Diving Resorts
This section of Fijiguide.com is devoted to resorts where diving is either strictly the main activity or an important activity. These resorts which I've divided into the following categoires--North, Beqa, Kadavu, Mamanuca, and Liveaboard--were selected for proximity to good dive sites, quality of dive instruction and/or dive personnel and status as a good quality accommodation. The section is divided into four most popular geographic dive areas. I've also included a fifth category--liveaboards which are also a good option for hardcore diving enthusiasts. If you have any comments about diving or diving resorts contact me at rkay@fijiguide.com.
What to Expect
Fiji is internationally known as the 'Soft Coral Capital of the World',
and once you have been diving here it's easy to see why. The sheer
density of both soft and hard corals of every color is very impressive.
And of course, where there are coral reefs there is also a myriad of other
marine life, and in Fiji's case the reef inhabitants are equally abundant.
There are profuse underwater photo and video opportunities in every
region from macro (commensal crab and shrimp, nudibranchs, many different
anemone fish and countless other subjects) to wide angle (mantas, several
species of shark, and the occasional sailfish, marlin or whale shark,
etc.). 
Unlike some dive destinations, Fiji's best diving is easily accessible from land-based resorts in many areas. The dives range from sheer walls and pinnacles to bommies (small to medium coral outcroppings) and reefs, with special shark dives, caverns, drift and anchored current dives all available. The underwater experience changes from one region to another so if you have the time splitting your trip into 2 or more destinations will be well worth the effort. Of course, liveaboards offer maximum diving opportunities and the ability to visit many regions, making them a solid choice for hard-core divers.
While some areas of Fiji have a reputation of being too advanced for beginners, even novice divers who are comfortable in the water can enjoy most of the dive sites anywhere in the country. As a rule Fiji's dive guides are exceptionally helpful, and all you need to do if you are feeling anxious is advise your guide and they will be happy to pay special attention to you--both on the boat and underwater. Conversely, once you have demonstrated your knowledge and skill level to their satisfaction the guides are not overly watchful or restrictive of your dives, unless it is by your request.
One thing of note is that Fiji's currents are largely caused by tidal changes, so if you want to avoid the strongest currents try to plan your diving to avoid the several days around a full or new moon. However, currents also bring nutrients to the reef, so the reef's splendor is fullest while at least some current is flowing. The dive operators try to plan their dives to coincide with the current just coming up or going down, but some current diving is inevitable if you want to see the reef at its peak beauty. The nutrient rich water that makes Fiji's underwater world so exceptional can also play havoc with visibility. While 120'-140' visibility is not uncommon, much lower visibility can occur, especially in the summer months (Jan-Mar) when a plankton bloom can develop in the warm water.
The video below was a shark feed shot in Beqa Lagoon this year.
A Dive in the Life
A typical dive day is a 2-tank morning dive, with a surface interval done between the dives either on the boat or a deserted beach, returning to the dive shop by around 1:00 - 2:00 in the afternoon. In addition to the boat, captain and dive guide, tanks, weights and belts are included in the dive tariff, along with drinks and snacks between dives. Many resorts also offer afternoon or night dives which have to be arranged at the resort and generally require a minimum of 4 divers to go out. The vast majority of Fiji's dive operators offer newer, well maintained rental equipment from reputable US manufacturers. The standard tanks are aluminum 80's with yoke valves (if your regulator has a din attachment, you should bring an adapter with you). Full equipment rental is generally available at additional cost.
While it is possible to rent all of your gear, it is recommended that you bring at least a mask, fins, and snorkel. Water temperatures range from about 80-84o F (26-28o C) in the summer months to 76-80o (24-26o C) in the winter months (Jul-Aug). Many divers are comfortable with a 3mm short suit or dive skin in the summer and a 3-5mm long suit in the winter. Due to individual metabolism and a tendency to get colder on repetitive dives or towards the end of several days of diving you might want to consider bringing a vest or lightweight hood to compliment your diving wardrobe. Rental wetsuits are also available. Computers and cameras are sometimes available as well.
One word of caution - the flights between the islands are on small aircraft, and tight baggage restrictions exist. There is a 15kg (33 pounds) limit for checked bags (divers can request an additional 5kg waiver for up to 20kg (44 pounds). This applies to your checked baggage only, but it is cumulative so if you are 2 people traveling you can combine your total weight allowance. In addition to weighing your checked bags, both you and your carry-on bags will be weighed as well. Normally your carry-on bags are not very restricted, unless the plane is nearing its maximum weight limit.
Take a few minutes and check out some of the dive resorts linked by region on the left, and click through for more detailed information or assistance arranging the holiday of a lifetime.
North | Beqa | Kadavu | Mamanuca | Liveaboard