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Diving Resorts | Liveaboards
Fiji consists of over 300 islands
scattered over 42,000 square miles of ocean. It's not
hyperbole to state that this island nation has some of the
best diving in the world. Notably, the variety of soft coral
is astounding. Fed by the rich nutrients streaming up from
the Tonga Trench and influenced by several major rivers, the
reef eco-system in the Fiji Islands is noted for its complex
nature. Whereas, the Great Barrier Reef has a greater total
diversity, kilometer to kilometer, it doesn't change very
much. In Fiji, however, all you have to do is swim a few
meters and likely as not you'll see any number of hard and
soft coral, sea fans, dense schools of fairy basslets, and a
few meters out it's not unusual to see schools of barracuda.
Undercurrent, the bible of the diving world, offers this advice when it comes to Fiji...
"The best diving isn't on the big island of Viti Levu; instead, go to the outer islands, and travel light to avoid getting popped for excess weight... Wetsuits are a staple year-round; currents add coolness, just like the wind chill factor.... Bring a compass, and carry both day and night emergency surface signaling devices (tubes, strobes).... This is a good area for sea snakes, soft corals, stonefish, and clown fish....
Other large creatures and pelagics that can be seen include
also turtle, dolphin, mantas, and a wide variety of
sharks. For a wonderful book that portrays Fiji's underwater (as well as terrestrial) flora and fauna check out Paddy Ryan's marvellous Fiji's Natural Heritage. (All photos on this page courtesy of Paddy Ryan).
Why is Diving in Fiji Special?
In terms of diving there are several factors that contribute to the astounding quality of the Fiji diving experience. First of all, the reef system is for the most part unadulterated and intact. Located far from major population centers, Fiji's reef system has not been over-exploited, over-fished or damaged, especially compared to other parts of the world. That said, Fiji has had problems with crown of thorns and some areas have seen damaged hard corals from over use or sloppy anchoring. That said, Fiji's traditional land tenure system, which rigorously protects tribal land and waters from misuse, helps ensure that areas reserved for fishing are preserved and generally it works. Although geologically similar to other reef systems in the Indo-Pacific Basin, Fiji differs in one important way--its biological diversity is extremely pronounced.
There are over 400 species of coral
found in Fiji, and in particular, the soft coral
(Dendronepthya klunzingeri) is spectacular. The
invertebrates found in these waters are too prolific to
accurately catalogue and the fish populations are among the
most varied on the planet. There are over 35 species of
angel and butterfly fish alone and numerous pelagics. In the
latter category one may find barracudas, jacks, sharks,
rays, bottlenosed dolphins, spinner dolphins, pilot whales
and turtles.
Check out Fiji's underwater flora and fauna as depicted in a video taken from the Fiji Aggressor II Liveaboard off Nigali Pass, Wakaya, Koro and the Namenalala Islands.
Climate and Water Temperature
Daytime temperatures range from 68-86 degrees F (20 to 30 Celsius). The best time to visit is during the dry (winter) mild season--from May to October. The wetter, warmer (summer) period is from late December to early April. The wettest months in terms of rainfall and humidity are January and February. Summer water temperature averages 80 to 83 degrees F and 78 to 80 F during the winter months. An east southwest trade wind blows for most of the year usually dropping in the evening and picking up in the mid-morning. The weather can be blustery June through September but short, heavy showers are possible any afternoon year-round because it's tropical. The year-round average temperature is 80 or above; nights average 68-69 degrees in winter; bring a sweater. From February to March the water is warm enough to support a plankton bloom, which decreases visibility boost the amount of nutrients and associated activity in the marine eco-system. Simply put, there's more food which means a richer marine life and more pelagics feeding off the bounty of the reef.
What To Bring
All of the resorts offer tanks, weights and many provide
regulators and BCDs as well. A few resorts will rent camera
or video gear--most do not. Most experienced divers bring
their own regulators and BCDs at the minimum. Wet suits,
vests or dive skins are highly recommended. During the
summer months an eighth-inch (3 mm) suit is a good idea.
Winter season necessitates an eighth to quarter inch (5 mm)
suit. Certification
Experienced divers should bring your C-card and divers log. For beginners, the warm waters and equally warm hospitality make Fiji an ideal place to earn your diving certification. You can do certification courses but it's probably more prudent for a traveler to do the bookwork before you go and do the open water certification in Fiji. It's better to have your vacation time spent diving rather than going through instruction that you could replicate anywhere else. That said, generally a full range of certification (including instructor courses) are available in Fiji. Figure on spending at least US$400 for a PADI certification course , not including food and accommodation. You'll spend at least US$250 for a referral course.
What Type of Diving Is Available?
Fiji has both liveaboard and land-based diving available. Hard-core enthusiasts (who can take in four or five dives a day) might consider a liveaboard option where you eat, drink and sleep diving. There are a number of first class and mid-range resorts catering exclusively to divers throughout the Fiji Islands. (SeeAccommodations pages).