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Diving

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 ecosystem 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 marvelous
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 invertebrate divings found in
these waters are too prolific to accurately catalog 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 for many divers (but not not necessarily everyone).
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.
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.
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.
Diving in the North
- Light House
- Alice in Wonderland
- Shark Alley
- Mystery Reef
- Canyons
- Nugget
- Goldilocks
- Jacksons
- Fingers
- Hole in the Wall
- Big Blue
- Soni Soni Pass
- Dakuniba Pass
- Magic Mountain
- Namena Island
Map courtesy of Divi
Fiji. |
 |
The reefs of Vanua Levu have superb diving with a great choice of
sites offering the underwater scenery that made Fiji famous: walls,
caves, overhangs soft and hard corals, reef fish and pelagic fish.
The diving is less demanding in Savusavu Bay but becomes dramatic
on the outer side of the barrier reef, which sweeps up the coast to
Somosomo Strait dividing Vanua Levu and Taveuni.
Dive Commentary From Undercurrent
Undercurrent, a Sausalito, California based
publication has graciously provided Fijiguide.com with commentary
on Taveuni and Savusavu destinations from staff writers and
readers. With the exception of one report, the verbiage below is
generally not more than two years old.
Savusavu (Vanua Levu)

“Dive boats
were in perfect shape, the crews helpful in dive planning, and
videos were taken of all divers for later (optional, of course)
purchase. Temps were in the mid-80s during the day, and sleeping
was comfortable with overhead fans after about 9:30 PM. Afternoon
showers usually came, after the day's dives. The resort was
absolutely clean, and the dive shop was fully equipped, in case you
might have forgotten something or in case something broke!
Diving:We had two big problems. We are both slim and didn't have
enough rubber. By the second dive of the day I was very cold. Also,
the big boat had a dysfunctional motor so we never went to the
southern area like Nsonisoni Pass where most of the good diving is
supposedly located. We went to closer reefs; some in bad shape. I
can hardly believe I went half way around the world to dive reefs
that aren't as good as many in the closer and cheaper
Caribbean.”
(This imaginary letter was written in jest to Jean-Michael Cousteau
by Ben Davison, Editor of
Undercurrent . (It’s been edited for brevity’s
sake). Although this commentary was written nine years ago, it’s
still quite accurate.

You've got a
slick dive operation, right up there with the kind you find on
Cayman or Bonaire, and a good crew. Your operation is just what
divers have come to expect from guys like you and Ron Kipp—fixed
moorings, good briefings with site maps, gear set up for you,
camera cared for, set time and depth. Water 81 degrees F, vis 40-80
feet. Stacks of hard corals, beautiful soft corals, plenty of
tropicals, anemones, clownfish—and one single black lionfish
(strange, the only one in five days!). The guides weren't in a
rush, they gave a full hour surface interval, then off we went to
more lush pinnacles, with extraordinary corals, alive with
fuschias, magentas, and yellows, big lobster, diving crinoids,
schools of fusiliers, and sailfin anthias. Best part: millions of
schooling juveniles; you know, I saw two-inch barracuda, triggers,
and other critters that I even pointed out to the guides. How do
you balance that? I mean, they were here first, which is probably
why there aren't many big fish. And then you've got that
crown-of-thorns guy. Man, at a couple of sites where the rubble was
amazing, your guide (and others too) told me those starfish (I saw
a few big guys) ripped through there a few years ago. What's the
solution for a Cousteau? Let 'em be? Or kill 'em?
Your boat would moor here, but they drifted. Tiai, who worked at
Nakoro in the old days, took me on the most splendid dive of my
trip, past virgin heaps of table, plate, and other hard corals,
across a large field of antler coral, through occasional clouds of
reef fish, and never went below 50 feet. I requested Alice in
Wonderland for my second dive, since I had enjoyed it years ago,
and damn if those crowns hadn't grazed through, leaving large
patches of coral bones. Yet I came across a forest of antler coral,
big heads of mushroom coral, and a dozen flute mouths, a six-foot
gray shark, and a three-foot mackerel. (Editor,
Undercurrent)
- Great White Wall
- The Zoo
- The Corner
- Annie's Bommies
- Mini White Wall
- Fish Factory
- The Ledge
- Jerry's Jelly
- Yellow Tunnel
- White Wall
- Blue Ribben Eel Reef
- Rainbow Passage #1
- Rainbow Passage #2
- Cabbage Patch
- Chief's Garden
- The Caves
- Playground
- Coral Gardens
- Barracuda Pinnacle
- Fish Patch
- Gorgonian Garden
- Long Beach Pt.
- Purple Wall
- The Fans
- The Rock
|
- Suthu
- Lost Reef
- Mariah's Cove
- Still Waters
- Broken Reef
- Rainbow Sands
- Ringgold's
- Cross Channel
- Nukubalavu
- Molumolu
- Windseve Passage
- Motui I
- Motui II
- Backside
- Bonnie's Boulder
- Rainbow Passage
- Noel's Wall
- Golden Garden
- The Edge
- Motui Lailai
- Joe's Reef
- Mini Yellow Wall
- Sangrila
- North Passage
- South Passage
|

