Near Nadi, Fiji

I'm moving to Australia in November, and will make a stop over in Nadi Fiji.

I'd like to get my PADI Open water while there... does anyone know any dive shops fairly close to Nadi? I can't pay resort-like prices... I'd like a backpacker dive hostel/shop (like in Utila for example) or just a dive shop that allows you to sleep elsewhere (provided their are cheap hostels around). I'm a 23 year old female and will be alone.

Should I book before arriving, or is it better to wait until I get there to check out the shops?

I can't think of anywhere close to Nadi where you can learn to dive. Most of the diving on the main island is on the Coral Coast, otherwise you need to get out to the Yasawas or other islands for diving. Whatever you do, it's not going to be particularly cheap.

You might find it's cheaper to wait until you get to Australia and do a dive course in Cairns.

There used to be a resort not that far from Nadi that offered a range of accomodation (camping, dorms and more up-market) and had a pretty good dive shop. Unfortunately, that was a few years ago and I can't even remember the name of the resort. The name of the dive company was Scuba Bula or something like that, but I have no idea if they are still operating.

voilá
And the resort was Seashell Cove, I think.

I have two suggestions:

The first is South Seas Island. It's one of the smaller Mamanucas islands. The hostel is very basic, but inexpensive. The island is so beautiful that I wish I spent more time. Reef Safari operates the dive school. You can expect easy shore dives. The visibility is okay but not spectacular.
http://www.ssc.com.fj/south_sea_island.aspx</a><BR><BR>The second option is Nananu-I-ra, a small Island reached in 3 hours by bus & boat transfer. The island has several hostels and a little more space to roam around. But the main thing is the diving. I used a company called Kai Viti. They're more expensive but take divers to far-out reefs. For starting out, I'd suggest Ra Divers or Dive Nananu.

http://www.ra-divers.com/</a><BR><BR>The diving here is much better. Expect to see more soft corals and lots of fish.

I spent an amazing month in Fiji in 2005 (female, traveling alone).

Nadi will have no diving opps. It's only a place to stay overnight after the flight. You can book in advance, or at a 'concierge' there. The island is small, so most people book in Nadi, then grab hotel/resort shuttles that will transport you to where you are going. Public transport is also available around the island...

Nananu-I-Ra is awesome. Hands down, the best diving around the main island. I used Dive Nananu, and they were awesome. Worked well with beginners.

Also, consider Robinson Crusoe island south of Nadi. There is a german couple running the dive ops there (I did my AOW there). The room/board fees are a little more expensive than other resorts, but it's a fun way to introduce yourself to Fiji.

The Yasawas are right off of Nadi, and cheap, but beware, I ran into some really bad diving companies out there, and there was much better diving on other parts of the island.

I'm jealous- enjoy!

Thanks for all the replies.
Ra divers it is.

Not true! Aqua Blue is in Nadi - and they run day trips for diving/snorkelling, as well as dive lessons. Excellent - and can help you plan more extensive dives. I renewed my dive certif there, and I'm pretty stringent about instructors. Very impressed.