Description
Accessible only by boat, Dolphin Bay Divers Retreat is a dream destination for divers and non-divers alike. Located on the legendary Rainbow Reef, in Fiji’s Somosomo Strait, minutes away from Fiji’s Garden Island Taveuni and one of the top 10 dive sites in the world, the famous white wall, divers can enjoy some spectacular marine life including turtles, sharks, soft corals and a multitude of tropical fish. For non-divers, this is the relaxing holiday you’ve been seeking with lovely beach walks, hiking, snorkeling, kayaking, bird watching or simply swinging in a hammock.
Looking for a romantic getaway with a difference? Dolphin Bay Divers Retreat is perfect for couples wishing to indulge in traditional Fiji-style accommodation, intimate dinners on a palm-lined beach, gorgeous ocean views, and complete privacy. Let us help you plan your dream tropical wedding or honeymoon.
Your beach-front accommodation is surrounded by rain forest, coconut trees, and the ocean. There are no venomous animals here, even though the vast vegetation provides a natural habitat for mongoose, frogs, fruit bats, birds, mosquitoes, and other critters.
With a maximum of 12 guests and our own restaurant and bar, our staff will ensure your comfort and a true Fijian experience.
We are a PADI IRRA resort with dive shop on the premises. Our instructor and Divemaster speak German as well as English and make sure your dive experience will be whatever level diver you are.
Location
Located on Vanua Levu, but just a 15 minute boat ride away from Fiji’s Garden Island Taveuni, we are right in the heart of one of the top 10 dives site of the world. There are daily flights on Pacific Sun as well as several ferries from Suva and Lautoka. Take the scenic route from Savusavu or the short route through Taveuni. it will be well worth it.
Accommodation
At Dolphin Bay Divers Retreat choose between four bure with private facilities or Jungle Tents with double or single beds and shared facilities. All accommodation is ocean front, only meters from the beach. There is no road or car noise, just the sounds of the rain forest and ocean waves to lull you to sleep. All accommodation is non-smoking; you are welcome to smoke outside.
TRADITIONAL BURE: Our bure are made of bamboo and hard wood in traditional Fijian style with private bathroom facilities and Mosquito Screens on the windows. The Queen, double and single beds have comfortable mattresses and Mosquito nets to guarantee a good night’s sleep. For rainwater collection the roof is not made from reeds or natural materials. Solar Lights or romantic kerosene lambs will guide you in the evening.
Jungle TENT: Be adventurous and stay in a jungle tent (large room with standing head space) either with a double bed, or for the single traveler, a smaller version with a single bed, all with comfortable mattresses and mosquito screens on the windows for your comfort. The Jungle tents share two showers and two toilets and have romantic kerosene lambs.
Dining & Entertainment
Diving makes you hungry, so we take our meals seriously. Maritina and Aqela prepare delicious meals from scratch every day and Risi our baker provides you with freshly baked bread and no calorie :-) desserts every day. We use fresh organic vegetables from our garden and fresh meat and fish whenever possible. Choose from two different meal plans. Meals are usually served family style on the veranda or the beach, but we can also cater for romantic dinners and picnics. We offer a mix of Asian, European, and Fijian dishes. If you have specific dietary needs, such as vegetarian, please let us know in advance. Lovo, the traditional Fijian feast prepared in an earth oven, is one of our specials and can be arranged in advance. Dolphin Bay Divers Retreat enjoys a bar as well and happy hour specials change daily. Sip a glass of wine in your hammock and enjoy the view!
Facilities
There are no discos, stores or public transport nearby. We go by dolphin time (FST+ 1 hour during the winter months). Power comes from solar and generators and hot water from the sun. You won’t find air conditioning or a refrigerator in your tent or bure, but there is a fan and the natural breeze of the ocean outside. we do have Telephones, and Internet is available during generator hours.
Activities
If you still have energy after diving, there are many things you can do. Enjoy languid afternoons relaxing at our secluded retreat: lay in a hammock, snorkel the bay, walk on our pristine beach, hike to the top of the mountain or simply enjoy being away from it all. Do a shore dive, rent a kayak and explore the reef, or hike through the forest to the next bay. Or spend a day or two exploring Fiji’s Garden Island.
We also provide trips to Kios Island which is a very unique setting. Located about 40 minutes by boat from us, it is settles by Tuvalens who bought the island in 1947. The still have their own traditions, language and customs. Their fatelle, traditional dance is very powerful and not to be missed.
