9 eco-dive resorts in Fiji for a sustainable scuba trip to Polynesia
Planning a sustainable scuba vacation in Fiji? Discover some of the best eco-dive resorts in Fiji to help reduce your environmental footprint.
Fiji is a dream destination for scuba divers, surrounded by the invitingly warm waters of the South Pacific. This famously friendly Polynesian country boasts more than 900 sun-kissed islands and islets, encircled by some of the most diverse coral reefs in Oceania.
It’s easy to see why the legendary ocean explorer Jacques Cousteau fell in love with Fiji’s underwater realm, calling it the “Soft Coral Capital of the World.”
If you want to plan a sustainable scuba vacation in paradise, Fiji is an inspired choice. It boasts some outstanding dive resorts that are committed to minimising their environmental impact and protecting the reefs that guests travel so far to experience.
Additionally, many are dedicated to responsible tourism, ensuring the communities in which they operate can thrive.
In this article, discover 9 of the best eco-dive resorts in Fiji to help you plan a sustainable scuba vacation in paradise.
For more information about diving in Fiji, check out our detailed guide here.
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Six Senses Fiji
Best luxury dive resort in the Mamanucas
This luxurious resort on Malolo Island offers the ultimate getaway for divers wanting to splurge on their Fijian escape. That’s true whether you’re travelling as a couple or with the family in tow.
From the spacious pool villas to the multi-bedroom residences, the design aesthetic here is “organic elegance”.
Aside from offering underwater excursions, this eco-friendly Fiji dive resort is a wellness sanctuary. There’s even the opportunity to make your own body scrubs at the Alchemy Bar.
Pacific-inspired cuisine is served at the Tovolea restaurant while the Rara delivers fusion fare made using locally sourced produce. Trust us, you won’t go hungry on a sustainable Fiji dive vacation here!
Most importantly, Six Senses Fiji places a strong emphasis on energy and water conservation, smart waste management and cutting down on single-use plastics. So if you’re seeking an eco-friendly hotel in Fiji that doesn’t compromise on luxury, this might just be the answer.
“Heaven in Fiji.” – Sana (read more reviews here)
Looking for other inspiring dive destinations in Polynesia? Check out our scuba guides to Samoa and Tonga.
Maqai Beach Eco Resort
Best affordable eco-dive resort near Taveuni
Enticingly down to earth, this eco-dive resort in Fiji is located on beautiful Qamea Island, just north of Taveuni.
It features a handful of charming beachfront bures made from materials sourced in the surrounding area. There are options for couples, dive buddies and families.
In addition to diving the surrounding waters, there are several surf breaks that can be reached in less than 10 minutes by boat.
Not only does Maqai Beach Eco Resort place emphasis on protecting the area’s coral reefs, but it has a well-established recycling program and maintains an organic garden to supply its kitchen.
Sustainable business practices are also part of the ongoing training for staff, most of whom come from the surrounding villages. It’s this combination of eco-conscious operations and responsible tourism that we absolutely love!
“One of the best resort locations I’ve been to in the Pacific. Getting there is half the fun.” – David (read more reviews here)
Matamanoa Island Resort
Best adults-only dive resort in the Mamanucas
Tucked away in the majestic Mamanuca Islands, this adults-only Fiji dive resort is not only a super romantic place to stay; it’s also an inspiring place for divers.
It’s set within a marine sanctuary that the resort is committed to protecting. Courses and dive trips are offered by the in-house scuba operator, Deep Blue Diving.
All of the oceanfront villas and beachside bures at this sustainable Fiji resort come with private plunge pools. Alternatively, you can opt for one of the more affordable garden rooms.
In terms of dining, there’s a distinctly South Pacific influence in the menus (they change daily), with options for both full and half-board.
Kayaking and snorkelling will keep non-divers entertained while staying at this eco-dive resort in Fiji. Plus there’s an onsite spa and cultural performances in the evenings.
If you’re seeking a sustainable scuba vacation without any children in sight, then Matamanoa Island Resort is the answer.
“Heaven on Earth!” – Jama (read more reviews here)
Savasi Island Resort
Best dive resort near Namena Marine Reserve
This stunning resort is located on a 52-acre private island near the Namena Marine Reserve, one of Fiji’s most biologically diverse underwater areas. It’s best accessed from the town of Savusavu on Vanua Levu and is perfect for those in search of a remote getaway.
Savasi Island Resort features just 13 exclusive villas, perfect for couples, families and solo adventurers.
The dining experiences here are extra special – you can eat alfresco in a grotto or on a secluded overwater deck. Meanwhile, the Sea Spray Spa is the perfect place to retreat to in between dives.
As an eco-friendly Fiji resort, Savasi has done away with single-use plastics. It also sources a lot of its food from local suppliers and showcases sustainable design elements in its architecture.
“Amazing resort. Highly recommend.” – Christine (read more reviews here)
Mantaray Island Resort
Best budget-friendly dive resort in Yasawas
Located in the northern Yasawas, Mantaray Island Resort offers budget-friendly dorms and beachfront bures. This makes it one of the most affordable dive resorts in Fiji.
Scuba certification courses are available in the shallow waters off the beach while wreck, shark and night dives are offered for experienced divers.
