Fiji: Jewel of the South Pacific

lundysd · Post by **lundysd** » Mon Apr 02, 2012 1:39 pm

As some of you know, I just returned from a fabulous trip to Fiji. We spent 7 days on the less populated island of Vanua Levu, and I dove on both local sites and at the world-renowned Namena Marine Reserve. The diving was spectacular, and the diversity of life was truly staggering. From big stuff like hammerheads and groupers to small stuff like nudibranchs and shrimp, there is something there for any type of diver. I dove with Koro Sun Dive shop (http://www.korosundive.com/) and found them to be incredibly helpful and great company. I have placed up a full gallery of photos on my website at:

http://www.raptureofthedeep.net/fijidive/

Enjoy!

Raydar · Post by **Raydar** » Mon Apr 02, 2012 1:47 pm

Incredible pics, Scott.

Question regarding the diver: Where's his drysuit and hood?

lundysd · Post by **lundysd** » Mon Apr 02, 2012 2:03 pm

Ray, despite what you may have been told, there is indeed diving in the world that does not require a drysuit (or even a wetsuit!).

I don't know why anyone would want to dive it, but it is there.

Actually I must admit that I've always been a "cold water" guy -- if pressed I would always say I prefer cold water to warm water destinations. At least I would've said that before this trip....

Scott

Raydar · Post by **Raydar** » Mon Apr 02, 2012 2:06 pm

lundysd wrote:Ray, despite what you may have been told, there is indeed diving in the world that does not require a drysuit (or even a wetsuit!).

Huh, will wonders never cease?

Jan K · Post by **Jan K** » Mon Apr 02, 2012 3:57 pm

I really enjoyed the gallery slide show.
From the wide angle to macro, beautiful, inspiring.

Bric Martin · Post by **Bric Martin** » Mon Apr 02, 2012 4:19 pm

Really beautiful stuff!

Scubie Doo · Post by **Scubie Doo** » Mon Apr 02, 2012 7:07 pm

Very nice. Your photos bring back recent memories of Fiji. Many times I felt sensory overload and you sure captured that beautifully! Great great pictures!

Joshua Smith · Post by **Joshua Smith** » Mon Apr 02, 2012 8:08 pm

Amazing pics, Scott!

Lonestar · Post by **Lonestar** » Mon Apr 02, 2012 8:36 pm

Absolutely awesome!

Penopolypants · Post by **Penopolypants** » Mon Apr 02, 2012 9:01 pm

Gorgeous photos!

BASSMAN · Post by **BASSMAN** » Mon Apr 02, 2012 9:40 pm

Fantastic Slide show!
Above and below the water, I did not realize Fiji was that beautiful!
That night time sky pic was mind blowing as well as many of the uw pics.

Thanks for sharing Scott!

lundysd · Post by **lundysd** » Tue Apr 03, 2012 10:11 am

Thanks for the kind words everyone -- it was a great trip for me, and I can definitely see returning in the future.

oldsalt · Post by **oldsalt** » Tue Apr 03, 2012 5:45 pm

Absolutely wonderful. Since our "want to see list" exceeds our travel budget, my wife and I resolved not to repeat any trips. This resolution flew by the wayside after visiting Fiji. While I went nuts over the diving, we fell in love with the people. It should not be surprising as I was impressed by them in a short stint with the Fijian Navy years ago (another story). Your pictures captured the beauty better than my memory.
Thanks, Curt

lundysd · Post by **lundysd** » Tue Apr 03, 2012 9:23 pm

Curt I totally agree about the people -- I have never met a more friendly and likable bunch than the Fijians I met on this trip.

Driving along the one major road on Savusavu, we noticed a man walking the other way. He was very very well built, shirtless, and carried a machete (the locals say that if you don't have a machete with you, then you're not a man). Needless to say, we were intimidated. As we drove past him with our windows down, he suddenly broke into a huge smile and loudly exclaimed "Bula!" (Fijian for hello!)

Dusty2 · Post by **Dusty2** » Wed Apr 04, 2012 1:02 pm

Absolutely awesome! Scott

There were more ooo's, ahhh's and WOW's than I could count in that slide show!

I think you ought to send a link to the Fiji tourist people. I bet they'd be thrilled with your work. Might even earn a return trip!

Northwest Dive Club