Traveling to Fiji in Nov. Two well travelled, somewhat frugal travellers - 50+ active females - who LOVE to snorkel. Recommendations? Places to stay/snorkel? Enjoy laid-back Fiji culture, fresh food. Have 2 weeks…how do you recommend breaking up the schedule? Thanks for ideas…

I’m going to Fiji for the first time next March. Also I’m my 50’s and been doing my research. Check out Barefoot Manta resort. I hear the snorkelling is good there. We are going for 3 weeks and want to do a couple of islands and then the mainland. I’ve also checked out Barefoot Kuata resort. If you get a Bula pass with the catamaran ferry you can travel between islands. I’ve also looked at the Coral Coast on the mainland for nice beaches. I hope this helps.

Alana thanks!!!

Alana I just got back from Fiji and my favourite place was barefoot manta. We had a beachfront accommodation on the sunrise beach… Which is where the best coral snorkelling is. This is a conservation area… With a full-time marine biologist. Did free snorkel dives with him in the morning.  Right in front of your lovely hut… Was amazing, coral reef… One of the healthiest I’ve seen in the world. We also really loved octopus resort for the first few nights… (arrived at 5:30 AM… Octopus arranged for the transfer from the airport to the marina onto the ferry to the Resort). So Totally skipped the mainland. Also had and a few nights up at the blue lagoon area was an amazing trip… Easy to do 4 islands in two weeks. Bula pass is not worth it unless you’re moving every day.

Karen that’s awesome!! Thank you for the very detailed update. We have booked a beachfront bure in both Barefoot Manta and Barefoot Kuata. We decided against the Bula pass and let Barefoot Manya book our ferry tickets and transportation from the Gateway hotel. You are right it’s not worth the Bula pass since we are only two of the smaller islands. We will spend the remaining time on the mainland in an Airbnb in Pacific Harbour. We have booked a car rental so we can do our own exploring. We are excited to do a lot of snorkelling on Barwfoot Manta. Glad you enjoyed.

Alana one suggestion is to pick up alcohol if you want at the marina before you board the ferry… to save some money. Also bottled water. But we didn’t pick up too much because we didn’t want to haul it (we did get coconut rum… So then we could order virgin drinks and add it ourselves:). -And found we made better drinks ourselves. The water is drinkable on the islands… They filter the seawater… but we preferred bottled mostly. 
Do take in the Coral lecture that the marine biologist offers… It’s very good ! Enjoy!!!

Karen great tips!! Thank you

We just got back couple weeks ago and posted a trip report. We loved Mango Bay Resort Fiji

Jeanne Hi! Where can i find your Fiji trip report? cheers

Amanda https://www.facebook.com/groups/153440611357167/permalink/6465770713457427/?mibextid=Nif5oz

Thank you!!

send you a dm

The Beach House is amazing!!!! If you like a place that is super low key, amazing fresh food, very laid back chill vibe, locals who will take you to see and do everything. It's incredible. Highly recommend it as a place to start or end your trip before heading to an out island. It was my second trip to Fiji and one of my fav places to stay.

https://www.fijibeachouse.com/
FIJIBEACHOUSE.COM
Fiji Beachouse beach resort budget accommodation Coral Coast backpackers hostel

Crystal thank you… This is exactly the kind of place that I enjoy!

Charlotte Binns

Travelled in Feb/March. 60+ active couple, very much enjoyed snorkelling across the road from the Bedarra Beach Inn for the 9 days we were there. Wonderful small hotel, great people.
We then spent 5 nights in Levuka on Ovalau - it's the historic capital of Fiji and, for us, was 100% perfect in every way but it's certainly not for everyone - especially if you're looking for great snorkelling.
I did quite a lengthy post in this forum when we returned, detailing things. If you're interested you could look it up or DM me for further info.

Tracy thanks so much… I’ll look up your post!  Much appreciated!

Check out Matamanoa Island for a week. Amazing