Diving in Kadavu

The Great Astrolabe Reef

Kadavu is one of the less visited islands of Fiji which is precisely the reason why you should go there. No big resorts and fast food outlets here. Instead you can get a taste for the real Fiji, where the quickest transport is by boat, where the dive resorts are in tune with nature and where the true Fijian culture and warmth shines through.

Pristine hard corals in massed stands of colour abound, around which play a tremendous variety of marine life.

The Great Astrolabe Reef, which curls away into the deep blue distance from the shores of the island, is what scuba diving in Kadavu is all about. The reef is about 100 km long, making it the 4th largest barrier reef in the world. It stretches from the south side of Kadavu near Vunisea, and runs along the south coast before looping around Ono Island and ending off the east coast of the main island.

The reef boasts a variety of stunning hard coral outer reef slopes in wonderous colours, and steep soft coral drop-offs. The dive sites here exhibit a tremendous variety with several passages, submerged pinnacles and manta ray cleaning stations adding to the reasons why Kadavu is a great spot for several days diving.

Now, the fringing reefs of Kadavu are becoming as recognised as its barrier reef, and the reputations of Namalata and Tavuki Reefs along the north coast, are growing in reputation. These are soft coral pinnacles and great areas for the student or less experienced divers as conditions can be easy and the sites are varied. South Sea Reef to the south west of the island too, has hard corals and steep walls. Here again the reefs are in prime condition and the numbers and variety of fish life is richly rewarding.

Most of the dives in and around Kadavu are easy to access by short boat ride and see little more than moderate currents. The innumerable bays that lie all around the coast of Kadavu also provide an idyllic setting for sea-kayaking, swimming and snorkelling.

Whatever your standard, however low your boredom threshold is, there is such variety in these dive sites and wonderful untamed reefs and reef-life that you too will join the growing number of divers who think Kadavu has all the elements of a perfect Fiji dive holiday.

Highlights

Eagle Rock - One of The Great Astrolabe Reef's signature dives. Sunken boulders, pinnacles, narrow channels, sheer walls and a rugged, rocky sea floor combine to provide some of the most interesting topography you are likely to see. There is a great chance of seeing spotted eagle rays and there are other sights to watch out for such as large groupers and Napoleon wrasses, but it is the simply astonishing collection of hard corals here which makes this Kadavu diving site exceptional.

• Send your diving holidays enquiry

How to Dive Kadavu

There is a clear north-south divide on the island when it comes to the Kadavu resorts. The southern shores are dominated by the untamed Great Astrolabe Reef, one of the largest barrier reefs in the world. Colourful banks of hard corals prosper here with some high energy passages that attract reef sharks, rays, schooling fish and large groupers. Manta Reef is also located in the south, in the central region, where mantas are very common. If you like hard corals, remote locations and simple, easy-living, then the south of Kadavu is for you.

The north of the island is markedly different, with lots of soft coral bommies and pinnacles where the diving is easier. The resort has modern facilities and can arrange diving all along the northern coast, the deeper western sites, and Manta Reef, though not the Great Astrolabe Reef. If you need your mod cons and enjoy soft corals, then the north is for you.

Not sure which is for you? Why not try a short stay in the north and in the south and get the best of both worlds!

Diving Season

The season for diving Kadavu is year round. August to October generally enjoys the best visibility when the cooler sea conditions arrive (24°C). The summer time between November and April has the seas at their warmest (30°C) although there is a greater chance of rain at this time.

Reef Summary

Good for: Large animals, reef life and health, visibility
Not so good for: Snorkelling
Depth: 5 - >40m
Visibility: 15 - 40m
Currents: Gentle to strong
Surface conditions: Mostly calm but can be choppy offshore
Water temperature: 24 - 30°C
Experience level: Beginner - advanced
Number of dive sites: >60
Access: Scuba resorts
Recommended length of stay: 7 - 10 days

Dive Site Descriptions

For more on the detailed Kadavu dive sites:

• Kadavu tourist information

View a map of:
• Fiji

• Scuba diving vacation enquiries

Back to diving in Fiji index