Aside from swimming with manta rays, you can embark on guided island treks and village visits. At this eco-friendly Fiji dive resort, you can also learn traditional handicrafts and cooking techniques or test your skills at paddle boarding and kayaking.
Delicious Fijian food is served at the restaurant, with a highlight being the locally caught seafood and tropical fruits.
It’s also worth mentioning that Mantaray Island Resort has been a finalist for the Sustainable Tourism Award at the Fiji Excellence in Tourism Awards. This reflects the resort’s dedication to offering eco-friendly experiences.
“Unreal diving and service.” – Benjamin (read more reviews here)
Papageno Resort & Dive
Best family-friendly dive resort on Kadavu Island
This sustainable dive resort on Kadavu Island is great for families and groups of dive buddies, with your choice of one-, two- and three-bedroom suites.
Each is surrounded by jungle-like gardens that make them instantly relaxing. All are just steps from the Pacific Ocean.
Papageno is an incredible spot for exploring the Great Astrolabe Reef. More than a dozen world-class dive sites are reachable in 10 minutes by boat!
Additionally, it’s within easy access to waterfalls and cultural villages. We honestly think this is such a great base for a sustainable holiday in Fiji.
It’s heartening to see how Papageno has dedicated itself to operating in an eco-friendly manner. It uses solar and micro-hydro energy, manages its own wastewater and even grows fresh veggies in its organic gardens.
“Amazing experience!” – Guillaume (read more reviews here)
Oneta Resort
Best eco-friendly dive resort near Great Astrolabe Reef
This family-owned Fiji eco-resort enjoys a beachfront setting on Ono Island, surrounded by the incredible dive sites of the Great Astrolabe Reef.
It feels blissfully remote but with all the creature comforts of a high-end resort. Oh, and it’s located just five minutes’ by boat from the manta ray cleaning station at Vurolevu.
The Fijian-style bures and villas at this sustainable dive resort are surrounded by tropical gardens. Meanwhile, the onsite spa offers deep tissue massages using Pure Fiji products.
Besides scuba diving, Oneta also offers hiking, kayaking and fishing adventures. It’s the perfect spot for an adventure-fuelled family vacation in Kadavu.
“Not just a holiday but the most amazing travel experience.” – Sherylee (read more reviews here)
Beqa Lagoon Resort
Best eco-friendly dive resort on Beqa Island
Nestled in tropical gardens overlooking a beautiful beach, this sustainable Fiji dive resort is the ultimate spot for exploring the Beqa Lagoon. It’s located on Beqa Island (just off the south coast of Viti Levu) and is surrounded by some of the best dive sites in Fiji.
The resort’s charming bures are made from eco-friendly materials and there’s a gorgeous swimming pool where you can unwind after your dives.
Gourmet meals are served in the open-air dining space. Meanwhile, rejuvenating massages are on offer at the Lali Spa.
Non-diving family members can enjoy snorkelling, kayaking and paddle-boarding in the surrounding waters or surf the waves at Frigate Pass. What more could you want from an active vacation in Fiji?
“World-class dive experience, a fantastic resort.” – Shufen (read more reviews here)
Volivoli Beach Resort
Best eco-friendly dive resort in north Viti Levu
Perched on the northern tip of Viti Levu is this highly-rated Fiji dive resort. It offers access to more than 90 incredible scuba sites in the nutrient-rich waters of the Bligh Water (Vatu-I-Ra Passage).
Volivoli boasts a range of stylish rooms and villas, most with incredible ocean views and some with private plunge pools.
Farm-to-table dining is the focus of the two restaurants (Nuku and the Ra Bar & Grill), with much of the produce grown just down the road.
Additionally, this eco-friendly Fiji dive resort is on a mission to become carbon neutral. As part of its approach, it has planted several hectares of mangroves nearby in partnership with Mangroves for Fiji.
“5 days in paradise.” – Raj (read more reviews here)
Best time to dive in Fiji
Fiji boasts a dreamy tropical climate, with temperatures usually sitting between 28 to 30°C (82 to 86°F) all year long.
The water temperatures in Fiji are invitingly warm too, ranging from 23 to 27°C (73 to 81°F). Most divers find a 3mm wetsuit to be sufficient.
While you can dive throughout the year in Fiji, the ideal scuba season is from April to October when the visibility is at its best.
The cyclone season runs from November to March. This brings bigger swells, more rain and stronger ocean currents, which can reduce visibility and make diving a bit more challenging.
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About the authors
We are a team of passionate divers and surfers with decades of combined experience in the water and travelling to all corners of the globe. After years of chasing waves and descending into the deep blue, we’ve created this resource to highlight sustainably run surf camps, eco-friendly dive resorts and conservation-focused ocean trips to help inspire your next adventure.
Eco Ocean Escapes was born out of a love of the ocean, an obsession with travel and a concern about the impacts of our adventures on the environments we explore. Despite the benefits that surf and dive tourism can bring to local communities, we recognised that ocean-based adventures are not always managed in a sustainable manner.
Through our articles, we hope to inspire those seeking a responsible surf or dive trip that is all about supporting local communities, preserving our coastal environments and the incredible marine species that inhabit our oceans.
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