Fiji Islands
a tropical island in Fiji, South Pacific

Fiji Islands

Eager to dive in the crystal-clear waters of the South Pacific? The Fiji Islands boast thousands of square miles of stunning coral reef, world-class dive sites, and rich marine flora and fauna. Read our guide to help you plan the ultimate Fiji scuba diving adventure.

Geography of the Fiji Islands

Located in the heart of the South Pacific, the Republic of Fiji is a Melanesian paradise consisting of more than 330 islands (110 of which are inhabited). Situated northeast of New Zealand’s North Island, Fiji is characterized by mountainous islands which were formed approximately 150 million years ago through volcanic activities. The islands are known for their lush vegetation and tropical rainforests, as well as their fish, mineral, and tourism industries.

The Best Fiji Scuba Diving Destinations

Divers looking for an unspoiled diving destination will not be disappointed by the Fiji Islands. Besides the azure waters, the main attractions are the islands’ stunning coral reefs and wide variety of flora and fauna. The two main islands are Viti Levu and Vanua Levu, with many of the most popular dive sites being located here.

Great Astrolabe Reef

Situated at Kadavu Island, south of Viti Levu, the Great Astrolabe Reef is the third largest barrier reef in the world and is the largest living organism in the South Pacific. True to its name, this great reef stretches around the entire island with its free flowing channels and passages that offer a view of the soft coral gardens and pristine coral formations. What makes this dive spot extra special is the fact that Kadavu Island is one of the least commercialized areas in Fiji. Prepare to encounter manta rays, as well as various species of tropical fish, when you dive here.

Yasawa Islands

Offering a more remote tropical island feel, the Yasawa Islands boast healthy hard corals, an abundance of fish life, unique underwater topography, and steep vertical terrains. Manta ray and shark encounters are quite common here as well.

Manta Ray Island

Manta Ray Island is located within the Yasawa Islands. Divers looking for the ultimate Fiji manta ray diving experience can swim with schools of rays that inhabit the nearby channel. These creatures come to Manta Ray Island between the months of April to late September to feed in the channel filled with nutrient dense plankton. You can also go on a boat ride or snorkel off the beach and watch the majestic manta rays under the water.

Somosomo Strait

Also known as the Rainbow Reef, the Somosomo Strait is a vibrant tropical reef system situated in the narrow passage between Taveuni and Vanua Levu. This dive site includes the famous Great White Wall, which is the perfect spot for wall diving. Here, scuba divers can swim through tunnels and along walls covered in brilliant displays of soft, hard, and plated corals awash in brilliant colors.

These corals are filled with colorful sponges, sea whips, gorgonian fans, and crinoids, and in the shallows you can spot morays, octopus, and lionfish. Be sure not to miss the many larger species, including manta rays, barracudas, and reef sharks.

The Mamanuca Islands

Characterized by a chain of 20 beautiful tropical islands, the Mamanuca Islands boast many underwater marvels, including the Namotu Wall. This wall is teeming with lush corals and unique and iridescent marine life. Depending on the months, it is not unusual to see tuna, barracudas, turtles, and sharks in this island chain.

Shark Reef Marine Reserve

Considered by many to be the best shark dive destination in the world, the Shark Reef Marine Reserve is an educational dive site where you can encounter more than eight shark species–including the white-tip, black-tip, bull, grey reef, tawny nurse, silvertip, and tiger shark. This popular Fiji shark dive destination is also home to over 400 species of fish, including rays, groupers, and wrasses.

Bligh Waters

Bligh Waters offers a stretch of remarkable dive sites, including Black Magic Mountain and Mount Mutiny. This area boasts diverse marine life, nutrient-rich waters, and fringing soft corals. Swarms of sweet lips, unicorns, gobies, and tangs are often drawn to the reefs. The attractions to be found here will help you understand why Fiji is known as the soft coral capital of the world.

Beqa Lagoon

Often called “The Mecca of Pacific Diving,” this majestic lagoon lies behind the barrier reef in Beqa Island, south of Viti Levu. Dive sites here cater to divers of all levels since the water is generally clear and calm. Characterized by colorful reefs teeming with tropical fish and multi-hued soft coral covered pinnacles, Beqa Lagoon is also renowned as a shark dive haven. Prepare to encounter up to seven shark species, including white-tip, black-tip, bull, and tiger sharks.

Namena Marine Protected Reserve

Home to various pelagics and invertebrates, the Namena Marine Protected Reserve is a magnificent barrier reef filled with brilliant soft and hard corals. This reserve is most easily accessed from Savusavu and is arguably one of the most stunning dive sites in Fiji.

