Orientation
At the start of your programme you will receive a local orientation, to go alongside your predeparture handbook. This orientation will be conducted by one of our programme coordinators, one of the village elders and your Dive Instructor, and will cover the following areas:
- Scuba Course Outline and Criteria: You will be briefed on what the course requirements are and what is expected of you at the assessment stage of each qualification.
- Programme Outline: What to expect at each stage of the programme and some more information about the conservation project.
- Safety: How to keep safe in the local area and how to ensure everyone’s safety whilst on the programme.
- Expected Behaviour: How to ensure you respect the local people and the environment.
- Questions/Answers Session: An opportunity for you to ask any further questions.
Accommodation and Meals
Nadi and Suva
You will be accommodated in backpacker type accommodation for the first four days of the program and spend night 4 on the ferry to Savusavu. Clients arrive at quite different times over the first day so meal provision begins with breakfast on day 2. Breakfast and dinner are provided days 2 – 4.
Village Stay
During the village-stay, you will be accommodated in one of the local houses. Some of these are really basic hut-like buildings, with no power or running water. Some others are basic concrete houses with running water; however, the conditions all add to your authentic Fiji experience, as you will live in the same way as the local people.
All meals are included during this part of the programme. They will be made with locally available products, such as fish, rice and root vegetables. Some meals will be prepared on a group participatory basis, so you can learn the methods of Fijian cooking. It can be difficult to accommodate special dietary needs during this time, as it is only possible to eat the foods available in the local area.
You will need to cover up your legs and shoulders during the village stay. A sarong/long skirt will be necessary for the ladies, as well as t-shirts that cover your shoulders. For the traditional ceremonies, all participants will be required to wear a sulu, which can be bought cheaply during your orientation. It is also customary to present the village chief with a gift of Kava (the local drink) when you first arrive to thank them for having you to stay. There will be the opportunity to buy some Kava on arrival and you should budget about £5 / €7 / US$8 for this.
Please Note: The village conditions are very basic. In some areas there is a generator for electricity, only available for up to 3 hours in the evenings. Showers are also very simple – some villagers use buckets with holes in to shower!
Conservation Placement
During the first week of the conservation programme (Week 2), you will be accommodated in small family-style backpackers near Savusavu town. Volunteers will share rooms, based on a mixed or single-sex basis (the group determines who they wish to share with).
Two meals a day are included during this part of the programme (breakfast and dinner). Meals are made with local ingredients; however, different diets can be catered for. Volunteers will need to purchase their own lunch each day, which can be done on after you get off the boat at the completion of the day’s diving.. You should budget £2 / €2.50 / US$3.20 approximately each day for this.
Houses
During weeks 3 to 5, you’ll be staying in comfortable rental accommodation located on the Korosun side. Here you can relax and prepare all of your meals with the comfort of modern conveniences and you are also encouraged to invite your local friends to come and enjoy the hospitality of the house. All meals are included during these weeks through the provision of grocery monies or directly by FDVC as part of the scheduled activities.
For your final night in Savusavu (day 37), you will return to the backpackers lodge near Savusavu town. This will enable you to enjoy your last night on Vanua Levu and be better placed for the overnight ferry to Suva on day 38. Breakfast and dinner are provided days 37 and 38.
Coral Coast Relaxation/Holiday Days
For the last few days of the programme you will be on the Coral Coast with accommodation provided in an up-market dorm-style lodge. Breakfast and afternoon tea are included days 39 - 41, but you will need to budget about £8 / 10€ / US$13 each day for lunch and an evening meal (except for dinner night 41 which will be provided in Nadi.)
The program ends after the provided breakfast on day 42.
Programme Support
Throughout your programme, you will have the support and supervision of our Scuba Instructors, conservation researchers and coordinators. Each are fully qualified and experienced, and are able to provide you with all the instructional and safety support necessary on a programme like this. They will also provide you with competent assistance and help you with any questions or advice you may need during your stay. The coordinators and programme staff will be on hand throughout the day and will be available to you 24 hours a day if you have any serious problems or emergencies.
In addition, we will provide you with a 24 hour emergency contact number before you depart, so that you can contact one of our UK staff at any time should you need to.
Project Age Limit
Minimum 18 years, maximum decided on potential participants’ health.
Programme Requirement
To be in reasonable health for scuba diving.
