Pristine reefs, dramatic walls, and some of the most spectacular marine life on Earth – welcome to Fiji’s underwater paradise. Here’s your comprehensive guide to the best diving locations and when to visit them.
Beqa Lagoon
- Best Time to Visit: Year-round, peak season July-September
- Depth: 5-30 metres
- Visibility: 15-30 metres (best during winter months)
What You’ll See & When
- Tiger sharks (peak July-September)
- Bull sharks (year-round)
- Lemon sharks (year-round)
- Eagle rays (most common October-April)
Must-Dive Sites
- The Cathedral
- Best time: Early morning for shark feeds
- Depth: 16-30 metres
- Famous for: Shark feeding encounters
- Seven Sisters
- Best time: During incoming tide
- Depth: 5-18 metres
- Known for: Pristine coral formations
- Caesar’s Rocks
- Best time: During full moon for stronger currents
- Depth: 18-30 metres
- Highlight: Pelagic action
Somosomo Strait
- Best Time to Visit: May-October for best visibility and coral displays
- Depth: 10-40 metres
- Visibility: 20-40 metres (best June-September)
What You’ll See & When
- Soft corals (most vibrant during strong currents)
- Barracuda schools (year-round)
- Napoleon wrasse (frequent morning sightings)
Prime Sites
- The Great White Wall
- Best time: During incoming tide
- Depth: 15-40 metres
- Special feature: White soft coral wall
- Purple Wall
- Best time: Early morning, incoming tide
- Depth: 10-35 metres
- Known for: Purple soft coral displays
- Rainbow Reef
- Best time: During moderate current
- Depth: 5-30 metres
- Famous for: Diverse coral species
Namena Marine Reserve
- Best Time to Visit: May-October for optimal conditions
- Depth: 5-1000+ metres
- Visibility: 20-40 metres (best during winter months)
Seasonal Highlights
- Hammerheads (November-March)
- Humpback whales (July-September)
- Manta rays (May-October)
Featured Sites
- Grand Central Station
- Best time: During incoming tide
- Depth: 20-40 metres
- Known for: Big pelagic action
- Chimneys
- Best time: Early morning, slack tide
- Depth: 5-30 metres
- Perfect for: Coral photography
- Dream House
- Best time: Afternoon dives
- Depth: 5-20 metres
- Speciality: Macro life
Taveuni Island
- Best Time to Visit: April-October for optimal conditions
- Depth: 5-35 metres
- Visibility: 15-30 metres (best May-September)
Seasonal Marine Life
- Hammerhead schools (December-March)
- Manta rays (May-October)
- Reef sharks (year-round)
Top Sites
- Rainbow’s End
- Best time: Morning dives, incoming tide
- Depth: 10-30 metres
- Famous for: Coral gardens
- The Zoo
- Best time: Afternoon dives
- Depth: 5-25 metres
- Highlight: Reef fish abundance
- Annie’s Bommie
- Best time: Early morning
- Depth: 5-35 metres
- Known for: Pelagic encounters
Water Conditions By Season
Winter (May-October)
- Temperature: 24-26°C
- Visibility: 20-40 metres
- Calmer seas
- Less rainfall
Summer (November-April)
- Temperature: 27-30°C
- Visibility: 15-30 metres
- Occasional rain
- More plankton (great for filter feeders)
Essential Tips
- 3mm wetsuit recommended year-round
- Book boats in advance during peak season (May-October)
- Many sites require Advanced Open Water certification
- Check moon phases for best current diving
- Consider Nitrox certification for longer bottom times
Conditions and marine life sightings vary with seasons, tides, and weather patterns. Always dive with certified operators who prioritise safety and marine conservation.