Every month, there is something particular to look out for in Namena’s waters. Expect to see turtles and dolphins in the summer months and dive with hammerhead sharks in the winter months. If your eyes are good enough, you may spot pygmy seahorses, along with some sharks and other pelagics, all year round.

Marine Life

Home to roughly 500 coral varieties and 1,000 fish species, Fiji’s outer reefs yield strong currents that bring nutrient rich waters from thousands of miles around, and in turn, lure in some of the most diverse marine life into its waters. From macro wonders to pelagic spectacles, Fiji's reefs have it all.

Be on the lookout for these awesome sea creatures when scuba diving in the Fiji Islands:
  • Manta rays
  • Seahorses
  • Ribbon eels
  • Moray eels
  • Angelfish
  • Sharks

Other Attractions

The Fijians are extremely hospitable and it’s easy to immerse yourself in their way of life. When you’re ready to explore live above the ocean waves, consider participating in these activities:
  • Watch a local Rugby game
  • Sample the kava, Fiji’s national drink
  • Hike to the summit of an island peak
  • Explore the limestone caves
  • Partake in cultural events, like traditional feasts
  • Indulge in action-packed activities (parasailing, kayaking, white water rafting, skydiving, zip-lining, golfing, and jungle trekking)
  • Explore the clubs and bars at sundown
  • Visit the Garden of the Sleeping Giant, temples, villages, and the Natadola Bay Championship Golf Course in Viti Levu

How to Get There

Anyone with a valid passport can visit Fiji without a visa. However, tourists who wish to stay for more than four months should get a visa prior to traveling. Accessible both via airline and cruise ship, Fiji is one of the easiest destinations to get to if you’re interested in diving in the Pacific.
By Air
Several airlines offer international flights from New Zealand, Los Angeles, Sydney, Hong Kong, Singapore, Australia, Honolulu, and San Francisco. Once you arrive at Nadi International Airport (Fiji's primary airport, located in Viti Levu), you can board domestic flights to other airports around the islands. Fiji Airways is the nation’s official carrier, and it regularly offers sales and deals, so be sure to check for special offers when booking.

By Sea
Fiji is accessible via cruise ship and many will stop at Suva, the waterside capital of the country. The island nation is part of the itinerary of several Royal Caribbean cruises around the South Pacific, which typically run between the months of September and April.

Getting Around
With paved highways encircling Fiji’s two main islands, it’s fairly easy to get around the country’s villages, towns, cities, and islands. Most hotels arrange complimentary airport transfers, while others charge a small fee. Alternatively, you can book your transfers beforehand through local inbound operators and tour/transfer companies.

An easy option for short trips are taxis lined up outside the Nadi Airport arrivals terminal or seven-seater vans for bigger groups. If you want a cheaper alternative, buses are the way to go, provided you’re in no rush to get to your destination. Fiji’s roads are also perfect for car drives as long as you have valid driver’s license. Major car rental companies have offices at Nadi Airport, and you can arrange a rental before your trip.

Best Time to Visit

The dry season runs from June to October when visibility is at an all time high, but the weather can be windy and the water temperature is quite cold. December through April is the wet season, when visibility is lower but the winds are calm and the water temperature is quite warm. Keep in mind that the weather may vary on different islands, but scuba diving in Fiji can be done all year round depending on the divers’ desires.

Required Trainings & Certifications

Since several dive sites in Fiji pose challenging water conditions, scuba divers are advised to be at least a PADI Open Water Diver. Before diving in Fiji, do not forget to bring your dive certification card and logbook as proof of certification level and experience. Taking PADI Deep Diver, PADI Enriched Air Diver, and PADI Drift Diver courses are also highly recommended to make the most of Fiji’s dive sites.

Miscellaneous Information

Currency
The local currency is the Fijian Dollar (FJD). Tourists are advised to exchange their currencies at the airport, prior to leaving the terminal building.

Language
The locals speak Fijian and Hindi, but English is widely spoken in tourist areas and by the licensed guides who run trips to Fiji.

Time Zone
Fiji utilizes Fiji Standard Time (FST) all year with UTC/GMT +12 hours. Fiji Daylight Saving Time is 13 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT+13)

Driving Side
Driving in Fiji is done on the left side of the road.

Calling Code
The country code for Fiji is 679. Dialing +679, followed by the area code and local number, will allow you to call Fiji from another country.

ISO 3166 code
Fiji’s entry in the ISO 3166-2 is ISO 3166-2:FJ.

Internet TLD
.fj is the Internet top-level domain for Fiji.