Known in the colonial days for its prodigious coconut plantations, today Taveuni is a landmark for divers. Beneath the surface of the sea lies an incredible eco-system that rivals the rich biodiversity found on land. Fed by nutrients that emerge from the depths of the Tongan trench, Taveuni is famous for its multitude of reef fish. However, if there is one trademark or signature species in the area, it is soft coral, which billows and undulates in the currents. Soft coral comes in dramatic, often electric hues of orange, red, pink, and white-fringed by purple.
Aqua-Trek Taveuni dives the Somosomo Strait, a narrow waterway located between Taveuni and Vanua Levu. Scuba diving in the Somosomo Strait is said to be "... unequaled anywhere else in the world". Along the southeast shore of Vanua Levu one will find a barrier reef continually fed by microorganisms washed in by the currents which are driven by the narrowing of the funnel-like strait. Protruding into the strait from the Vanua Levu side is the magnificent Rainbow Reef. Here one can find one of the most famous dive sites in the South Pacific, the Great White Wall. There are a number of other world-class dive sites located throughout the area and new attractions are found all the time. It is estimated that divers have explored only 3% of the entire reef system in the Taveuni area.
Dives offered
Garden Island Resort is on the north coast of Taveuni, which happens to be directly offshore from the Somosomo Strait. The distance of the sites ranges from 10 to 20 minutes by boat. A typical dive involves mooring, briefing, descent down a line, and a guided tour. Drift dives are done when site and tides are favorable.
Specialized Facilities
Photographers will enjoy having a full-service photo center with E6 processing on site as well as dedicated rinse tanks. Camera rental and film sales are also available. Nitrox divers are encouraged to take advantage of the only dive center on Taveuni offering Nitrox. There are also Nitrox regulators for rental, and courses in enriched air diving are available. A small retail sales section offers diving accessories and souvenirs.
COURSES OFFERED
Discover Scuba Diving Course: This two-hour introduction to diving is aimed at the neophyte who has never donned a wet suit. You will learn how to breathe with the aid of scuba gear, and experience enough to come back for more.
PADI Open Water Certification Course: This four-day course will earn you the world's most recognized diving certification. Here you will learn all the requisite skills to enable you to dive with confidence anywhere on the planet.
Further Dive Courses: As a PADI 5 Star Gold Palm Resort, Garden Island Resort teaches all PADI courses up to Divemaster.
