Diving in Fiji

The Fijian Islands

With its picturesque islands in the heart of the South Pacific, crystalline waters and exceptionally hospitable locals it is little wonder that Fiji is close to the top of many divers' 'To Do' list. From luxury resorts and remote eco-hideaways to fabulous liveaboards, Fiji diving really does offer something for everyone.

Fiji islands diving is really varied so you need to choose what type of adventure you want. Dive Taveuni's famous Somosomo Strait where incredibly colourful soft corals dominate the view. Or you can sit and watch dumbstruck at the awesome shark feeding in Viti Levu. Perhaps you would rather explore the rugged untamed reefs of Kadavu's Great Astrolabe Reef where mantas play over vast fields of pristine hard corals?

For those who prefer life on the ocean waves then liveaboard diving means cruising around the finest sites such as Bligh Water and the Koro Sea. So if you want big fish action, macro-delights, pristine coral or adventurous liveaboards, Fiji promises it all, and there is always a warm Fijian welcome waiting for you.

Highlights

Whether you are based in one place or go for a combination booking or liveaboard, you would be well advised to ensure any trip here includes these excellent areas:

Taveuni and the Koro Sea: The Garden Island past which runs the Somosomo Strait whose soft coral splendour allows Fiji to lay claim to being 'The soft coral capital of the world'. The waters around Taveuni and south into the Koro Sea are rich and nutrient-filled, supporting large marine ecosystems which means lots of great dive sites.

Kadavu - The real Fiji, away from the big resorts where life can go at the pace you want and where the diving feels like the last frontier. Eco-friendly resorts, local culture and plenty of breathtaking dive sites in and around the well-known Great Astrolabe Reef.

Viti Levu - Special mention must go the shark feeding dives conducted in the waters off Pacific Harbour. You can have heart-stopping moments with the bosses of the ocean and just off Fiji's main island. Read about our very own experience here: The Best Shark Dive in the World.

Beqa Lagoon - Just south of Viti Levu lies Beqa Island, one of the most popular Fiji dive destinations for those seeking to avoid a domestic flight. There are a range good good dive sites around the lagoon and the islands that fringe it. You can expect pinnacles, plenty of soft corals and even wreck dives.

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How to Dive Fiji

Geographically there are so many islands that you have to decide whether you wish to travel to see the best diving Fiji has to offer or you want to stay put in one place and get a taste of that area alone.

If doing the former then there can surely be no substitute for a Fiji liveaboard trip which will cover more sites than any land-based experience and which will also give you the chance to dive the more remote and less-visited spots.

If you want to stay in one place only and dive exclusively in one area then your best choice again depends on what exactly you are looking for. Stay on Taveuni to see the soft coral splendour of the Somosomo Strait, and Kadavu Island is the place to go to get away from it all and explore the Great Astrolabe Reef. We include full details of all the resorts in these destinations, suitable for all budgets, in our Fiji dive resorts section.

Since international flights arrive in Viti Levu no-one should plan a diving holiday here without including the experience of the shark-feeding dives in Viti Levu as a great complement to your liveaboard trip or resort package elsewhere in the Fijian islands.

Diving Season

The dive season is all year round. April to October is the main season for diving in Fiji in terms of diver numbers, although the visibility tends to peak between the months of July and December when the water is a little cooler. November to April are in fact Fiji's summertime and when the seas are at their warmest - around 30°C.

Reef Summary

Great for: Large animals, visibility and beginner divers
Not so great for: Wreck dives
Depth: 5 - >40m
Visibility: 15 - 40m
Currents: None to very strong
Surface Conditions: Mostly calm but can be choppy further from shore particularly during July to September
Water Temperature: normally 28 - 30°C
Experience Level: Beginner - advanced
Number of dive sites: >150
Access: Liveaboards and resorts
Recommended length of stay: 2 - 3 weeks

Further on Fiji

So where do you want to go? Read more on all these top spots:

For more on these and other destinations, visit our website Fiji dive sites.

• Fiji tourist information

View a map of:
• Fijian Islands

• Send your diving holidays enquiry

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