Fiji

The Fijian archipelago is host to many barrier reefs and lagoons, as well as fringing and patch reefs.  Fiji’s largest barrier reef is the Great Sea Reef; at 200km long it is the third largest barrier reef in the world.  The Coral Coast on Viti Levu’s southern coast has 100m of fringing reef.

Home to some of the best diving in the world, Jaques Cousteau referred to Fiji as the “Soft Coral Capital of the World”.   Strong currents on the outer reefs bring nutrient rich water from thousands of miles around.  This fuels the magnificent reef system and also draws in a huge range of pelagic life.  With several hundred species of coral and around 1200 fish species, diving here is guaranteed to be a lifetime experience for any diver.

Fiji offers such a huge range of diving that narrowing down the highlights is a tall order, there is something for everyone here, whatever your experience level.  Whether you choose to stay on one of the main islands, island hop or book a liveaboard, you will get to do some fantastic diving.

Rainbow reef, Tavenui Island

Rainbow reef lies in the Somosomo Strait between Tavenui and Vanua Levu.  Discovered by Jaques Cousteau, it is deservedly famous for its soft corals.  The current here provides the perfect environment for both hard and soft coral and draws in many large pelagics resulting in some fantastic  reef and wall dives.

Beqa Lagoon and the Shark Reef Marine Reserve, south of Viti Levu

Beqa lagoon is a shark haven, home to the world famous dive in the Shark Marine Reserve, where divers can get close encounters with seven species of shark including bull and tiger sharks.  The lagoon also has beautiful reefs, pinnacles and wrecks to dive, all easily accessible from Pacific Harbour.

Namena Marine Reserve, south of Vanua Levu

This protected barrier reef is home to 400 coral species and over 1000 fish species, humpback whales can be heard singing from July to October, dolphins and turtles are common in the warmer months and hammerheads can be seen in the cooler months.  The dive sites in the area are stunning year round and can be accessed from Savusavu, Vanua Levu.

Bligh Waters, north of Viti Levu

The area between the two main islands has a large volume of water flowing through, providing  nutrients to the soft corals and creating a rich reef ecosystem.  Beautiful dive sites stretch north from Viti Levu, with both impressive marine life and topography.  The best of Bligh waters can be experienced from a liveaboard.

Great Astrolabe Reef, Kadavu

Further off the beaten path lies Kedavu, an island south of Viti Levu, where resorts offer eco experiences.  This remote area is pristine and has less current than some of the other sites in Fiji.  The coral reef is kaleidoscopic and the abundant marine life includes manta rays visiting the local cleaning stations.

Between April and October is dry season, which offers the best visibility and can also be the better time for big fish encounters, with species including hammerheads and humpback whales.  Cyclone season runs from November to March, with increased rainfall, swells and current.  However the warmer water can also increase the chance of whale shark and manta ray sightings.

Photos: Frogfish Photography