or the Advanced Open Water Course. If you have already completed these qualifications, you have options for other courses or extra dives instead.

http://www.realgap.co.uk/Fiji%20Dive,%20Culture%20and%20Conservation%20Programme

Mar 18, 2008

Fiji Special from Don

We just couldn't let Don pass us by without highlighting some of his photography work here on Kadvau and Matava, as well as around the world.

"Here are some of the beautiful photos of my trip to Fiji with my diving buddy, Martin. His underwater photography is presented in the underwater section. We were so glad to be in this part of the world and for the chance to meet so many wonderful people."

He was kind enough to send us a hard back photo book for the Main Bure and all the staff to see.

Thanks Don, and we wish you all the best in your new Photo Career!

http://members.iinet.com.au/~don.limbh/index.html

The Team at Matava