In the following years I would like to take a trip to the tropical Pacific. Now here's the question...GBR vs the magnificent Fiji. The main factor is the dangers of each. Sharks, Jellies, and Currents. In which place are sharks less aggressive/there are less aggressive species. Jellies, not too concerned but still a factor. And the current. Anyone have any insights to these??? Thanks!
Dive Trip: GBR vs FIJI
- Thread starter ferg822
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edr42
New member
The main difference between these two places would be the terrestrial experience; the GBR is best done with a 4 day to 2 week liveaboard trip running out from Cairns of Townsville. These are fantastic, but are totally ship based and well offshore on the outer reefs.
Fiji is more island based, with shorter trips and land based diving available. The question is really whether you want to spend your time out of the water on a boat or an island.
Personally i'd go for a good long trip on the GBR, but i'm biased
I'm sure Fiji is also completely brilliant, and you will not be disappointed no matter which you choose.
Sharks are a non-issue, harmless unless you are spectacularly unlucky (and probably a bit stupid as well). They are also great to dive with, especially on night dives when the white tips come out to hunt on the reef.
The only concern with jellies would be the box jellyfish, and irukanjii, which are both in northern australian waters between around october to april or so. They are also confined to inshore waters and are not an issue on the reef because they are largely absent, and you are almost totally protected with wetsuit, boots, etc.
Ultimately, its a question of personal taste, both are brilliant.
Fiji is more island based, with shorter trips and land based diving available. The question is really whether you want to spend your time out of the water on a boat or an island.
Personally i'd go for a good long trip on the GBR, but i'm biased
I'm sure Fiji is also completely brilliant, and you will not be disappointed no matter which you choose.
Sharks are a non-issue, harmless unless you are spectacularly unlucky (and probably a bit stupid as well). They are also great to dive with, especially on night dives when the white tips come out to hunt on the reef.
The only concern with jellies would be the box jellyfish, and irukanjii, which are both in northern australian waters between around october to april or so. They are also confined to inshore waters and are not an issue on the reef because they are largely absent, and you are almost totally protected with wetsuit, boots, etc.
Ultimately, its a question of personal taste, both are brilliant.
ReefingBuddha
New member
I highly highly recommend Fiji. After diving Hurghada over New Years I realized just how special of a place Fiji is. The crowds in Hurghada were ridiculous and I've heard that a lot of the GBR is even worse, unfortunately I can't tell you more about the GBR from personal experience but I can tell you about Fiji.
I actually learned to Dive there and had a fantastic time. The people are great and the underwater world was unbelievable. On my first dive I saw a few moray eels and a few green sea turtles. On my second I saw group of 4 Manta Rays! On my 5th I ran into 2 bull sharks and a monster Tiger. Truly an exceptional diving experience and I never had more then 6 people on any dive spot. Usually there were only 4 of us.
If you do Fiji check out Seashell Cove. It is a small place that is known for its Scuba and Surfing and has some of the nicest people ever. Last time I was there I stay for free and just had to run the booze cruise at night. The diving is right off shore and the rates are extremely reasonable.
I actually learned to Dive there and had a fantastic time. The people are great and the underwater world was unbelievable. On my first dive I saw a few moray eels and a few green sea turtles. On my second I saw group of 4 Manta Rays! On my 5th I ran into 2 bull sharks and a monster Tiger. Truly an exceptional diving experience and I never had more then 6 people on any dive spot. Usually there were only 4 of us.
If you do Fiji check out Seashell Cove. It is a small place that is known for its Scuba and Surfing and has some of the nicest people ever. Last time I was there I stay for free and just had to run the booze cruise at night. The diving is right off shore and the rates are extremely reasonable.
ReefingBuddha
New member
pm with your phone number if you would like to know more.
Good luck deciding.
Good luck deciding.
mightyreefer
New member
I haven't been to GBR would love to someday, but I also learned how to dive in Fiji. an amazing world which inspired me to start my reef aquarium and continue diving. Now I just have to figure out how I'm going to get back there.
I would bet that you won't regret the choice no matter what you choose. I just wish I was in your predicament. What a rough decision to have to make.
I would bet that you won't regret the choice no matter what you choose. I just wish I was in your predicament. What a rough decision to have to make.
ReefingBuddha
New member
Fiji inspired me to start my first reef tank as well. Took me a year or two to realize but if I think back now its what sparked my interest in the first place.
Been there, done that. Both are excellent. Both are best done from live aboards. Land based diving in Fiji would be difficult to get to the really great sites. Currents are a bit more of a factor in Fiji but with the currents come the colors and sharks. I don't think one could go wrong with either.
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