Coral reefs are, in a word, amazing. They’re entire universes beneath the glimmering surface of the ocean, lush with vivid and variegated hues, different textures, and an enormous variety of sea life swimming all around. These fascinating underwater ecosystems can be found all over the world, from … [Read more...]
What’s the Difference Between Snorkeling and Scuba Diving?
A vacation to a tropical island simply isn’t complete without an adventure out on the water. And when you’re booking a stay at a destination like the Mai Dive Astrolabe Reef Resort on Fiji’s Ono Island, you’ll want to take advantage of exploring one of the world’s most renowned coral reefs. 2 of … [Read more...]
Ono Island: The Best Vacation Spot in Fiji
Whether you’re a seasoned traveler who’s visited many tropical islands or a first time adventure seeker looking for a unique warm weather getaway, there are few spots as beautiful and as charming as Fiji. Located in the South Pacific, about 1700 miles east of Australia, Fiji is known for its warm … [Read more...]
The Perfect Time of Year
We've had these two videos sitting around on YouTube for a while, but since we saw Manta Rays on Monday and Tuesday as well as dolphins on Monday and Thursday, I felt like re-posting these two beauties. On Monday, Kuki and I were driving a group of guests back from Vunisea Airport when we spotted … [Read more...]
A Crazy Day in Beqa Lagoon
Bull sharks, Lemon sharks, Silver Tips, massive Trevally, a giant Cod. Only two words can describe this unbelievable sight--AWESOME and SURREAL. Awesome to see natures furry and grace all wrapped into one event. And surreal for the two dives to be completely inaudible. Not being able to hear … [Read more...]
Manta Ray Madness at Ono Island, Fiji
Just when we all thought Manta Rays found another home away from the Astrolabe Reef, BAM! manta ray sightings 2 days in a row right off Paradise Beach on Ono Island. The first day, the gang spotted their wing tips coming through the water's surface. As the boat was coming in for their surface … [Read more...]
The New Camera at the Astrolabe Reef
Last week, Jason entrusted me with a new underwater camera and an awesome wide angle lense. At first, I was a bit hesitant to use it in fear of breaking the little guy, but luckily I'm not that big of a baby. So today was the first time I took it underwater and all went well. Kuki drove the … [Read more...]
Cyclone Mick
10:30 PM Monday night Cyclone Mick skirted the north side of the Kadavu group bringing strong winds to the north and east side of the Astrolabe Reef. By tracking the storm for 2 days prior, we were able to make preparations to protect ourselves, the guests, and staff. Although it sounds serious, the … [Read more...]
Underwater Macro Photography on the Astrolabe Reef
Aaron and Tara visited the Resort during the first week of November 2009. I remember the first day, checking out the camera gear after their refresher dive in front of the Resort. Nikon cameras, macro lenses, camera housing, and strobes, not to mention their normal diving gear. My initial thoughts … [Read more...]
Ono Island – Land of the Giants
Bruce and Shelley spent 8 days at the Resort at the tail end of August 2009. Bruce read about the Giant Trevallys near Ono Island in a fisherman's magazine before inquiring with Mai Dive. It took a little sweet talking to his wife and promises to take her snorkeling to make the trip happen. Luckily, … [Read more...]