Fiji is situated in the South Pacific and comprises roughly 330 tropical islands. It is approximately 1100 miles from the northeast region of New Zealand. Viti Levu Nadi is the capital city and gateway and the group of islands is a remarkable destination with natives who are always warm and welcoming. Additionally, it boasts a vibrant culture and some of the finest diving in the world.
Fiji diving adventures are on the bucket lists of many divers and for good reasons. With a myriad of islands to discover, this tropical paradise offers remarkable visibility, plenty of sunshine, warm water and various dive sites.
The primary Fiji diving season is between April and October; however, diving is likely all throughout the year. Optimal visibility occurs during the winter, between July and September, when the temperature of the water is roughly 68 degrees Fahrenheit. The rainy season happens during the summer, between November and March, and features water temperatures between 82 degrees and 86 degrees Fahrenheit. Wetsuit thickness of between 3 and 7mm is adequate, depending on cold tolerance and the season. Below are two of the best Fiji diving spots:
• Sososomo Strait
Found in Taveuni, Sososomo Strait is largely responsible for the reputation Fiji has developed as the soft-coral hub of the world. Divers from around the globe come to experience the multicolored corals of Taveuni. Approximately 12 dive sites are there to explore; Great White Wall and Rainbow Reef are two of the most renowned. The Great White Wall is shrouded in white coral that goes into the depths of 82 feet. The Rainbow Reef is covered in different shades of soft corals and is a large location comprising numerous coral bommies. Dive depth ranges between 29 and 65 feet.
Dives on Rainbow Reef and the Great White Wall are dependent on currents, tides and levels of nutrient in the water, which impact the activity of soft coral. Somosomo Strait is suited to experienced divers. To avoid choppy seas and maximize visibility, it is best to visit between April and October. The area is frequented by Mantas between November and May and the occasional humpback whale could be spotted between July and September.
• Shark Reef Marine Reserve
Located in Beqa Lagoon, Viti Levu, this marine reserve was launched in 2004 as a collaboration with Beqa Adventure Divers. The location is ranked among the top shark dives across the globe. Each visitor is allowed two dives a day and these dives typically include sightings of bull sharks, tawny nurse sharks, sicklefin lemon sharks, blacktip reef sharks, whitetip reef sharks and if you are fortunate, even a tiger shark.
Shark dives at this location are appropriate for all skill levels, in spite of a diving depth of 98 feet. This particular dive operator has a unique dispensation courtesy of PADI because of their exceptional diver supervision and safety procedures. This has enabled them to work with even divers with limited skills. Diving enthusiasts are required to wear full-length wetsuits and there is no requirement for special equipment.