Map courtesy of Divi
Fiji.
Taveuni has earned accolades from the most jaded divers. It
features Rainbow Reef and the Great White Wall in the heart of
Somosomo Strait. A few miles further north, Matangi and Qamea
Islands have a different, but equally impressive portfolio of dive
sites. There are so many islands and reefs that even pioneers like
Rick Cammick who “discovered” the Great White Wall and Rainbow
Reefs, or the Douglas family of Matagi Island who have dived the
area for 40 years, have not seen more than a fraction of what the
area offers. |
Garden Island Resort
Atmosphere, safety, excitement, wonderful staff. We have done
live-aboards (which are great), expensive resorts (also nice), but
every time we go back to Garden Island it's like coming home
choppy, currents. delays on return trip were extended
unnecessarily) due to timing of flights. Beautiful island, crummy
weather (suspect just bad luck.) Divemasters very knowledgeable and
helpful without being excessively 'controlling.' Terrific staff.
Knew our whole group by name within a day. Strong tides determined
dive sites to find slack current areas. Super beach site for shore
interval between two morning dives.”
Beqa (pronounced Benga) is surrounded by one of the largest barrier
reefs in the world and lies 8 km South off Viti Levu (see above
map) about 130 km from Nadi. The lagoon is an extinct volcanic
crater with a 40-mile ring reef has formed on the lip of the old
crater. The formation is situated on the windward side of Viti
Levu, and is the recipient of south-easterly trades (and the
nutrients they bring). Interestingly the reef on the windward
(southern) sideof the Lagoon is not particularly rich in marine
life as is the case of the main reef running along the south side
of Viti Levu. The reason for this is the same reason why this area
is so desired by surfers: Huge swells continually pummel the area.
Whereas prevailing swell batters the southerly reef, the opposite
(Northwest side) of the lagoon circle near Yanuca Island to the
west of Beqa – is protected by the southern reef, the Lagoon, and
by the islands in the Lagoon. (Note the cluster of dive sites on
the map all lie in the Northwest side of the lagoon.) The result is
a haven rich in marine and reef life—especially soft corals and sea
fans.
Dive Commentary From Undercurrent
Undercurrent, a Sausalito, California based
publication has graciously provided Fijiguide.com with commentary
on Taveuni and Savusavu destinations from staff writers and
readers. With the exception of one report, the verbiage below is
generally not more than two years old.

