Marine life
Take a break and set off to explore Fiji, an archipelago lost in the middle of the Pacific Ocean on the oceanic continent. Located between the Tropic of Capricorn and Ecuador, this small piece of paradise includes 300 almost uninhabited islands that offer relaxation, warm smile from its inhabitants and idyllic surroundings. The two main islands are Viti Levu and Vanua Levu. The vegetation is lush and the tropical forest covers about 80% of the territory. In this archipelago, tourism is flourishing thanks to its heavenly beaches populated with coconut trees. The culture of the region is, of course, recreation and water sports such as surfing and scuba diving. Fiji is also valued for its primary resources: forests, minerals, fish, sugar, which is the main source of income for local industrial activity. These islands are renowned for their beautiful diving spots, surrounded by lagoons with crystal clear waters and coral reefs with shimmering colors. Tropical fish and rare species of corals abound between walls and vertiginous drop offs. It’s a treat for an unforgettable diving trip in the middle of the Pacific! If you are looking for exoticism, shades and incredible colors, you must dive in Fiji.
Where to go for diving in Fiji?
Fiji’s Barrier Reef
Known and recognized by divers around the world, the Fiji Coral Barrier is certainly one of the most interesting and exciting dive sites to explore. It is accessible to all levels. Its abundance of hard and soft rainbow-colored corals is at the root of its excellent reputation. High visibility allows the observation of many pelagics such as barracudas, giant trevallies, giant groupers and dogtooth tuna. It is also possible to spot rare species of sharks such as the gray reef shark, the white tip reef shark, the bulldog shark and even the tiger shark!
Vanua Levu – Savusavu
Fiji’s second largest island in size after its older sister Viti Levu but also less touristy, Vanua Levu has nothing to envy. Its dive sites are indeed unavoidable by the richness and diversity of its seabed that give it a place of choice among the most beautiful destinations for diving . Its landscapes are very contrasted as well as its reliefs and its topography. Large mountains covered with lush tropical vegetation, an abundance of coconut groves and sugar cane plantations surround the island. Soft corals decorate walls and caves. As for wildlife, it is varied and dense: barracudas, reef sharks, hammerhead sharks, tuna, jacks, batfish, but also leaf fish, shrimps, anemones populate its waters.
Kadavu
Kadavu is an isolated wilderness spot that brings a special thrill to lovers of Manta rays. It is a strategic spot for snorkeling and for discovering nature. This island is preserved and protected from all human tourist nuisances, which will plunge you into the very heart of local traditions.
Renowned for soft corals and its underwater cliffs, there is also abundant fauna of sharks, barracudas, tunas, dolphins, eagle rays, turtles …
This dive site is designed above all for divers seeking authenticity.
Other less well-known but interesting dive sites are also to be found, such as Beqa Lagoon or Taveuni .
Diving cruises in Fiji
Diving cruises are an effective and increasingly popular alternative for discovering the maximum of hard-to-reach sites in record time. Diving cruises usually have a duration of 7 to 10 days and are carried out on motor yachts or sailboats. Most liveaboards cover the diving spots of the eastern archipelago in the Koro Sea. In the North, cruises take place around the main islands Viti Levu and Vanua Levu, along the reefs and the Namena Marine Reserve.
When to go for diving to Fiji?
Fiji, a dream destination, is open year-round for a diving trip. Nevertheless, plan your stay according to the weather conditions that may discourage the less adventurous of you. Between November and March, heavy storms in the hurricane season can make the waters cloudy and, as a result, reduce visibility. The dives will therefore be mainly reserved for experienced divers. From May to October, summer is at its best and brings warmth, tropical fish and tourists. The temperature of the water, meanwhile, remains pleasant throughout the year, between 26 and 31 ° C.
What are the diving conditions?
Visibility varies with weather, tides and currents. Divers will enjoy the passage of more interesting marine species in poor visibility, that is to say, less than or equal to 20 meters. However, during the dry season, visibility can exceed 30 meters.
The sea currents are more or less strong depending on the diving sites location, which makes the dives accessible to all.
Difficulty and level : Fiji is a great place to learn to dive. There are many sites that are well suited for learning Open Water diving.
The temperature of the water is ideal all year long, warmed by a strong heliotropism. Temperatures are around 26 and 31 ° C.
What do we see when diving in Fiji?
Whether for a family holiday or a diving holiday, the trip promises to be rewarding and exotic in Fiji. Come and enjoy the richness of this paradisiacal archipelago which counts more than 390 species of hard and soft corals and more than 1200 species of fishes. Many species of sharks roam in these waters: black tip reef, gray tip, coral shark, bulldog shark, tiger shark and leopard shark. Dolphins and turtles are also present. The Fiji Islands are also a prime destination for muck diving and macro photography because of their abundance in small creatures.
In summary, it is a surprising destination that will get the approval of all!
