A boost for market vendors in Sigatoka.  Women vendors are now happier than ever. They have been provided with accommodation at the market from February this year they will not have to worry about travelling back to the village daily. What a blessing to have a proper sleeping area for women vendors who have been travelling long distances to sell their produce. There are 30 proper beds provided by the government and the town council of Sigatoka.  With the new complex the vendors now have shower and toilet facilities, a kitchen area and the best thing is that they can sleep soundly after the hard day’s work.

The new accommodation was opened by the Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama earlier this month. The facility cost $400,000 to construct and furnish and is located above the Sigatoka Municipal Market which caters for about 180 vendors.

The Prime Minister in his opening speech said “What we are doing here is providing a home away from home for our women who leave their families behind in outlying areas and make their way to town to sell their produce. For too long, we have allowed our women to sometimes spend several days sleeping on the footpath beside their stalls. They have been vulnerable to thieves and to the weather. And just as bad for them and their families, they have left behind loved ones who worry about whether their mother, sister or daughter is safe.”

The Prime Minister also promised that they will look into constructing a canteen and a training room to train the vendors on how to improve their individual businesses, manage their earnings and generally boost their livelihoods.

Fiji boasts some of the well known surf spots in the world. If you surf you must have heard of Fiji’s legendry breaks. Some of these are called ‘Swimming Pools, ‘Restaurants’ and ‘Cloud Break’. Before, these breaks were only accessible to the people and guests staying at Tavarua and Namotu resorts but now that has changed. A decree passed by the Government of Fiji in 2010 allows people from anywhere to enjoy these surf breaks. For example, a visitor staying on mainland Viti levu can now access the same breaks. Guests can also surf off Kadavu, Vanua Levu and the Lau group but most popular and consistent breaks are found off the southern Mamanuca group, home to ‘Cloudbreak’.

The above map provides a great resource for surfers planning.

Have you heard of “Frigates” break? This is also a major surf break at Beqa Island. To get there, you need to travel to Pacific Harbour and then take a 20 minutes boat ride. On the Coral Coast, Sigatoka breaks are suitable for beginners and intermediate surfers.

When is the best time to surf

You can surf year around however the best time you can enjoy surfing the most is during the colder months which are from April to October. Swells can get to as high as 8 -10 feet. Most of these breaks are best for experienced surfers.

There are quite a few places to stay in Fiji however it all depends on your budget. You can stay at mid range or “up market” accommodation in Nadi that are closer to Tavarua and Namotu or along the Coral Coast for a Sigatoka River Mouth surfing experience.

Divers from all over the world come to Fiji for diving. Fiji scuba diving is so popular due to the fantastic soft coral reefs that surround the various islands. Diving in Fiji is becoming one of the best vacations for families and singles.  There are a number of islands resorts which cater for diving and divers enjoy being catered to while enjoying all best diving in Fiji. When you begin to look for the best diving in Fiji you will have to break it down into the various islands chains as each one offers their own unique world.

Yasawas

In keeping with the group’s sense of adventure are the Yasawas’ dive sites, characterized by swim-throughs and canyons and a population of sharks and rays. Sites include a steam ship wreck from the early 1900s with resident eels, a winding canyon at “Whiskeys Reef,” and “Turtle Rock,” home to stingrays, sharks, and one of the best places in the country to spot turtles.

Mamanuca Islands

Fiji scuba diving in the Mamanuca Islands is more than likely the best in diving if you are talking about the many diving spots that are excellent for novice divers. A few of the most popular dives for novice divers include Gotham City, Vomo Caves, and Endless Dream to just name a few. There are 22 novice dive locations, 3 for intermediate divers, 2 for advanced, and one awesome wreck dive.

Lau Group

The Lau Group offers six wonderful Fiji scuba diving spots along with accommodations that cater to divers such as Nawanawa Estate and Moana’s Guest House. Best diving in Fiji in the Lau Group can be found at Wailangilala Passage, Boehm Rock, and Sangrila.

Viti Levu and Vanua Levu

Of course, when it comes to the main islands of Fiji you will find more dive spots than you will have to explore during your vacation. Beqa Lagoon is one of the biggest lagoons in the South Pacific, covering an area over 100 square kilometers. The dive sites generally have a maximum depth of around 20 meters with some deeper dives in the passages. This location is renowned for its colourful coal reef system which abounds with myriad tropical fish, features spectacular multi-hued soft coral displays

Kadavu

Kadavu may be one of the most popular diving spots in all of Fiji. Kadavu has several wonderful dive locations and a few great places to stay. Tourists are not as much in the way and divers can enjoy crystal clear waters and wonderful views of the world under the sea.

Taveuni

Popular dives spots in Taveuni are for intermediate or advanced divers. Advanced divers will love the Naingoro Pass and the Eagle Ray Point along with the rest of the most popular Fiji diving spots.