“There are
lots of soft corals, nudibranchs, blue ribbon eels, lion fish,
sharks, schools of barracuda and even a wreck. The visibility can
be poor on some days due to rain or current. If you're into macro,
they have a great 'muck' dive in front of the resort. Their dive
shop seems to be well equipped and is run by Joeli, the dive
instructor, and three divemasters who accompanied us. They worked
hard to show us as much as possible and helped us get back on the
boats when the water was rough.”
Diving off of Beqa
- Turtle Patch
- Coral Gardens
- Soft Coral Grotto
- Sea Fan Ledge
- Side Streets
- Black Coral Fantasy
- Garden Eel Patch
- Colonial Boy Point
- Yanuca Shallows & Wreck of the Tasu No. 2
- No Name Passage
- Frigate Passage
- Surgeon's Alley
- Nasici Rocks
- Caesar's Rocks
- Action Drop Off
Map courtesy of Divi
Fiji. |
 |
“The diving is amazing. Soft corals of all colors are abundant,
leopard shark, white tip reef sharks, small schools of jacks,
barracuda and tons of tropicals, 2 or 3 humpback in the lagoon and
we saw one breach. Nudibranch and flat worms, octos - excellent
night diving. E.T. is over dived by mainland operators and kicked
to crap to the point that Beqa Lagoon Resort does not dive it! Beqa
Lagoon Resort has installed mooring buoys at 90% of the dive sites.
We pulled into Fantasy and the mooring was broken by a mainland
dive operator. The Captain and mate fixed it and by the end of the
dive we had a new tie-up, the mooring buoy, diver in and out
excellent Daily 2-tank dives leave 8 am, all equipment handled by
staff after arrival. Divers only look after wetsuits and cameras.
Night dives 2x weekly if at least 4 divers sign up. Shark dive
Fridays for extra $FJ140. Many dive sites to choose from. Most days
included 10-12 divers per boat; additional boat added if more.
Snorkelers welcome on boats. 60 minute surface intervals. Very
plentiful smaller tropicals. Good stands of healthy hard and soft
corals. Divemasters will point out critters and unusual fish, will
help photographers find stuff if asked. Spare but good briefings.
Light supervision, but all divers checked in on depth and time
after every dive. Dives 40-60 minutes. Many lionfish, stonefish,
several leaf fish, white tipped reef sharks on about half the dives
cruising by. Unlimited shore diving, but no one availed during our
visit. No photo processing available at resort, no video or
computer viewing facility. I used a digital and it was very easy.
Others had film cameras and video and seemed comfortable. Resort
has 240V outlets in rooms for recharging.”
“I was disappointed with the diving in Beqa. About half were
'ho-hum', and half 'that was nice'. The dive sites are typically
20- 30 minutes by boat. They have three boats, and all are quite
nice for diving. Several dives have a lot of current. The bommies
have only patches of healthy coral, the locals have overfished so
there are almost no large fish and fewer numbers of smaller
tropicals than I have seen elsewhere in Fiji. There is some good
soft coral. I saw leaf fish and blue ribbon eels on almost every
dive. The divemasters do not provide any graphic overview of the
dive site in their brief briefings, and they are only mildly
attentive to the status of the divers in the water. They let you
dive as you want. They are quite good at finding and pointing out
interesting critters. The between-dive interval is spent on the
boat, with water, koolaid, and cookies.”

Lush feathery
bright soft corals, starfish and swim thrus at Caesars Rock, a
tasty and beautiful lunch served in black lacquered boxes with
snorkeling at picture perfect Yanutha Island, Side Street had
bright yellow fluted vase and black rubbery sponges, foreye
butterfly, rock beauty's, puffers, bright soft corals and more.
Hard corals are mostly dead, much in part to lots of touching by
other divers. Soft corals are healthy and beautiful from strong
currents and this isn't a drift dive so be in good shape and
comfortable handling yourself and gear in them. Currents threatened
to rip my mask off and 4' swells yanked me up and down at Side
Street while hanging on to the safety stop line. A reef hook might
come in handy for photos or at the top of the reef for your safety
stop. Fresh water rinse, no table, handled camera equipment with
respect, handed to you in water.”
Kadavu (pronounced Kahn-da-voo), lies only 88 kilometers south of
Suva. It is approximately 48 kilometers in length and varies in
width from 365 meters to 13 kilome ters. Its area is 411 square
kilometers, just a bit less than Taveuni. Though remote, Kadavu is
well known by divers for its rich diversity of undersea life,
particularly in the Astrolabe Reef. The reefs encircling Kadavu
also offer outstanding diving. In particular the Namalata and
Tavuki reefs have had a good deal of exploration and are the focus
of excellent diving.
Dive Commentary From Undercurrent
Undercurrent, a Sausalito, California based
publication has graciously provided Fijiguide.com with commentary
on Taveuni and Savusavu destinations from staff writers and
readers. With the exception of one report, the verbiage below is
generally not more than two years old.
- North Astrolabe Reef
- Usbourne Passage
- Acquarium #1 & #2
- Naingoro Pass
- Caku Tolu
- Groove Tube
- Mellow Yellow
- Susa Ika
- Butterfly Bommie
Map courtesy of Divi
Fiji. |
- Gutu Gutu
- Evil Trench
- Dakunituba Reef
- Rainbow Tango
- Crazy Maze
- Blue Tang
- Bure's Jewel
- Maui Cake
- Cakau Se
|
 |

One site
delivered several mantas, which they say is dependable. The coral
has taken a beating from cyclones but still plenty to see. One site
was an absolute fairyland which was a mesmerizing with variety and
critters at every turn. We were told that we needed to come up at
750 psi, which caused some grief, since management only filled
tanks to 2700 pounds. So, we had less than 2000 psi of usable air
for each dive we'd traveled 6,000 miles to enjoy. When we asked for
more air, we were told that they fill the tanks to 3000 psi hot,
according to PSI standards, and when they cool, they have 'less'
air. Two of our group are PSI-certified cylinder inspector and knew
that the standards being imposed were more conservative than PSI
standards. To be fair, one reason Matava short filled tanks was
that they are at such a emote site, they don't want to stress their
tanks and have to replace them because it is so expensive to get to
the resort. As it turned out, management was most responsive to our
request for more air and increased bottom time. They filled tanks
after the day's diving, and in the morning they topped them off to
3000 when cool so we all had full tanks the rest of the time.
Matava is a wonderful, remote getaway where the people will make
you feel welcome like family. The food will more than satisfy.”

