...Highlights: shark action, turtles, great macro life/marine diversity, schooling fish & big pelagics...
...Diving environment: healthy reefs, wall dives, drifts, beginner and advanced divers...
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 and on the coast of Bligh Water is fast becoming recognised for its world-class scuba opportunities that are equal to anywhere else in Fiji. These outstanding sites feature spectacular coral reefs, dramatic pinnacles and huge volumes of fish. There are miles of untouched reefs and new sites are still being mapped and explored by the dive resorts of Rakiraki.
We also highly recommend that any diver's trip to Fiji should include a stay near 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, species that are rarely seen by divers elsewhere.
Elsewhere, the diving in Viti Levu is characterised by hard coral walls and channels visited by pelagics. 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. However, in our opinion, places like the Coral Coast have little in the way of top quality sites and don't really live up to expectations.
The 2 main cities and international airports of Fiji are both located on Viti Levu, making it an ideal choice for divers with limited time to spend on domestic travel.
For information on your diving options, and all the travel information you might need to visit Viti Levu and Fiji, see our Viti Levu dive resort section.
Stay in Pacific Harbour on the south coast of Viti Levu for the best daytrip access to the shark diving and Beqa Lagoon. Pacific Harbour is the home of the shark feeding concession at Shark Reef: Pacific Harbour Day Trips. This amazing site is also visited by some resorts on the Coral Coast, such as Waidroka Bay Resort.
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 sites in Bligh Water can be reached by boat within 20-30 minutes from the comfort of a north coast dive resort such as Volivoli.
If you are short of time and/or staying in the Nadi area, why not take a day cruise out of Nadi to dive at the picturesque Mamanuca Islands!
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You can 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.
Off the north coast of Viti Levu, such as at Rakiraki, April to October is considered the very best time of the year. September to November are considered your best chance to spot whales. Off the south coast is Pacific Harbour where the famous shark dives take place. You can spot up to 7 types of shark, most of which are year round. Bull sharks will disappear from November to January to mate, and June to August is your best chance to see tiger sharks.
Viti Levu is a large island (in Fijian terms) and when the rains fall during the summer period, the run-off can reduce visibility at sites near to shore in places like Pacific Harbour and Rakiraki.
Review our map below of the Fiji Islands, showing the location of Viti Levu. Here, you will find information on how to get to Viti Levu.
5 - 35m
5 - 30m
Usually gentle but can be strong
Can be choppy
25 - 29°C
Beginner - advanced
>75, plus access to more in other destinations
1 week, or 2 weeks to dive all areas accessible from here
You guys were fast, knowledgeable and very patient. I would have been more than happy to pay for your service but didn't have to - result! See you next year
