Land-based diving in Fiji is spread over large areas. As it is an island nation, all diving will be done in the immediate area. Not even one live board able to cover more than a small part of all dive sites in just over a week. This means that although you will have great experiences, you will only be able to experience a small part of land-based diving in Fiji from one place. The diving resorts that exist all operate with small boats and some also offer land diving. You can experience many different types of diving and dive sites in Fiji. Here you can do stream diving through narrow passages between the islands. Here there are sandy bottoms, coral gardens and wall dives in a wonderful mix and also wrecks and caves. You can do both day and night dives and always with a rich marine diversity.
Rich and exciting marine life
Famous for two main things, Fiji's diving offers something for everyone who dives and snorkels. Above all, there are colorful coral reefs here, Fiji is often called the "world soft coral city. As well as being famous for diving with bull sharks and tiger sharks. Here you can experience many different species of sharks, manta rays, rays, reef sharks, hammerhead sharks and much more. You also have good opportunities to experience dolphins, turtles, whales and large shoals of fish. Of course, you will also see lots of beautiful fish and invertebrates. Coral reefs are generally very healthy and prosperous. Many sites have huge gorgonians (fan corals), whip corals, black corals and table corals and large sponges that cover the bottoms and provide hiding places for the very rich marine life.
Day trips by boat and house reef diving will give you fantastic experiences. No matter which part of the country you choose for your diving trip to these remote islands, it's an amazing experience. An equally great experience is to visit a local island and see how life here works. Amazing people with big smiles and the islands here are rich in culture.
Some different areas for diving in Fiji
Suncoast - rakiraki
Diving at Rakiraki on Fiji's Sunshine Coast, a 2½ hour drive north of Nadi, is one of Fiji's best kept secrets. This paradise offers pristine reefs and well over 50 dive sites in Bligh Waters and Vatu-i-Ra passage. The waters off the Suncoast are considered Fiji's "new" soft coral capital. Here you have a labyrinth of barely submerged coral pillars and pinnacles, all adorned with soft corals and with multitudes of colorful fish.
Black Magic Mountain is a classic dive site in Fiji with beautiful healthy corals. It is best known for large shoals of fish such as tuna, fusiliers and anthias as well as several different species of sharks and rays. Then there's Instant Replay and just like the name suggests, once you've done it, you'll want to do it again. Perhaps Instant Replay's most eye-catching experience are the coral blocks covered in yellow and purple soft corals. The northernmost part of Viti Levu is also known for fantastic hiking, deep sea fishing and seasonal kiteboarding and windsurfing.
Pacific Harbor and Beqa lagoon (pronounced benga)
Pacific Harbor and Beqa Lagoon is one of Fiji's first known soft coral areas and Beqa Lagoon is world famous for its shark diving. This shallow lagoon, which is usually calm, is full of marine life and you can expect pinnacles, wrecks and a plethora of colorful corals. The lagoon is easy to reach from Viti Levu - especially from Pacific Harbour, Coral Coast or Beqa Island off the coast.
Accommodation and other adventure activities such as rafting, ziplining and off-road driving expeditions are plentiful in these places.
Savusavu
Some of Fiji's best dive sites are located off Savusavu in Vanua Levu - Fiji's second largest island. Two of the best dive sites are at the Great Sea Reef and Namena Marine Park. The waters off Savusavu are some of the most pristine in all of Fiji and it's no surprise that this is also home to one of the world's finest pearl brands, J. Hunter Pearls.
Natewa Bay, the largest bay in the South Pacific, is also emerging as one of the North's best-kept secrets with dive operators conducting exploration and diving in the nutrient-rich and species-rich waters.
Taveuni and Somosomo Strait
Taveuni is Fiji's third largest island and is known as the Garden Island due to its rich plant life. Divers will be delighted to discover that Taveuni is adjacent to the stunning Somosomo Strait (which is full of fantastic dive sites) and is also home to Rainbow Reef and the famous 'Great White Wall' - arguably Fiji's most famous dive sites of all. Somosomo Strait separates Vanua Levu from Taveuni in northeastern Fiji. Taveuni's crystal clear sea has to be seen to be believed.
There are daily flights to Taveuni from both Nadi and Suva. At Taveuni there are a number of excellent diving accommodations. Here you also have bird watching, waterfalls and hiking which are all popular pastimes at Taveuni and can be arranged by the on-site dive resort.
Yasawa Islands
The Yasawa Islands are visually a masterpiece of beautiful and dramatically shaped islands and inviting seascapes. Of course, the underwater scenes are nothing short of breathtaking, as the volcanic island formations have effectively created a host of amazing dive sites. Locals and tourists alike appreciate the Yasawa Islands and all dive sites here are easily accessible.
Colorful gorgonians and soft corals are found along the steep and deep reef walls. Here you will also find a variety of invertebrates that live here. Diving with manta rays (seasonal) is a popular but carefully moderated activity. Fantastic snorkeling is offered here and many snorkelers are convinced to start diving here.
The Outer Islands
The nutrient-rich waters of Bligh Waters and the Koro Sea attract many and large shoals of fish and also larger pelagic species all year round. Large marine mammals such as humpback whales can be seen spawning in these waters from July to October when they breed and calve. The best way to see and experience these places is probably to go with a liveaboard, although there are some resorts on Wakaya and other islands in the Lomaiviti group that also offer diving.
Since the currents are quite strong in these waters, it is more suitable for intermediate and experienced divers. The number of liveaboards in Fiji has decreased significantly in recent years, so the supply is very limited.
