Kadavu

Photo courtesy Matana Resort/ Dive Kadavu

Kadavu is the fourth largest island in the Fiji group and is approximately 35 minutes flight southeast from Nadi. It is an island of awe inspiring volcanic mountains and miles of untouched beaches. It is yet to be discovered by tourists and maintains its traditional Fijian village way of life. The Kadavu inhabitants believe that the Octopus God made a deal with the Shark God to protect them from shark attack. You’re unlikely to find octopus or shark on the menu here.

The Great Astrolabe Reef is the diving drawcard here, and it runs for 100km. There is a huge variety of dive sites, from passages to pinnacles, hard and soft coral outcrops, and many accessible manta ray cleaning stations. You can see eagle rays, large groupers and napoleon wrasse and other big animals.

Please note that there are no banks on Kadavu so you will need to bring cash with you. Hotels can sometimes exchange AUD notes in small amounts, and take Visa and Mastercard.

Matava Resort

Set amidst lush tropical surroundings and just a two hour boat ride from the Kadavu airport lies Matava Resort, offering traditional-style Ocean View and Honeymoon Bures with private facilities. The hotel has an on-site restaurant priding itself on the exceptional quality organic food, much of which is produced from their own gardens. Known as “Fiji’s premier eco adventure resort”, Matava has plenty of activities including kayaking, birdwatching, snorkelling and diving on both the Astrolabe Reef and the house reef, trekking to villages and waterfalls, sport fishing and seasonal whale and dolphin watching. Mad Fish Divers will take you to the fabulous dive sites.

Matana Resort

Matana Resort

Just 15 minutes boat ride from the Kadavu airport, Matana Resort accommodates up to 24 guests in traditional Fijian bures with private bathrooms, verandahs and direct beach access. The many activities include birdwatching, kayaking, swimming, sunset cruises, school visits and waterfall treks. If you are lucky, the village elders may invite you to visit their village, and you are welcome to join the church service on Sundays. Dive Kadavu, the onsite dive centre, will take you to fantastic dive sites only 5-15 minutes away. One special dive here is the Manta Encounter, where manta rays have been seen with wingspans up to 2.5.