Some different areas for diving in Fiji
Suncoast - RakirakiDiving 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’ll find a maze of barely submerged coral pillars and pinnacles, all adorned with soft coral and teeming with colourful 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.
SavusavuSome 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 StraitTaveuni is Fiji’s third largest island and is known as the Garden Island due to its rich plant life. Divers will be delighted to find that Taveuni is situated next 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. The Somosomo Strait separates Vanua Levu from Taveuni in north-eastern Fiji. Taveuni’s crystal clear waters have 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 IslandsThe 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 IslandsThe 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.