TAVEUNI TRIPS AND TOURS: Meet your drivers Kamal and Eddie; they will be your guides for trips and tours around Taveuni. Visit the dateline, tour Bouma National Heritage Park, hike the Lavena Coastal Walk, go horse riding or just watch the sunset over the Somosomo straight from the mountain top.
Whatever you fancy, we’ll help you discover Taveuni. Ask us about combining a stay at Dolphin Bay Resort with a couple of nights at Taveuni Guesthouse.
Diving
Witness the diversity of Fiji’s marine life: turtles, sharks, soft corals, and dozens of tropical fish. We are the only dive resort on this side of the Rainbow reef, dive - between 5-10 minutes to all the sites. Every morning, except Sundays, the dolphin 1 goes out for a 2 tank dive. With more than 30 dive sites there is something for everyone. We are called the soft coral capital of the world, but we also have beautiful tropical fish and sharks to make your dive an experience you will not forget. Shore dives and Night dives can be done daily in addition of the boat dives upon prior booking. We have English and German speaking instructor and Dive Masters and as PADI IRRA resort provide full dive shop services.
Weddings
Planning your big day, but want something especially romantic? Get married in Fiji at our stunning beach retreat! Dolphin Bay Divers Retreat has hosted several weddings and they all went without a hitch. In fact, one couple decided to tie the knot on the spur of the moment and we organized the ceremony in just a few days! We can help you arrange the legal paperwork, Celebrant or priest to conduct the ceremony, Outfits - get married in traditional Fijian garb!, Sumptuous feast, Decorations, ... and Romantic setting. We can cater for up to 14 people or bring your own tents, so invite your favorite family and friends.
Groups & Conferences
We have been called a healing place, great for relaxing, healing and getting back in touch with yourself. With a maximum capacity for 14 guests, you can rent the whole resort for your special event or diving adventure! Group rates are available upon request and your own tents are welcome as well!
Dive Sites
Fiji’s Rainbow Reef and the Somosomo Strait provide some of the greatest dive sites in the world. Many of the dives are drift dives, taking you past walls of soft corals and colourful fish. Dive sites are dependent on the current and weather, so we decide each morning where we’ll go. With more than 30 sites just minutes away, you’re guaranteed an exceptional dive. Our favourites include HOUSE REEF (nudibranchs, black tip reef sharks, great night dive, snorkeling), CORAL GARDEN (close by, good snorkeling,nice hard corals), WHITE WALL (one of the top 10 dive sites in the world & 10 mins away by boat, white soft corals, tunnels, advanced drift dive, 30m), PURPLE WALL (purple soft corals), JERRY’S JELLY (soft corals, napoleons, reef sharks, blue ribbon eels).. and MORE!!
Dive Equipment
We have a full IRRA PADI diveshop with complete gear for hire,3mm and 5mm wetsuits, booties, computers, etc. Our gauges are metric as well as in feet and PSI, so you can take your pick. Our equipment varies as it is continuously updated.
The Vessel
"Dolphin 1" is a 20’ aluminum dive boat which can hold six divers plus crew. She is equipped with two 75HP Yamaha engines and standard first aid kits, oxygen bottle and marine radio communication. Our licensed captain, Apex, knows the sites like the back of his hand and will take good care of you.
Dive Courses
Not diving yet? No problem. With a PADI dive shop on the premises and 2 instructors, you’re in good hands and will find everything you need to feel comfortable under water. All courses are taught in English or German and we also have a German-speaking PADI Dive Master and instructor on site. Our bay is ideal for PADI Discover, Refresher or PADI Open Water courses.
We teach all PADI SCUBA courses from our fully equipped dive shop in English or German. COSTS (excluding materials) are as follows: Discover Scubadiving FJ$150, Refresher Course FJ$150, Open Water Certification (4-6 day course) FJ$650, PADI Open Water referral FJ$350, Advanced Open Water (2 day course) FJ600, Emergency First Response (EFR) FJ$, PADI Rescue FJ$700, and Dive Master FJ$1950. Specialty Courses: Underwater Digital Photography, FJ $ rates include VAT and taxes.
Snorkelling
You will find some of the most beautiful and healthy hard and soft corals on our reefs. Some of them are accessible right off our beach. Hop on the dive boat if there is room and the site is re will be someone on the boat to watch you at all times. You can also hire the boat to go out or take a kayak to one of the snorkel sites or simply walk over the mountain and snorkel back. There are many nice beaches you can snorkel off in walking distance.
Restaurant
