Snorkelling in Leleuvia and Caqalai?

Hey once again!

I think we should head to Leleuvia and/or Caqalai to save some money, as they offer really cheap accommodation, but I've read that there is NOTHING to do, except maybe snorkel.

I wonder how the snorkelling is in Leleuvia and Caqalai? Tried to search, found only a few short comments.

The lack of activities suits us just fine if the snorkelling is good! So is it good, and if you think it is, are you a experienced snorkeller/can you provide background on what reefs have you previously been to?

Also any experiences from these places are welcome, please do contribute - e.g. Which island is the "better one" of the two?

-J

Caqelai - You're right - NOTHING! Ok for a few days of rest (hope they've got rid of the cat that relieved itself in our bag!) - walk round the island at low tide in a very short time. Not much beach when the tide is in. And although we went there after reading about good snorkelling we must have missed the good bits..

Too many backpackers have destroyed the coral?

I wish this wouldn't be the case.

They are cheap priced, so maybe I shouldn't expect anything spectacular - from either accommodation OR the reefs!

-J

they are two stunnig coral islands, typical south pacific clichee, value for dollar is just great....
both islands are only 2 k apart so cenery is the same, facilities on leleuvia are a bit better than on caqalai, but caqalai has more of a fijian village touch.
the snorkeling off the islands varies, there is great coral as nice as it gets and there are some not so nice patches, just as everywhere...the drop off at snake island and southern point of the caqalai are hard to match.
there are no masses of turists there, "that trample the coral" where did you here that?
its true there nothing much to do on both islands, exept snorkel, swimm, suntan, reading, relaxing, drink kawa and sing with locals, natural beauty, go to the vilages on moturiki.

its not as artificial there as all the stuff in the west....

Too many backpackers have destroyed the coral?

No, backpackers did not destroy any coral.

Things to do: well, they are small islands. People do not go there for "things to do". The islands are mainly low key, slow tempo, a place to relax and not do too much. You can always explore the lagoon on foot at low tide (esp. Leleuvia). You can swing in a hammock and read. Go fishing. Snorkeling as well. I wasn't too impressed by the snorkeling off the shore on Leleuvia, but I wasn't looking very hard. There are boat trips from both islands which can get you to good places.

For more detailed information on Caqalai contact Viti Watersports as they run the dive centre there.