Below you’ll find answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about our Fiji surf resort, if you need further help please contact us, we’re only too happy to help.
Q. How do I get to Qamea Island?
A. There are 2 options Flying or sailing
BY AIR
Fiji Airways and Northern Air fly Nadi – Taveuni or Suva – Taveuni.
Please see these flight operators for flight schedules.
BY SEA
The Lomaiviti Princess Ferry – The local way to travel!
Departs Suva most Mondays or sometimes Tuesdays (holidays) and every Friday – reporting time is 4pm at Walu Bay, Suva. For your comfort we recommend hiring a mattress on board. It is an overnight sailing and stops in Savu Savu, it takes approx 18 hrs. Please check with ferry sailings as they can change. Maqai Beach Eco Resort is not responsible for missed flights or ferry sailings or any other associated expenses due to late arrival. Maqai Beach Eco Resort is not responsible for booking refunds due to aircraft and sailing vessel delays.
The ferry departs Taveuni Tuesday and Sunday
Departs Taveuni Tuesday at 4pm and arrives in Suva Wednesday at 8am.
Departs Taveuni Sunday at 10am and arrives in Suva Monday at 6am
These times are correct at time of print taken from Goundar Shipping website. Please check the schedule as it is subject to changes especially around public holidays
GETTING FROM SAVUSAVU – TAVEUNI
There are 2 options:-
- Natuvu Bay the (Grace Ferry) departs daily approx 11.30am its a small 50 passenger ferry.
Natuvu Bay is a 1 hour taxi ride from Savusavu town. Approx F100 cab fare ( request a 4 wheel drive) or there is a bus that departs the central Savusavu bus terminal for Natuvu daily approx 8.00am. Please check with the Savusavu information office for correct times.
Contact: p: (+679) 927 1372 in Savusavu - The large Lomaiviti ferry departs Savusavu wharf in central Savusavu for Taveuni twice weekly
Tuesdays Departs 10am arrives 2.00pmSaturdays Departs 8.00am arrives 1.00pmFor further information, please contact Goundar Shipping directly.
Q. Can you book my international or domestic flights?
A. No, we do not have this facility. For assistance with international and domestic flights we recommend the following agencies.
AUSTRALIA – MTA Travel P: +61 (0) 7 5593 3322 M: +61 412 053664 E: Rachel Cleary
NEW ZEALAND – You Travel P: +64 (9) 4800402 E: Rachel Meng
UNITED STATES -Fiji Vacations P; 949 650 1911 E: Melissa Pomeroy
FIJI – Travel Centre Ltd, Victoria Parade Suva P +679 331 3888 E: Christine Sikuri
Q. When I arrive In Taveuni how do I get to Maqai Surf resort?
A. Kindly advise us of your travel arrangements and we will arrange to have you picked up from Matei airport or the ferry landing. All domestic flights and sailings to Taveuni operate during the day and are fine to book. Your local RETURN transfer includes a 30 minute taxi ride and 30 minute boat ride to the resort (surcharge)
Q. What do I need to bring with me to Maqai Eco Resort?
A. A torch, a rash vest, extra towels, zinc, rain jacket for boat crossing, a large plastic bag for your luggage, reef booties,toiletries, full covered shoes for hiking, small medical kit containing antibacterial cream, plasters big and small, insect repellent, sunscreen, ear plugs (if you are not used to the sound of the waves) are useful extra items to bring. There is no dock at the landing so be prepared to get your feet wet! Please pack your reef booties and rain jacket in your hand luggage for the boat crossing. Reef shoes are necessary for the coral reef, for surfing its your choice!
Q. How do I get my surfboard to Maqai Eco Resort?
A. Fiji airways will carrier your surfboards, however, as the plane is a 20 seater make sure you do not pack your board bag with clothing or bulky items as this may cause delay. Boards larger than 6.6″ are restricted, there is a range of surfboards for hire at the resort. If you are traveling by ferry just bring it with you. Our taxis have plenty of room for surfboards.
Q. Is there a shop on Qamea Island?
A. The Office sells sunscreen, insect repellent, plasters, panadol.
Q. Can I make my own meals at Maqai surf resort?
A. No, we have no cooking facilities for guests, a meal plan is mandatory if you are staying at Maqai Beach Eco Surf Resort.
Q. Is there a bar at Maqai?
A.Yes there is a fully licensed bar in the Sandbar at the resort.
Q. I have food allergies and I need a special diet can you cater for me?
A. Yes, Maqai surf resort caters for vegetarians and coeliacs. Please advise of your dietary needs at time of booking. We can accommodate most diets. Surcharge may apply.
Q. What method of payment do you accept?
A. CASH and CREDIT CARD – Visa and MasterCard. We also accept electronic bank transfer for your booking deposit. A 5% credit card fee is payable when paying by card.
Q. Is there a hospital nearby?
A. Yes there is a clinic at the neighbouring village and a hospital on Taveuni. We highly recommend travel insurance in case of an emergency.
Q. Do you have washing facilities on Qamea Island?
A. Yes, for a small charge we can launder your clothes. Alternatively, we have vessels for hand washing and lines for drying.
Q. Can I request a late check out and early check in?
A Yes, providing we have availability. You may be required to vacate your room at 10.00am for our next guests, or may have to wait for your room to be ready. You are welcome to use the resort facilities. Extra meals will incur charges.
Q. Is there a bathroom in my bure ?
A: Yes there is a shower and toilet.
Q. Is there a power point in my bure ?
A. Yes all bures come with a power point. 240v the same as Australia and New Zealand. please bring an adapter if coming from other countries. The resort is solar powered – hairdryers can not be used at the resort. There are also power sockets located in the sandbar for charging your personal equipment.
Q. Do you advise travel insurance ?
A: We strongly advise appropriate travel insurance on vacation anything could happen. Flights may be delayed; sailings may not be able to occur due to high seas, adverse conditions, unforeseen disruptions, cancellations or in the event of illness or early check out.
Q. Do I need a layover in Nadi or Suva before I fly out to Taveuni ?
A: Sometimes. We are happy to assist you with suggestions on accommodation for your stopover
Q. Is there internet available?
A: Internet service FJD 5.00 per 15 minutes. For those requiring regularly connectivity we suggest purchasing a VODAFONE 4G FLASHNET STICK at the Vodafone Store located outside the arrival gates at Nadi International airport. For guests needing to keep in contact back home by phone we suggest purchasing a Fiji Sim Card – this can also be used for internet connectivity by hot-spotting your phone
Q. Do you provide toiletries?
A: Soap is provided. As we are an eco resort we do not provide small bottles of shampoo, conditioner or moisturizer. Please bring these items with you.
Q. Can I use a hairdryer?
A: No we produce 99% of our electricity from solar energy , this system is not designed for hairdryers or straightening irons.
Q. I am not a surfer what activities do you have on offer.
A: Independent travellers, couples, families visit us to enjoy the beauty of the island and the water activities. We offer snorkel tours, spa treatments, Taveuni Island Tours, fishing, hiking, bird watching, village tours.
