Welcome to Marine Paradise! Diving in Fiji
Diving in Fiji is a once in a lifetime experience. In fact, why stop at once? Many people come back time again to savor the spectacular diving on offer. With over 300 islands in majestic Pacific Ocean waters, Fiji is perfectly located for divers of all levels. Whether it’s casual snorkeling or serious scuba, there’s a plethora of places to choose from.
Fiji’s waters have over 1,200 fish species, 500 coral varieties and Fiji is renowned for having the worlds’ best soft corals.
In fact, underwater maestro Jacques Cousteau declared Fiji to be the “Soft Coral Capital of the World”. Diving enthusiasts around the world quickly acknowledge Fiji as the best place to experience shark diving (safely, of course!). You’ll be able to see hammerheads, white tip sharks, grey nurses and reef sharks.
There are seven species of sea turtles and you can see five of them if you’re diving in Fiji.
If you time your visit from between June and October you might even be lucky enough to spot some of the big guys – both humpback and sperm whales can be seen frolicking in the Pacific waters around this time of year.
Best of all, Fiji’s weather means you can enjoy diving in Fiji all year round. The wet season from around November to April generally means more rain but you’re bound to get great weather whenever you go.
So – where to go and what can you see?
Let’s look at some of the highly recommended diving spots.
Yasawa and Mamanuca Islands
Many people just want to sit on the beach and stare out at the water when they visit these stunning islands. However for the more adventurous travelers, diving is a must-do.
Located north of Fiji’s main island Viti Levu, the Yasawas and Mamanucas are blissfully free of crowds. At the very least you’ll see manta rays, a variety of sharks, tropical fish and sparkling coral reefs. For those who just want to have some snorkeling fun, these islands are an excellent source due to the low number of visitors.
Bligh Waters
The Bligh Waters are renowned for the huge array of coral and sea life you can discover. The waters separate the two main Fiji islands and attract divers from all over the world.
With an incredible 50 – yes 50 – diving sites, Bligh Waters caters to divers of all levels. Experienced divers can go further out and deeper down where the currents are stronger, but novices will have just as great an experience. From mantas, dolphins and pilot whales to unbelievably colorful reefs, Bligh Waters has it all.
Astrolabe Reef
The Great Astrolabe Reef is the fourth biggest in the world. 100kms of pristine blue waters with some spectacular soft coral lying beneath the surface. As for the marine life? Pretty much everything you’d hope to see from brilliantly colored fish to manta, sharks and turtles.
The best place to base yourself at for Astrolabe is Kadavu Island which is just south of Fiji’s main island Viti Levu. You can fly down from Nadi Airport.
For diving in Fiji, Astrolabe Reef is about as good as it gets. All levels of divers from rookies to veterans can find somewhere to experience the stunning beauty of this unique reef.
Great White Wall (Taveuni)
Taveuni’s Great White Wall is renowned as a world class diving site. Its claim to fame is a huge wall of soft white coral that seems to glow underwater. It’s been likened to being on another planet.
The key to checking out the Great White Wall is timing your dive with the currents so the coral will be lit up. The expert Taveuni diving centers will take you out at the right time of day so you can get the best bang for your buck.
The Great White Wall also has plenty of hard coral, meaning there is plenty of sea life to marvel at as well.
As for where to stay, it’s just a matter of deciding on which luxury Fiji beach resort takes your fancy!
Diving for kids
Fiji excels in hospitality and kids are always made to feel especially welcome. Not surprisingly there are some fantastic kids diving programs for youngsters to check out and get their first taste of diving thrills.
Courses such as Bubblemakers give kids the chance to learn the basics of scuba diving while having a ball. They learn about breathing techniques and how to use equipment in shallow pools. The staff are not only diving experts but know how to make it fun which means plenty of games to give a great first impression of diving in Fiji.
Of course, if you’re not ready for diving and just want to enjoy some snorkeling, pretty much anywhere is a safe bet in Fiji. Just off the main island is Beqa Island, which has a fantastic lagoon which is ideal for snorkeling. Just wade out into the crystal blue waters and away you go!
If you’ve never tried it there are plenty of professional dive schools throughout Fiji that can teach you the ropes.
For a truly unique experience, diving in Fiji is something you will never forget.
