In the north of Fiji, Taveuni is where you will find the Somosomo Strait, with world-famous spots such as The Great White Wall and Rainbow Reef. Named the 'Garden Island' due to the colourful profusion of tropical plants and flowers, Taveuni is surrounded by waters as rich as its topside flora, making it Fiji's unofficial resort diving capital.
This is an island of lush rainforest, free from population centres or tourist 'hot-spots', making it a choice location to sample all the wonders of Fiji. Although it retains an off-the-beaten track atmosphere, this is the country's third largest island, lying to the east of Viti Levu across the astonishing waters of the world-famous Somosomo Strait.
It is one of Fiji's most popular outer islands and more developed than many, although that doesn't mean high rise buildings and shopping malls. Taveuni has a lot of things to do yet it maintains its island charm and natural appearance. The rugged coastlines rise up to vaulting volcanic peaks that make the soil as fertile as anywhere in Fiji.
While scuba diving packages are the number one activity on Taveuni, many tourists come to trek to distant lakes and waterfalls, to enjoy the variety of birdlife on the island, to ride horses from one secluded bay to the next, or to partake of the many watersports on offer. For those seeking an active vacation, there are lots of options and the island is easy to get around.
Much of the best diving around the island is in the channel that runs between Vanua Levu and the north west coast of Taveuni, known as the Somosomo Strait. It's along this lush coastline, and across the strait on the nearby peninsula of Vanua Levu, that you will find a variety of places to stay.
Some properties are very close to the Somosomo Strait, offering easy access to the best known dive sites. Packages vary from the affordable and popular, to the more quiet and luxurious. Alternatively, you can stay further south where the sites are less populated by divers but equally appreciated by those who visit there from their high quality accommodation. Scuba diving activities are conducted by daily speedboat trips and these are the main focus of guests staying on the island. Unguided shore dives are also an option when staying at several of the dive resorts. [More information on these dive sites: Taveuni].
Taveuni suits those who want to dive and partake in other land-based activities, and for families and couples where not everyone wants to dive all day-every day. However, it can also represent a tropical island escape with some of the resorts, particularly the more expensive ones, enjoying a very secluded, away-from-it-all atmosphere.
There are plenty of different sites along this long stretch of coastline so stays of 1 week are ideal. Taveuni dive packages are normally inclusive of full board accommodation and diving. Airport transfers from Matei are also usually included.
> [More details: Taveuni Dive Resorts]Check out your resort options for staying at this scuba and nature island paradise:
Paradise Taveuni Resort
Customer rating: Excellent!
Sau Bay Resort & Spa
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Taveuni's warmest but wettest months are during its summer months of December to March, when daytime temperatures average 30°C. The winter months of July to September are dryer and a little cooler, with temperatures around the 27°C mark. There is also plenty of sunshine throughout the whole year.
The dive resorts are open in Taveuni all the year round but the main diving season is April to October. This coincides with the end of the rainy season and offers the best visibility. The summer does however, have the warmest sea temperatures at 28-30°C. In winter the water temperature drops to 26°C.
Taveuni is easy to get to, with several daily flights from Nadi, although its distance makes it expensive to visit for a short stay. The flight itself however, can be beautiful, peering down over the splendour of the crystal Fijian seas. Fiji Airways, Northern Air and Island Hoppers have daily flights from Nadi (1½ hours) or Suva (1 hour) to Matei Airport on Taveuni.
A popular alternative route for those with at least a week to spare is to take the ferry from Suva to the island. It is also possible to take a ferry from here to Savusavu or a smaller boat across Buca Bay to the east tip of Vanua Levu.
Protect your dive adventure with peace of mind. Unexpected events may disrupt travel plans, so we recommend comprehensive insurance covering your diving package, travel arrangements, and cancellation costs. Get a competitive quote through our specialised dive insurance program:
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