FIJI - South pacific MARINE ADVENTURE

VITAL MARINE CONSERVATION and Learn to dive on this
amazing south pacific island

 

"Come and join our volunteer marine survey groups living on our stunning South Pacific island. Learn to become a PADI Advanced diver and undertake important UNESCO marine surveys."

- James, Expedition Leader - Fiji and Beth, Assistant Scientist, welcome you to Fiji!

On Arrival: We meet you at Nadi - Fiji's international airport. We then head to the capital, Suva.

As no diving or marine experience is required - we fully train you. We undertake your Welcome and Safety briefing here, with a short stay on Veti Levu you have a chance to pick up any last minute items before we head the to our island off Savusavu.

Working in partnership with the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS), Greenforce Fiji is surveying the reefs surrounding this remote South Pacific island. Greenforce and WCS intend to create a UNESCO Seascape multi use reserve.

LEARN: PADI OPEN WATER, ADVANCED OPEN WATER and EFR

For experienced divers Nasonisoni Reef is one of Fiji's premier dive locations. The large number of pelagic's - dolphins, sharks, whales etc makes it a great place to dive.

For beginners our UK Dive Staff will train you within the reef to first complete PADI Open Water.

Having successfully completed this first step, you then do your night dive and deep dive plus three further adventure dives for your PADI Advanced.

We then go a stage further by teaching you Emergency First Response. Thus the GREENFORCE - FIJI ADVENTURE is your perfect Dive Location.

where will I live, what will I do?

We are working on a remote outer island far from any world you would know. On arrival on the island, you undertake the Fijian Welcome ceremony or "sevu sevu" with the local "Ratu" or Chief. We work very closely with the Fijian village who we share our island with.

Living in traditional grass 'bures' on the beach around 20 mins by boat from the village. Our bures are under palm trees overlooking the Pacific Ocean, a stunning location. Volunteers also take turns in cooking - with the ingredients available.

PADI Open Water dive training and your science training will take place in the initial weeks for beginner divers. After dive and science training have been completed, sea state permitting, volunteers may carry out survey dives up to twice a day from Monday to Friday. Saturday is recreational dive day where you might do a deep dive etc, which all works towards your PADI Advanced Open Water qualification which volunteers achieve by the end of the expedition.

Surveys for for the World Conservation Society.

Our scientific data is collected on behalf of the World Conservation Society (WCS) using line transects to record fish abundance and diversity. Underwater marine survey involves charting the coral with the use of GPS. Identifying fish and marine movements, where are the breeding grounds? Where do they feed? With a complete understanding of this underwater world we can then work with the the Fijian National Trust and WCS on creating an effective United Nations Seascape plan.

On Sundays volunteers go to the village to attend church, have lunch with local families.

All diving takes place in the stunning un commercial waters, meaning volunteers work within undisturbed marine habitats creating some of the best dive opportunities in the world. While your work for WCS and UNESCO will ensure the future for this beautiful and untouched South Pacific location.

 

you will be part of FIJIAN VIllage life

As it is only the village and Greenforce living on the island we are very involved in their daily life, from rugby games to traditional ceremonies and celebrations. Run by the Ratu (Chief) the Fijian village is a self supporting community, who we work very closely with. Most volunteers will pair up with a Fijian family for their time on the island. This creates a greater understanding and also some incredible friendships.

Either playing rugby, celebrating birthday or involvement in ceremony you will soon live at Fijian pace of life where many of your previous worries or cares become less important!

- Heidi and Mat outside your beach front traditional bures'.

Can I stay longer than 3 months?

Traineeship

At the end of each 10 week phase the staff on camp will choose one volunteer to stay on as a 'trainee', at no extra cost, for the following phase. The traineeship allows enthusiastic and hard working volunteers the opportunity to learn more about marine science, diving and leadership on camp.

Find Out More ? Click here for updates and video from our camp

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

^ COME AND JOIN US OUT HERE!

YOUR CONSERVATION ADVENTURE INCLUDES:

Before you go: On receipt of your Booking Form, we will call to discuss any questions you may have. STA will also call you to discuss your flight options. You then receive briefing packs including medical, kit, FCO advice, country history and project information. Plus your GF polo. You will also be invited to your Meet Your Team briefing day and BBQ in Central London. We will fully prepare you before you go.

Greenforce will provide you with the bulky and expensive parts of your dive kit when you arrive on camp. So you will need to take your wet suit (£90-$120), mask (£20-$35) fins (£20 - $35). Also a dive knife, weight belt (not weights!) and basic waterproof watch (Total around £40-$70). Prices are indication only. A full kit list is provided in your Welcome Pack.

Airport collection from Nadi International. First night at Nadi then bus over to Suva (Fiji's capital). All meals and accommodation during your 10 weeks. 2 days in Suva including Welcome, safety and Fijian life briefings. Transfers across to the Greenforce Camp. Marine survey training. Dive training as required. Remote living. Fijian Customs and Cultures. 2 survey dives a day (conditions permitting). Saturday recreational diving. Dive tanks, air, and BCD's. Accommodation in grass Bures on the beach. Return transfer with the group to Suva and back to Nadi. Greenforce UK staff with you 24/7. Emergency back up. One person selected to stay on for free for the next expedition.

On Your Return: Traineeship Option. Field Staff Positions. Reunion Party.

Prices

• 6 weeks £2000
• 7 weeks £2100
• 8 weeks £2200
• 9 weeks £2300
• 10 weeks £2,300

 

Never Dived? No problem. Dive training PADI Open Water, PADI Advanced Open Water and Emergency First Response (EFR) add £300

If you are already Open Water and need Advanced and EFR add £150.

If you are already Advanced and need EFR add £50.

Includes all training materials and exam fees.

Dates: 2008: Start dates: 9 July. 8 October. From 6 to 10 weeks.

2009: Start dates 21 January. 22 April. 15 July. 7 October. From 6 to 10 weeks.

Click here to: BOOK NOW!

AFTER Fiji - how about a guaranteed job in australia?

As you are out in this part of the world - after Fiji why not hop over to Aus. We can help sort your working visa, train you and get you a job teaching, or in a bar or on an outback station. An ideal way to travel around Australia and make some money too! Click here for more information.