A beautiful
mix of soft and hard corals, sea squirts, crinoids, anemones and
sponges and tons of fish made for a dizzying experience on every
divingdive. White tip, and gray reef sharks on every dive, turtles
almost every time, a curious 3 foot long Remora that followed us
for an entire dive and the largest moray eel we have ever seen -
it's head was a big as mine and it must have been at least 6 feet
long. Blue ribbon eels, lionfish, enormous groupers - one at least
5 feet tail to tip, schools of barracuda and trevally, and pretty
blue and gold fusiliers, giant clams everywhere, lots of unusual,
brightly colored nudibranchs, and clouds of purple and gold
anthias. Some other unusual fish (for us) included blackfin
dartfish, the many lovely butterfly and banner fish (I loved the
pennant and regal varieties), bumphead parrotfish, and tobies - a
variety of pufferfish. Many different anemone fish cuddled coyly
amongst the anemone tentacles or charged bravely out to confront us
if we hovered close by. There were also many wrasses, damsels,
angels, surgeons, trout, snappers, parrotfish, filefish, roupers
and hinds, cleaning stations, picasso and triggerfish, six kinds of
star fish, brittle stars, cowries, scallops, oysters. The dive
sites are so pristine that many don't have names. Our favorite
places were the north and south side of Naigoro Pass and Alacrity
Rocks. The pass is a drift dive and exactly where we began and
ended depended on the current. Alacrity Rocks offers many beautiful
swim throughs encrusted with delicate lace corals in soft, glowing
blues, purples, yellows and whites. Tiliva's divemaster, Filipe
O'Connor tailored each dive to meet our wishes, and at the same
time gave us a very safe and enjoyable experience. For our first
three days we werethe only divers and enjoyed complete freedom to
dive when and where we wished (given tides and currents). Most of
the time we just followed Filipe because he knows how to find the
good stuff - like a hole in the rock with two fairy and three
bumblebee shrimp or a coral head with eight different colors of
soft coral. At the end of our week two other divers joined us on
the well-equipped boat (oxygen, first aid kit, radio phones, etc.).
We never saw another dive boat the entire week. Surface intervals
were on a lovely, pristine beach with fresh tropical fruit. I found
two large and undamaged chambered nautilus shells washed up on the
beach.”
Diving off Mamanuca and Yasaawa Groups
- Super Market
- Barrelheads
- Gotham City
- Castaway Passage
- The Big W's
- Magic Island
- Namotu Reef
- B26 Bomber
- Stonehenge
- Tui's Reef
- Jackie's Reef
- The Salamanda
- Ronnie's Reef
- Vomo Caves
- Kingfisher Reef
- Lighthouse
- Pinnacles
- Coral Heads
- Namotu Passage
- Fish Market
- Seven Sisters
- Distant Cousins
- Ika Bazaar
- Endless Dream
- Bird Rock
- Big Blue
- Sand Patch
- Mana Passage
- Navi's Point
|

Map courtesy of Divi
Fiji. |
The Mamanuca (pronounced mama-nutha) Group is a cluster of small
islands located just offshore from the west coast of Viti Levu.
Volcanic in origin, the islands are characterized by exceptionally
good weather and and their proximity to the international airport
(which is ten minutes away by plane or approximately an hour by
boat). There are numerous mid-range (and some upscale) properties
as well as very basic backpacker accommodations on Mana and several
of the other islands. All of the resort islands have fine
beaches—some of the best in Fiji. Diving is excellent around here
and good for beginners—there aren’t the kinds of strong currents
you find in Taveuni and the outer islands. (Photo courtesy of
Aqua-Trek).
Of all the Fiji islands the Yasawa (pronounced Yah-sow-wah) Group
is the most archetypically `South Pacific’. Perhaps that is why
both versions of Blue Lagoon were shot on location here. There are
about 20 islands of volcanic origin, which lie in a chain just off
the northwest coast of Viti Levu. The island chain begins about 40
kilometers northwest of Lautoka and stretch for approximately 80
kilometers. From a distance they suggest a string of emerald beads
lying on the horizon. Up close they are precipitous, with long
stretches of sandy beaches fringed by azure waters.
Liveaboards
Liveaboards are an important component to Fiji’s dive portfolio.
Fiji has a vast amount of ocean and a liveaboard offers a great way
to sample the variety and diversity of reef and marine life. Here
are some options that I think highly of…

