First time in Fiji: I have some questions :)

Hi All,

I'm travelling to Fiji for two weeks in June, with a companion. We are attending a wedding in/around Nadi, so the trip is revolving around that area. We have 3 free days starting off (staying in/around Nadi, but can use the time however), then several days of wedding activities, then about 5 days to ourselves to go and do/stay anywhere.

From the research I've done, the consensus seems to be "get off of the main island." For the first 3 free days, I'm thinking of taking day cruises out of Nadi bay, out to different islands -- possibly using "South Sea Cruises." I really want good snorkeling, and some of the smaller islands look to be the best destinations for that. For the last 5 days, I've reserved (though can cancel; haven't paid anything yet) a stay at a resort on Natadola beach (Yatule resort). From what I could find, that's the best beach to stay at on the main island.

So my main questions are as follows:

1) Any suggestions on how those 3 days should be spent, being based out of Nadi? Are day cruises a good idea, and is there any other service I should look at for that?

2) Is there a good option for going to a resort off of the main island? How would you rate the Natadola beach/coral coast area? The main reason I chose Yatule resort, is that we got it for about $200 USD a night for both of us. Any resort option off of the main island, when you included ferry costs as well, seemed to just get way too expensive (like $350-$450 a night, for anywhere that was a step up from a hostel). Any recommendations there?

3) When I travel, I like to rent a scooter/moped to get around and see more of the place I'm at. From what I can see, people say the roads are awful and the traffic is dangerous. Is that a bad idea to rent one, to travel and explore more of the main island? Should I rent a car instead? Or just use taxis? Or is exploring the main island a waste of time altogether?

Thank you for all of your help, guys and girls!

I haven't been to that specific resort, but anywhere on the coral coast is somewhat let down by the fact that the beach is mostly just coral (ie, not very comfortable to lay about on). There are pockets of nice beach, but it's pretty limited.

You can definitely find some places that are cheaper than $300 per night that aren't hostels. I'd recommend looking at options in The Yasawas.

I have been Fiji two times.

Yes, staying off the main island is true. If you have three days, go and stay in one of the island resort instead of the main island. The island resorts seem expensive but it's worthy. Here is why:

If you stay on the main island and do day trips to the outlying islands for snorkeling, the boating time is total 4 hrs roundtrip. Snorkeling time maybe 2-3 hrs only. The trips are expensive ( USD 100-200) themselves as well. Adding up the hotel cost on the main island. It is more expensive than staying on the outlying island.

Therefore, moneywise you won't save much if staying on the main island. But you will enjoy more staying on the small islands.

Enjoy your trip.