Set amidst the warm, turquoise waters of the South Pacific, Fiji is a scuba diving paradise that should be at the top of every avid diver's travel bucket list. This Polynesian nation encompasses over 900 sun-drenched islands and islets, surrounded by some of the region’s most biodiverse coral reefs. Fiji is renowned for its world-class shark diving, as well as offering encounters with manta rays, sea turtles and over 1,200 species of tropical fish.
It's no wonder legendary ocean explorer Jacques Cousteau was so captivated by Fiji's aquatic splendor that he dubbed it the "Soft Coral Capital of the World" - a designation that has cemented the country's reputation as a premier diving destination. For those seeking an unparalleled underwater adventure, Fiji is a must-visit.
In this article, discover 7 of the best places to dive in Fiji and eco-friendly dive resorts to make it happen.
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Rainbow Reef
Located just off the coast of Taveuni Island, Rainbow Reef is undoubtedly one of the most majestic dive destinations in Fiji. This underwater wonderland is renowned for its awe-inspiring "Great White Wall," a submerged vertical expanse that extends from a depth of 8 metres all the way down to around 40 metres. This remarkable range means that Rainbow Reef caters to divers of all skill levels - from newcomers just learning the ropes to seasoned veterans in search of a challenge.
The wall itself is cloaked in a dazzling tapestry of vividly-coloured soft and hard corals that attract countless species of tropical fish. Divers may even spot more elusive creatures like reef sharks, manta rays or the occasional sea turtle gliding effortlessly through the waters.
The dramatic underwater topography of the Rainbow Reef, combined with the sheer abundance of marine life observed here has firmly asserted its reputation as one of the best places to dive in Fiji.
Eco-friendly dive resorts near Taveuni Island
This adults-only resort near Taveuni features an onsite PADI centre and an indulgent spa where you can be pampered in between dive trips. Qamea is dedicated to offering socially responsible and sustainable stays, without compromising on luxuries.
Located on idyllic Qamea Island, this inspiring eco-resort boasts a collection of absolute beachfront bures constructed from locally sourced materials. In addition to implementing recycling initiatives, an organic garden and coral reef protection programs, the resort is continually upskilling staff in sustainable business practices.
Eco-friendly Fiji dive vacation
Mamanuca Islands
The Mamanucas are a captivating collection of volcanic islands that scatter just off the west coast of Viti Levu. Accessible by boat or liveaboard, these sun-drenched pearls are surrounded by an exceptional array of underwater wonders, catering to divers of all skill levels.
The geography of the area is quite exceptional, with pinnacles, canyons and craggy reefs that create a mesmerising seascape. Both soft and hard corals carpet the ocean floor, attracting everything from angelfish and butterflyfish to tunas, barracudas and sharks.
A highlight of diving in the Mamanuca Islands is the Namotu Wall, a 1,000-metre drop that’s home to prolific fish life. Also of note is the Supermarket, a popular feeding site for sharks. Beyond these big predators, its vibrant coral wall is teeming with a diverse array of marine life, including turtles, rays and a dazzling variety of reef fish.
Eco-friendly dive resorts in the Mamanucas
Aside from being one of the most romantic places to stay in the Mamanucas, this adults-only resort is a great base for divers. It is surrounded by coral reefs that are protected within a marine sanctuary that the resort is striving to preserve. Deep Blue Diving is the in-house scuba operator and offers a range of courses, in addition to daily dives.
Want to splurge on your eco-friendly dive vacation? This luxury dive resort in the Mamanucas is the place to do it, with each of its gorgeous suites and villas opulently appointed. From energy and water conservation to effective waste management and a reduction in single-use plastics, Six Senses Fiji takes sustainability seriously.
Namena Marine Reserve, Vanua Levu
Located just to the south of Vanua Levu, the Namena Marine Reserve is one of the most biologically diverse dive sites in Fiji. Accessible from the nearby town of Savusavu, this protected barrier reef system is home to an astounding array of marine life, with over 1,000 species of tropical fish and 400 different varieties of coral recorded here.
Colourful bommies rise up from the seafloor, their branches and lobes adorned with a tapestry of soft corals, while towering, hard coral pinnacles punctuate the landscape. It’s a treasure trove for marine life enthusiasts, with the potential to spot everything from schools of hammerhead sharks during the winter months to playful pods of dolphins and sea turtles in the summertime.
If you're really lucky, you may even hear the haunting songs of humpback whales as they migrate and breed in the area between July and October. Diving in the Namena Marine Reserve is an experience that will leave a lasting impression, cementing this site's reputation as one of the best dive destinations in Fiji.
Eco-friendly dive resorts near Namena Marine Reserve
Set on a private island, this gorgeous resort near the Namena Marine Reserve features just 13 exclusive villas, catering to couples, families and solo travellers alike. As an eco-friendly Fijian resort, it has eliminated single-use plastics, sources most of its food locally and embraces sustainable, local architecture in its design.
Best places to dive in Fiji
Mantaray Island, Yasawas
Just a short boat ride from Viti Levu lies this hidden gem, which is a prime destination for encountering one of the ocean's most awe-inspiring creatures, the manta ray. Between April and late September, these gentle giants flock to the plankton-rich channels, providing a unique opportunity for both snorkellers and divers to witness their captivating feeding behaviour.
While snorkelling above the manta rays as they glide effortlessly through the water is a magical experience, there is something truly special about being submerged and observing their every movement up close. There’s nothing quite like being mere metres away from these enormous winged creatures - it’s an experience that stays with you long after the dive is over.
