Fiji Dive, Culture and Conservation Programme

This program is completely suited to scuba diving enthusiasts, whether beginner or qualified, who are looking to further their skills and use their diving experience to make a worthwhile contribution to the environment. At the same time, you will have the opportunity to learn all about Fijian culture and have the chance to relax on the numerous beaches that Fiji is renowned for. The Programme This six-week program is split into three main sections –Scuba Diving, Conservation and Cultural Experiences.  Nevertheless, the program ends 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 two weeks you will receive your scuba diving training, which allows you to join the conservation program and partakes in the diving at other points during the program. Your training needs you to complete two scuba courses – either the PADI Open Water Course and the Advanced Open Water Course; or the Advanced Open Water Course and Rescue Diver Course – which option you finish is dependent on whether you already have taken your Open Water Course. Culture Experience Also during your first two weeks, you stay with a traditional Fijian village and learn all about the way of life of these amazing friendly people. You spend half of your time on the scuba courses, with the remaining time spent with the village people, in a complete cultural immersion program. Conservation Project The project’s objective is to build an MPA (Marine Protected Area) in Savusavu Bay, Vanua Levu Island. Marine protected areas are places where fish, corals and other marine eco-systems are allowed to flourish without risk of being harmed or altered by man.  Location Savusavu, Vanua Levu, Fiji (locations differ according to schedule). Fiji is a tropical Island Nation located in the South of the Pacific Ocean. Accommodation and Meals During the diving and conservation program, you will be accommodated in the small Daku resort, Savusavu Bay. Rooms will have two-three volunteers sharing, based on a mixed or single-sex basis (group can determines how they want to arrange this)  Most meals are incorporated into the program, however, please see the full itinerary for more details. During the conservation program, volunteers will be required to purchase their own lunch every day, which you do on the way to the dive site every morning. You should budget £2 approximately every day for this. Relaxation week The final four days of the program are spent relaxing on the Coral Coast at one of the top backpacker resorts.  Accommodation is provided, and up to six volunteers stay in a dorm-style lodge. Meals aren’t provided on these last few days, so you should budget about £6 every day.     Programme Overview Price: $4259/€3249 How to book & pay: Secure with $339/€259 deposit. The balance is due 10 wks before departure. What is included? Donation to the programme Airport transfers All accommodation Most Meals Travel Insurance 2 PADI Scuba Qualifications All Equipment and resources Fijian cultural experience Further Scuba Dives Holiday week (4-5 days) 24-hour support Pre-departure assistance What is not included? International flights Any necessary visas Items of a personal nature Any additional trips Internet access or calls Programme Summary: Vanua Levu offers some of the best diving in Fiji. Considering Fiji has over 300 islands to choose from that is quite an accomplishment! Programme start dates: 2007: October 19th   2008: Jan 4th, February 22nd, June 27th, August 15th, October 24th