Diving in Fiji

Fiji scuba
diving features

MARINE LIFE:
Soft corals
Reef sharks
Clownfish and anemones

FIJI'S TOP DIVE SITE:
Great White Wall, Somosomo Straits

DESTINATION OVERVIEW
Fiji’s reefs are as varied and exciting as you would expect to find anywhere, but the most compelling single reason for going there to dive is to see the corals. Nicknamed the soft coral capital of the world, it isn't hard to see why.

The soft coral specimens 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 proliferation is 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. The currents that rush through the Straits can be a bit stiff, but they keep the nutrients flowing across the reefs, which promotes growth in the incredible soft coral gardens. Both islands are great places to stay and have that special feeling of stepping back in time.

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.

Seasons
Year round
Visibility:
20 – 50 metres
Water temperature:
25 – 30º C.
Deco chambers:
Suva

Flights Star Alliance Network on a round the world ticket from Europe. Qantas or Air Pacific from Australia.
Dive operators and accommodation options vary depending on your island destination. There are a good range of budget services as well as a couple of top level liveaboards.

SCUBA DIVING
Diving is year round but the water can be a tiny bit chillier than you would expect, especially in the winter months.

Plankton blooms during April and May or November and December can reduce the visibility a little, but these will also bring in filter-feeders and larger pelagic species.

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. We intend to go back in late 2010. Watch this space.