The best time to visit Mantaray Island is from May to October, which is the peak season for manta activity in the region. During this period, mantas congregate in the area for a variety of reasons, including feeding, mating and visiting the numerous cleaning stations in the surrounding waters.
Eco-friendly dive resorts on Mantaray Island
With affordable dorms and seaside bures, Mantaray Island Resort caters to divers travelling on a range of budgets. It has previously been a finalist in the Sustainable Tourism category for the Fiji Excellence in Tourism Awards, cementing the resort’s commitment to eco-conscious stays.
Eco-friendly Fiji dive vacation
Great Astrolabe Reef, Kadavu Island
Off the coast of Kadavu Island, the Great Astrolabe Reef lives up to its name. Stretching around the entire island, this vast barrier reef system is the third largest in the world and is widely considered one of the most pristine and untouched dive destinations anywhere on the planet.
Beneath the waters lies a kaleidoscopic diversity of marine life, from schools of iridescent butterfly fish and graceful bat rays to the distinctive profiles of unicorn fish and open-mouthed sweet lips. Carpeting the seafloor are spectacular coral gardens, a riot of soft and hard corals in every imaginable shape, size and colour. From May to September, visitors may also witness manta rays gliding effortlessly through the warm currents, feasting on the abundant plankton that swirls through the reef's deeper channels.
Located in the far southwest corner of the Fijian archipelago, the Great Astrolabe Reef can only be accessed by a handful of liveaboard vessels and remote dive resorts, ensuring its pristine environment remains unspoiled for generations to come.
Eco-friendly places to stay on Kadavu Island
This family-friendly dive resort on Kadavu Island makes the perfect base for diving the Great Astrolabe Reef, with comfortable chalets set within its lush gardens. Aside from using solar and micro-hydro for energy throughout the resort, Papageno treats all of its own wastewater and grows produce for the kitchen in its organic gardens.
This family-run eco-resort is located on Ono Island, just a stone’s throw from the Great Astrolabe Reef. Its Fijian-style bungalows are set amidst lush gardens, with the only access by boat. In addition to scuba diving, Oneta offers hiking, kayaking and fishing trips, making it ideal for family stays.
Eco-friendly dive resorts Fiji
Beqa Lagoon
Located off the southern coast of Fiji's main island, Viti Levu, the Beqa Lagoon is a mecca for thrill-seeking scuba divers seeking up-close encounters with marine predators. Nicknamed the "Shark Capital of the Pacific," this biologically diverse lagoon is home to an astounding array of shark species, from powerful and stocky bull sharks to sleek and graceful tiger sharks.
On any given dive, you can be surrounded by up to seven different shark species, including distinctive black-tipped, white-tipped and grey reef sharks. For the daring, the opportunity to dive alongside these apex predators is unparalleled. But the Beqa Lagoon is not just about sharks, with breathtaking underwater landscapes that include kaleidoscopic reef and a mesmerising array of fish.
Formed by the outflow of several rivers, the Beqa Lagoon can experience variable visibility, depending on seasonal rainfall. The drier months of July to September typically offer the best visibility while the windy period from November through to January can see choppy surface conditions.
Eco-friendly dive resorts near Beqa Lagoon
Set within tropical gardens overlooking a blissful beach, this dedicated dive resort is the best place to stay to dive the Beqa Lagoon. Its authentic Fijian bures are constructed from sustainably sourced materials and there’s a stunning swimming pool where you can relax in between dives.
Eco-friendly Fiji dive holiday
Vatu-I-Ra Passage
Also referred to as the Bligh Water, this stretch of nutrient-dense water separates Fiji's two largest islands - Viti Levu and Vanua Levu. It is renowned for its astounding marine biodiversity and soft coral reefs, making it one of the best places to dive in the South Pacific.
When diving the Vatu-I-Ra Passage, you'll be treated to an incredible visual spectacle, with schools of colourful damselfish darting amongst the vibrant anemones swaying in the current. If you keep your eyes peeled, you may spot the silhouette of a reef shark gliding by or catch a glimpse of a curious sea turtle as it surfaces for a gulp of air.
The sheer abundance of marine life here is truly awe-inspiring and a testament to the ecological richness of the Fijian waters. It's no wonder the Vatu-I-Ra Passage has become a renowned hotspot for scuba enthusiasts the world over, eager to immerse themselves in its vibrant, thriving ecosystems.
Eco-friendly dive resorts near the Vatu-I-Ra Passage
Perched on the northern tip of Viti Levu, this leading Fiji dive resort offers access to more than 90 incredible scuba sites. On its mission to become carbon neutral, Volivoli has planted several hectares of mangroves nearby in partnership with Mangroves for Fiji.
Eco-friendly dive resorts in Fiji
Best time to dive in Fiji
Fiji's tropical climate is nothing short of idyllic, with average temperatures ranging between 28 to 30°C (82 to 86°F) year-round. The surrounding waters typically hover between 23 and 27°C (73 and 81°F), meaning most divers are comfortable in a 3mm wetsuit.
While it’s possible to dive throughout the year, the main scuba season in Fiji is from April to October. However, the best visibility tends to be from July to December when the water temperatures are slightly cooler.
The cyclone season, which runs from November through March, brings with it increased swells, rainfall and ocean currents that can impact visibility and create more challenging conditions underwater.
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