Instant Reader Report
on Marlin Bay Divers / Marlin Bay Resort in
Fiji / [N/A] on
2002/06
by
Jerre B. Sadler , Florida, USA
Report Number 020827173009550

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 [Unspecified]Palau/Yap, Red Sea, Cozumel, Xel Ha, Cayman Islands, Roatan,
Dry Tortugas, Bahamas, Florida(salt/fresh), N. Carolina 

Dive Conditions

[Unspecified]Only common sense restrictions. Could use computer without
interference  

[None]No real dedicated area for camera folks but did have a camera rinse
tank on board. No film processing on the island I was aware of. Boat crew
assisted camera folks on and off. Very careful with all gear.   

Overall Rating

[None]This is easily the most professionally run dive resort and dive
operation I have encountered in my 18 years of diving. The resort staff
are dedicated to your relaxation and enjoyment on land and there is
virtually nothing you could desire that they would not instantly try to
make happen for you. The tropical setting is truly stunning and the
physical plant itself is top notch. There are numerous things to do on the
island for non-divers including shelling, snorkeling, hiking, photography,
fishing, surfing, mongoose watching, birds and butterflies, kayaking,
village and school visits, and getting to know the very genuine and
incredibly curious Fijians. The bures are way more than I expected and the
cleaning staff is always there but you never seem to see them. The
restaurant and staff are also top notch serving breakfast, lunch, and
dinner and snacks if you just gotta have them. The desserts are memorable.
A full range of beverages is always available. The dive operation personnel
are quick to help with anything and the dive boats are modern, clean,
fairly quick, and easy to get into and out of. You go to the dive
platform, your gear is brought to you, and you go diving. Good ladders
help you out of the water with your gear on, or off being handled by the
captain, dive masters, or crew. Tanks are changed for you. You can get as
much or as little help as you need or want without complaint. Dive masters
know the dive sites well and make sure that you do also before you hit the
water. Corals are in good shape, tropicals/macro are everywhere to be
seen, carpet anemones with their resident clownfish abound, octopi and
small squid can be seen, sharks are here and there, grouper and snapper
and the entire gamut of western Pacific marine life are here with the
exception of mantas. We were there in the beginning of their winter so the
water was cooler and rougher and occasional currents could surprise you at
tide change. Air temps ranged from mid-70's to mid-80's with an occasional
rain shower. It can be buggy at dusk and into the evening but bug spray is
always available from staff. The 10 hour flight from Los Angeles arriving
at dawn, followed by the 3 hour bus and boat ride to the resort can leave
you shell-shocked but you have just arrived in paradise. No phones, no
computers, no fax's, no TV's, no radios, no roads, and no need for stress.
Shop and conduct yourself carefully on the big island though. Don't wear
your sparkly jewelry, watch your wallet/purse, and use standard traveler's
common-sense. You are back in the real world on the big island. My wife and
I would go back in a heartbeat and that would be my recommendation to you.  

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