There were no sea snakes at Savusavu or Tavenuni. I hope both of you have had some experience snorkeling. You are out in currents, swells, and wind at Savusavu, and in some place from Tavenuni. Rainbow reef is nice. Not so much fighting the current. I do hope they have aquired a boat to take you to the more portected areas around Daku. It was a real problem for us.

The water around Savusavu was somewhat murky. Rainbow Reef was clear. We did have a lot of wind, but nice weather. I hope they have aquired a shallow draft boat for the trips from Savusavu/Daku. We were not able to go to several places due to the boat, and could only go out to the reef which had bad currents and large swells everyday.

I went to Fiji last March - my info was late coming, too - finally called Pacific Island Institute as well as Road Scholars. Eventually got it. Ask for a pdf email and download it, at this late date. The snorkeling at first island was average due to a lot of rain, but other interesting events were planned. The snorkeling (every day!) at Paradise Tavenuni - the straits - was absolutely wonderful! Reef was amazing, after watching Caribbean degradation over the years. I went for the reef - was not disappointed. I flew from IAD ro LAX, layover of a few hours planned, on return stayed in LAX overnight. I'd recommend an overnight at least one way. Hope your trip is good - I can still see those reefs! (Are you familiar with the Pederson cleaning shrimp of the Caribbean?!)

No, have not heard of the Pederson cleaning shrimp! We have been to St. John USVI many times, but decided we needed to expand. Have not traveled with a group before, so would love hear your observations.

Hello again, Alta. THis was only my fourth RS trip - all have been good, but this one "fed my passion" - the marine environment. The group was small - I am single, as were several others, but it was a very compatible group -with a nice blend of togetherness and privacy. Our first group encounter at LAX was rather chaotic; group interactions were minimal, and with a 11 hour trip after that, so it takes a day or so for the group to "meld", Our group leader left most of that up to us. So much depends on the leader's enthusiasm and attitude. The places we stayed were both very nice, but different. At Daku Resort in Savusavu, Johnny, the marine biologist from the Cousteau Resort nearby, gave 3 lectures, and was outstanding. The Paradise resort at Tavenuni.was more posh, less instruction, but better reef. Both places I would go back to, given the opportunity. I will be happy to answer any specific questions you may have - you can see I will go on at length(!), perhaps you could email me directly? It used to be posted somewhere on this site, which I find very user unfriendly, I will try to see if it is still around. I don't know if this will go through, but it is normadiehl@aol.com

Although some say a wetsuit is not necessary, others find one useful for flotation and/or sun protection. Of course if the water is really warm it could be hot in a wetsuit. I therefore got a wet-skin for about $50 which will give me sun protection w/o the warmth/expense.

A wet suit is not required. If you want to bring one with you, you are more than welcome to. We do suggest you bring your own snorkel equipment (snorkel, mask, fins) to ensure proper fit and maximum comfort, although equipment will be provided for all.

In my experience, digital camera chargers are compatible with any voltage so you probably will not need a convertor (check your manual), but you will need an adapter to make your plug fit into the socket of whatever country you are travelling to. I would suggest you look for a kit that has a variety of plug adapters that you can take with you whenever you travel outside the U.S. Be sure to post your photos when you get home so we can all enjoy them!

I did not need a converter for camera last year in Italy; only needed the adapter plug.

Looking to contact others taking the "Art History in Belgium and Holland," trip #3544, Sept. 21-Oct. 4, 2012.

I'm interested in signing up for the November 2012 trip. I'm also curious about how folks enjoyed this trip. Was the water warm? Did you need a wetsuit or was a bathing suit sufficient. Is there anything special you'd recommend that we bring with us? Thanks!