Diving in Viti Levu

Dive with the Sharks of Fiji

Until recently, the main island of Viti Levu was not well known for having the best diving in Fiji. However Rakiraki in the north of the island is fast becoming recognised for its world-class diving opportunities that are equal to anywhere else in Fiji. These outstanding dive sites feature spectacular coral reefs, dramatic pinnacles and huge volumes of fish. There are miles of untouched reefs and new dive sites are still being mapped and explored by the dive resorts here.

We also highly recommend that any diver's trip to Fiji should be organised to include a stay in Pacific Harbour to join the amazing shark feed dive at Shark Reef, where you have a very real chance of once-in-a-lifetime encounters with bull sharks and tiger sharks.

Elsewhere, the diving in Viti Levu is characterised by hard coral walls and channels visited by pelagics. In our opinión, places like the Coral Coast have little in the way of top quality scuba diving and don't really live up to expectations.

Just off the south coast of Viti Levu lie the soft coral bommies and pinnacles of Beqa Lagoon. This is one of the best known scuba diving destinations within Fiji.

Highlights

Shark Reef - over a decade of protection from fishing has meant that this area, on Fiji's main island, Viti Levu, can be teeming with fish both big and small but it is the incredible shark feeding experience that make this spot a must see experience for divers visiting Fiji.

Diving here will find you resting on the sea bed a little distance away from the experienced guides who distribute chunks of fish to any passers-by - and what a sight! 8 different types of sharks frequent this area and cruise by to rip a piece of fish flesh from the outstretched hands of the guides which will send your heart racing!

Rakiraki - discover the underwater world of the awesome Bligh Water. The unspoilt reefs, dramatic drop-offs and abundance of marine life surpass the expectations of even the most demanding diver.

You can expect to see gardens of giant sea fans, vibrant soft corals, sponges, invertebrates and masses of colourful reef fish. Finning alongside barracudas, turtles, and numerous species of sharks is a regular occurrence. Manta rays, whales, and dolphins are also occasional visitors.

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How to Dive Viti Levu

Stay in Pacific Harbour on the south coast of Viti Levu for the best access to the shark diving and Beqa Lagoon. Pacific Harbour is the home of the shark feeding concession at Shark Reef.

The secluded white sandy beaches of Rakiraki on the picturesque north coast of Viti Levu are only 2 hours drive from Nadi International Airport. The best dive sites in this area can be reached by boat within 20-30 minutes from the comfort of a north coast dive resort.

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Diving Season

You can comfortably visit Viti Levu throughout the year with July, August and September being the peak months for visibility. Given the diving we recommend here, seeing 40 metres is not really necessary as the action takes place just a few metres away from your nose. The warmest water (29°C) can be found in the summertime from November to April.

Reef Summary

Good for: Large animals and non-diving activities
Not so good for: Wrecks
Depth: 5 - 35m
Visibility: 5 - 30m
Currents: Usually gentle but can be strong
Surface conditions: Can be choppy
Water temperature: 25 - 29°C
Experience level: Beginner - advanced
Number of dive sites: >75, plus access to more in other destinations
Access: Diving resorts
Recommended length of stay: 1 week, or 2 weeks to dive all areas accessible from here

Dive Site Descriptions

For more on the detailed Viti Levu dive sites:

• Viti Levu tourist information

View a map of:
• Fiji

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