The Best Spots for Snorkelling & Diving In Fiji
By Jennifer Liu
Posted 13 May 2016
Fiji is often referred to as the soft coral capital of the world, with over 300 islands surrounded by waters of rich and diverse ecosystems. As a result, Fiji is renowned as one of the best tropical paradises for snorkelling and diving. You don’t have to be an expert to enjoy exploring the underwater world, with many novice-friendly locations available, as well as guides to help you feel comfortable.
Turtle Watching with Dive Wananavu, Fiji
For the shortlist, here are the best spots for snorkelling or diving in Fiji – some are exclusive to resort guests whilst others are available for daytrippers too.
Mellow Yellow Sight, Dive Wananavu, Fiji
The Bligh Waters make up the stretch of ocean between Viti Levu and Vanua Levu and is home to some of the best diving in Fiji. Dive Wananavu is a 5-star qualified PADI dive facility offering trips for certified divers, as well as courses for certification. Daily trips travel to various sites of rich ecosystems including the well-known sight Mellow Yellow, aptly named for the abundance of blooming yellow soft corals. Divers can expect to see an underwater wonderland thriving with rainbow coral, unique fish, sharks, and turtles nestled in tunnels, canyons, and caves.
Note: The Bligh Waters can be vulnerable to currents and is weather permitting.
Purple Haze, Dive Wananavu, Fiji
HOW TO GET THERE
Transfers from Nadi International Airport to Wananavu take approximately two-and-a-quarter hours and are included with all-week long scuba diving packages.
Snorkeling @ South Sea Island, Fiji
South Sea Island may be small in size but there is definitely plenty to see and do. Discover the majestic underwater world with hours of snorkelling and diving, and experience drop offs and wall dives with lots of hard corals and large schools of pelagic fish. Certified divers will love the purposefully sunk shipwreck, whereas first timer divers will marvel at the pretty reef formations. The island is also family friendly with a semi-submersible coral viewer for those who are not strong swimmers. Alternatively, spend the day swimming laps around the island and keep your eyes peeled for Nemo.
HOW TO GET THERE
South Sea Cruises travel to the island daily, leaving from Port Denarau on the main island.
Hawksbill Turtle @ Navini Island, Fiji
Voted as one of the best snorkelling spots in the Mamanuca Island group, Navini Island Resort is surrounded by a beautiful sanctuary that’s teaming with sea-life. With just 10 bures and no daytrippers allowed, Navini offers unrivalled seclusion for guests who want to explore the unspoiled reef and brilliantly blue waters in peace. This is a safe breeding ground for marine creatures, with regular sightings of Juvenile Hawksbill turtles, lobsters, clams, stingrays and even reef sharks. The water is usually clear with an average visibility of 20m.
Juvenile Hawksbill Turtle, Fiji Islands
HOW TO GET THERE
Guests travel from Nadi International Airport via a private vehicle to the Vuda Marina where a speedboat transfer departs.
Swimming with Manta Ray @ Mantaray Island Resort, Fiji
The waters in front of Mantaray Island Resort are widely regarded as some of the best for snorkelling and diving in Fiji, with the marine reserve home to flourishing coral and numerous species of fish. Between the months of May and October, guests can experience an once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to swim with magnificent Manta Rays in its natural environment. Guests also have the option to dive or gain an SSI open water dive certificate, whereby courses can be completed in 3-4 days. Within minutes of the resort lie 40 amazing dive sites, including night dives, cave dives and shark dives – ideal for skilled and adventure divers.
Manta Ray @ Manta Ray Island, Fiji
HOW TO GET THERE
Guests can get to Mantaray Island Resort via high-speed ferry from Port Denarau or via seaplane and helicopter transfers.
