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DESTINATION OVERVIEW | Fiji’s reefs are as varied and exciting as you would expect to find anywhere but the most compelling reason for scuba diving in Fiji is to see the corals. It isn't hard to see why it was nicknamed the soft coral capital of the world.
On almost every dive, you see soft coral specimens that can best be described as trees. From close to the surface to well below diving limits, there is the most incredible mass of them in every colour imaginable. This s thanks to the consistent 30 metre plus visibility that keeps the depths well lit, along with the right temperatures for growth – the water is just a bit cooler than the tropics, which is how soft corals like it.
There is diving right across the country but two of the areas most targeted by serious divers are the islands of Vanua Levu and Taveuni. These lie north of the main island of Viti Levu and sit on either side of the Somosomo Straights.
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PROS AND CONS | If you are in Europe, the Fiji islands are a LONG way from home. It's not so bad for the Americans – and the Aussies are laughing with Fiji more-or-less on their doorstep. But once you have arrived, there is a wide variety of small hotels near to dive centres and a full range of luxury rooms and liveaboards, plus all the islands have that special feeling of stepping back in time.
SCUBA DIVING | Diving is year round but the water can be a bit chillier than you would expect, especially in the winter months. Plankton blooms in April - May or November - December reduce the visibility a little, but these also bring in filter-feeders and larger pelagic species. It should be noted that the currents that rush through the islands can be a bit stiff, especially in the Somosomo Straits. However, this is what keeps the nutrients flowing across the reefs and promotes growth in the incredible soft coral gardens. The main island, Viti Levu, has some reasonable diving as well, and it can be worth doing a couple of the offshore dives if you have time.
OPINION | In all our travels we had never seen reefs that were so incredibly colourful and for that reason alone, it is worth the trip at least once.
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| Complete reports on this area are in Diving the World
Click the image to read more or order a copy direct from this site.
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