DIVE INFORMATION & DEPARTURE DATES

DEPARTURE DATES 2008

March 23rd, April 20th, May 18th, June 22nd, July 20th, August 17th, September 21st, October 19th, November 23rd & December 21st 

MARINE LIFE
Turtles:
Of seven remaining marine turtle species in the world, four are found in Fiji. The Green, Hawksbill, Leatherback and Olive Ridley. We have been given information by the local community that there is a small Hawksbill nesting population on the island, therefore we will be conducting a viability study to see whether the population size is sufficient to merit a turtle-monitoring and conservation programme.

Cetaceans:
The deep, nutrient rich waters of central Fiji support a variety of whale and dolphins. Pilot Whales, Minke Whales, Spinner and Bottlenose Dolphins are all seen in the area, as well as migrating Humpbacks (seasonal).  

Manta Rays:
These poorly studied creatures can have a wingspan of over 6 metres and are incredible to watch underwater. Their graceful movements and apparent indifference to divers make them a spectacular site.

Fish:
There are over 1,200 species of fish, more than enough to keep you mesmerised for the entire duration of your trip!

Sharks:
There are Whitetip and Blacktip reef sharks on the inner reef. Outside the reef there may be exciting opportunities to see Bull, Tiger and Hammerhead sharks.

DIVE TRAINING
For this project we require all our volunteers to hold the PADI Advanced Open Water (AOW) qualification (or an equivalent qualification from other recognised scuba diving bodies).

NOT A DIVER YET?
That's fine! If you're not currently a qualified scuba diver you can still join the team, and train with QUEST in Levuka at no extra cost! We offer set departure dates, so all non-divers (or Open Water Divers) will complete their PADI Open Water and/or Advanced Open Water qualification, in the first ten days upon arrival in Fiji, whilst the certified divers enjoy recreational dives and have the option to gain a PADI Speciality Qualification - all included within the cost of the Project.

Dive Provider
Quest Underseas chose Ovalau Watersports because they are a professional and safety conscious Dive Operation that have a vested interest in the ongoing protection and conservation of the local marine environment. The owner and Chief Instructor, Norbert, is also very keen on macro-marine life and expert at finding the small, fascinating creatures that most divers wouldn't even notice. He is therefore the ideal person to train new divers as his approach to training produces careful, attentive divers with excellent buoyancy skills who understand responsible dive practices.

TASTER DIVE
If you have never dived before then we ask all volunteers to try a ‘taster dive' before they join the project. Call Chris to find out more 01444 474744 or email chris@questunderseas.com