Dubbed the “Soft Coral Capital of the World”, Fiji’s flamboyant coral reefs boast a diversity
of habitat and marine life that even dive greats call paradise.
The maze of brilliant coral reefs surrounding our 333 islands include the ‘Great Sea Reef’ and
the ‘Great Astrolabe Reef’; some of the longest coral reefs in the world.
World-class dive sites and dive operators are scattered throughout Fiji’s main dive regions.
Over 1000 species of fish and several hundred types of corals and sponges blooming with flower-like beauty will have you aching to discover the wondrous, alien world beneath the waves.
Whether you crave the adrenalin of a heart-pumping shark dive, are keen to explore infamous sites like the ‘Great White Wall’, or log your next dive adventure on a liveaboard, we promise that diving in Fiji is well-worth the plane ticket.
Best time to dive?
Diving is fantastic year round in Fiji’s warm tropical waters but April – October is when its at its best.
* COOL SEASON (JUL – SEPT)
Water temperatures can drop to 25⁰C (77⁰F). Visibility is excellent and can exceed 40m (130ft) in some places.
* WARM SEASON (NOV – MAR)
Water temperatures can reach a comfortable 30⁰C (86⁰F). Nutrient laden run-off and plankton blooms off the two main islands attracts larger plankton-feeding whales and majestic manta rays.
* CROSSOVER MONTHS (APR, MAY, OCT)
Some locals will wear a rashguard and boardies during the seasonal crossover months but we’d still recommend 3mm wetsuits for deep dives.
Sea Life
Fiji is home to five species of sea turtles, three of which lay eggs on its beaches from November through March. One of these species is the green turtle, whose name derives from the green fat it stores. It carries a sub-circular to heart-shaped shell.
There are several species of dolphin living in Fiji’s waters. There was a time when humpback whales could be seen swimming all throughout the ocean near Fiji. However, many of these magnificent animals were hunted and killed by the whale trade, which started in the late nineteenth century. Today, humpback whales can occasionally be seen in the shallow waters of the Lomaiviti Islands and in the waters near Taveuni located in the northern islands between July and October.
A few species of shark that swim in Fiji’s ocean include bull sharks, tiger sharks and oceanic white tips. Unlike some other tropical areas in the Pacific, there are no box jellyfish or other types of jellyfish that deliver nasty stings, so you do not have to worry about these creatures while in the ocean.
Moray eels have sharp teeth and will attack if they are provoked. They can be found in openings of rocks and coral, so keep your hands away from these areas.
Three species of sea snake dwell along Fiji’s rugged coastlines, where they will come ashore to rest. One of these species is the highly venomous black-and-white-banded sea snake, which is often found in lagoons or along Fiji’s shores.
Fiji is known as the “soft coral capital of the world” because of its huge variety of coral that can be seen under water that are home to all types of species of marine life, including anemone, many types of colorful exotic fish, sea snakes and moray eels. There are over 1200 species of reef fish that live in the ocean around Fiji.
The Bligh Waters-Vatu-i-Ra Seascape, which is located southwest of Vanua Levu, is home to a stunning variety of soft and hard corals, along with all sorts of fish, sharks and other top predators. It also has been conserved and taken care of by local communities for years.
Dive Sites
Fiji’s colourful reefs are a bucket list dive for all dive enthusiasts. Balmy oceans and great visibility are just part of the reason why you’ll log memorable adventures here. The regions below are known for outstanding diving.
Suncoast – Rakiraki
A 2½ hour drive north of Nadi, diving off Rakiraki on Fiji’s Suncoast is one of Fiji’s not so best kept secrets. This pocket of paradise promises pristine reefs and over 50 dive sites in the Bligh Waters and Vatu-i-Ra Passage. The waters off the Suncoast are considered the “new” soft coral capital of Fiji – a maze of barely submerged coral stacks and pinnacles, festooned with soft corals and alive with crowds of brightly coloured reef fish.
Pacific Harbour and Beqa Lagoon
Pacific Harbour and Beqa Lagoon is one of Fiji’s original soft coral wonderlands and the Beqa Lagoon is world renowned for its shark dives. Usually calm, this shallow lagoon teems with marine life and you can expect pinnacles, wrecks and a plethora of colourful corals. The Lagoon can be easily accessed from Viti Levu – particularly from Pacific Harbour, the Coral Coast as well as offshore Beqa Island.
Savusavu
Some of Fiji’s best diving can be found off Savusavu in Vanua Levu – Fiji’s second largest island. Two of the best dive spots are on the Great Sea Reef and the Namena Marine Park. The waters off Savusavu are some of the most pristine in the whole of Fiji and it’s no surprise that this is home to one of the world’s finest pearl brands, J. Hunter Pearls.
The Outer Islands
The nutrient-rich Bligh Waters and Koro Sea attract numerous schools of fish and larger pelagic all year round. Large marine mammals like humpback whales can be seen playing in these waters from July – October for breeding and calving.
Taveuni and The Somosomo Strait
Known as the garden island for its plentiful plant life, Taveuni is Fiji’s third largest island. Scuba divers will be delighted to find that Taveuni is located adjacent to the amazing Somosomo Strait (which is fully loaded with awesome dive sites) and is also home to Rainbow Reef and the famed ‘Great White Wall’ – arguably Fiji’s most famous dive site of all. The Somosomo Strait separates Vanua Levu from Taveuni in North-East Fiji. The crystal-clear seas of Taveuni have to be seen to be believed.
Kadavu and the Great Astrolabe Reef
Kadavu is surrounded by The Great Astrolabe Reef.
Astrolabe Reef is one the largest on the planet, hence its location is a magnet for both divers and intrepid oceanic explorers of all kinds. In fact, a dive excursion to Kadavu should really be mandatory for divers who adore discovering remote South Pacific Ocean locations. The expert dive guides in the region, inherently know all the best secret dives sites, no matter the time or tide. Tremendously deep water is constantly channelled through the Great Astrolabe Reef and into the lagoons closer to Kadavu.
Mamanuca Islands
Thinking of visiting the Mamanuca Islands for your next Fiji dive vacation? Good, because if you intend to discover a series of exquisite reefs mixed with gentle lagoons, then bingo, this is your official dive haven. Namotu Wall is a lesser known site but no less amazing place to begin. The Supermarket is a great dive site too and cleverly takes name due to the multitude of marine life that come here to feed.
Yasawa Islands
Visually, the Yasawa Islands are a textbook masterpiece of dramatic islands and inviting seascapes. Naturally, the underwater scenes are nothing short of breathtaking, since the volcanic island formations have effectively created a host of splendid dive sites.
Info by Fiji.travel
How to Arrive
Nadi International Airport is your destination in Fiji. Many people connect through New Zealand, which is a 3 hour flight away, or Australia, 4 hours away.
The airport code for Nadi International Airport is NAD. Airlines that have regular flights to NAD are Air New Zealand, Air Pacific, and Qantas Airways.