Hana Nai’a – The Hana Nai’a is a 120’
motor-sailor, designed for maximum comfort forup to 18 divers. The
Fijian crew of 12 spoils theirdiving guests and guest celebrities
like Paul Humann, Stan Waterman, and Howard & Michele Hall. The
boat lay out is unique and well thought out. She boasts 8 private
suites with baths, 5 with queen size beds, and all air conditioned.
Both 7 and 10 day cruises are scheduled, with her range being from
from the Astrolabe Reef in the South to Taveuni and the Northern
Group. This includes dive sites like the now famous E-6 (which they
discovered, along with numerous other sites), Namena, Wakaya, and
Gau. Special cruises are run several times a year, incorporating
trips to Tonga, scientific surveys, and unique experiences like the
Amelia Earhart Expedition. Arguably the finest liveaboard now
operating in Fiji. Many of the staff is from the old Pacific Nomad.
Good Value!
The Nai’a pioneered some of Fiji’s best diving, and still leads the
way as far as liveaboards go. Most of their diving takes place in
the crescent that stretches from the Vatu-I-Ra Channel down to
Wakaya and Gau Island in the Lomaiviti Group. From nudibranchs to
whales, you can see it all on the Nai’a.

The Fiji Aggressor II - Structured as
Saturday to Saturday charters, guests enjoy 5 and a half dive days
of exploration on the reefs, bommiesand walls of Nigali Pass,
Wakaya, Koro and Namenalala Islands. There are exciting drift dives
with eagle rays, mantas, turtles, sharks as well asgreat macro
dives showcasing vibrant soft corals with their luminous colors and
a myriad of other reef life. Dive such world-famous sites as “E-6”
and “Hi-8”. The onboard photo lab allows you to view your slides
the same day you shoot them. Village tours along with mekes
(traditional dance) and other activities of cultural interest are
scheduled, weather permitting.

Tui Tai – In addition to diving the Tui
Tai combines the best of cultural interaction, land activities
(hiking and biking) and water activities such as world class ,
kayaking and snorkeling. The Tui Tai is a 140-foot sailing schooner
with a crew of 16 that accommodates up to 24 guests.Based out of
Savusavu and plying the waters of Fiji’s Northern Group around
Taveuni, Vanua Levu, Koro, Kioa, and the Ringgold Islands, theTui
Tai’s cruises are geared toward active outdoor enthusiasts
searching for a tropical experience that includes cultural
immersion, diving, and experiencing Fiji’s unspoiled villages,
reefs, rainforests and waterfalls. Opportunities abound to dive,
kayak, trek, bike, and visit local villages. You can do as much or
as little as you like during the trip – there are recommended
activities each day, but they will also supply guides and equipment
for almost any adventure you’d like to do! If you have any special
activity requests, just let them know and a guide will be arranged
and you’re on your way. The Tui Tai is the only liveaboard in Fiji
offering a charter of less than 7 nights, and boat is really
beautiful since the recent refit! The overall experience is unique
and memorable.
The Tui Tai offers diving that ranges from the world-famous
Somosomo Strait and Rainbow Reef to the virtually untouched areas
of the Ringgolds and Rabi Island. While there are many excellent
established sites, there is also still much unexplored in the area.
Soft and hard coral are common, and lots of reef life. Pelagic
activity on the dives is typically minimal, but it’s not uncommon
to see large fish from the boat itself.

Blue Lagoon Cruises – “Cruise in Luxury,
Dive in Paradise” is the latest twist on Blue Lagoon, which
specializes in upscale cruising in Fiji. If you are seeking a dive
trip that pays equal attention to the diver as the non-diver you
should consider this. The 60 meter catamaran Fiji Princess is the
only catamaran and newest addition to the Blue Lagoon Fleet. She
has 34 deluxe air-con cabins and offers great amenities including a
luxurious dining saloon, spacious upper deck lounge bar, sky deck
bar, foyer, boutique, Lagoon Spa, swimming pool, four sundecks and
on-board water toys. The two custom made Naiad dive boats are
staffed by PADI divemasters or PADI instructors from West Side
Water Sports—an excellent operation. With the potential of doing up
to 4 dives on some days in addition to all the other activities,
you’ve got some good options with this vessel.