Beqa Lagoon (pronounced Ben-ga) lies between Pacific Harbour and Beqa Island(made famous by the Firewalkers) on the southern side of Viti Levu,about 2.5 hours from Nadi Airport.
Beqa Lagoon is a protected Marine reserve and thus sees great fish populations,which really makes the diving a magical experience.Both the villages and the dive operators have worked hard to ensure that this conservation area is maintained and a small levy from your Shark Dive cost goes directly to the village responsible for protection of the reef.
The diving is absolutely awesome, from the Shark Dive (the Shark Dive is a feed run by Aqua-Trek Beqa), where you can see up to 8 species of Shark on one dive (including Bull Sharks with a chance of Tiger Sharks turning up!) and a huge variety of large fish such as giant trevally,rainbow runners and the occasional Queensland grouper, to the fantastic soft coral diving with healthy reef fish populations, beautiful coral and abundant macro life including nudibranchs of all shapes and sizes and beautiful blue ribbon eels, all of which create fantastic photo opportunities. There is always something to see, so whatever you do dont blink!
The diving is done by boat and generally 2 tank dives from a morning start and the dive operators do absolutely everything for you(except the diving!).
There are a number of hotels in the area,as well as apartments,so you can find a range of accommodation to suit your needs.
Pacific Harbour is the adventure capital of Fiji, so there a number of activities available including diving, white water rafting, jetski hire, kayaking, water skiing as well as surfing (at the world famous Frigates Pass). You can also hier boats for fishing trips and chances for big Game fishing.
Locally you can see Firewalkers at the Arts Village, take a trip up the Navua river (about 19km inland) through tropical rainforest, with beautiful and refreshing waterfalls to visit a traditional Fijian village where you really get an insight into Fijian life or take a trip to Suva (Fiji's capital about 51km away) to see remains of 'the Bounty' at the museum or just enjoy shopping.
Overall a wonderful place that you can either just kick your shoes off and enjoy a peaceful time or really go out for adrenalin filled adventure, both though with the most warm and friendly people you could wish for.
Gary Curtis Aug'07
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