Soft corals in strong current, bull sharks in Beqa Lagoon, and manta rays in the Yasawas. This is an independent guide to where to dive in Fiji, when to go and how to plan the trip.
Scuba diving in Fiji, the soft coral capital of the world
330-plus islands in the South Pacific
Scuba diving in Fiji is built on current. Tidal water pushes through the passages and straits between the islands, and the soft corals that feed in it grow in colours you rarely see elsewhere. That is why divers call Fiji the soft coral capital of the world. The same current brings in schooling fish, reef sharks and, at the right time of year, manta rays.
Fiji is a nation of more than 330 islands, and the diving is spread across them. Most visitors land at Nadi on Viti Levu, the largest island, and either dive close to the main island or take a short flight or boat ride to Taveuni, Kadavu, Vanua Levu or the Yasawa chain. Every region has a different character, from the shark feed at Beqa Lagoon to the drift dives of Rainbow Reef in Taveuni.
This guide sets out what each region offers, which months suit it, and how to put a trip together. Where a detail changes often, such as a reserve fee or a boat schedule, we tell you to check it with the operator before you book. Read more about how this independent guide is written, and see the Fiji diving blog for in-depth articles.
Where to dive
Fiji's main dive regions
Five regions cover most of the diving visitors do. Compare them side by side on our best dive sites in Fiji page.
Flights, transfers, gear, dive insurance and itineraries that link two regions.
330+Islands in Fiji
5Dive regions in this guide
12Months of diving a year
2Marine reserves covered in depth
Good to know
Three things that shape a Fiji dive trip
01
Current is the point
The best soft coral sites sit where tidal current runs hardest, so dives are often timed to the tide and many are drifts. Read up on Rainbow Reef before you go if you are new to current.
02
Pick one or two regions
Islands are far apart and domestic flights are small and infrequent. Most divers do better with one or two bases than trying to see everything. Our trip planning guide has sample itineraries.
03
Reefs belong to villages
Many reefs are under traditional fishing rights, and some reserves charge a small levy that supports the community. Expect it, and see the Namena Marine Reserve for one example.
Questions
Scuba diving Fiji FAQ
Is Fiji good for beginner divers?
Yes, in the right places. The Mamanuca islands near Nadi and the reefs inside Beqa Lagoon have sheltered sites suited to courses and new divers. Strong-current sites such as Rainbow Reef are better once you have some experience. See learn to dive in Fiji for more.
When is the best time to dive in Fiji?
You can dive in Fiji all year. The cooler, drier months from about May to October usually bring calmer weather and good visibility, while the warmer months from about November to April bring warmer water and the risk of cyclones.
How warm is the water in Fiji?
Water is warm all year, roughly the mid-20s Celsius in the cooler months and nearer 29 to 30 degrees in the warmest months. Many divers use a 3 mm wetsuit, and a 5 mm in the cooler months if they feel the cold.
Do I need a guide to swim with manta rays?
Manta rays are a protected species in Fiji, and manta swims are done with a guide who follows a code of conduct: keep your distance, do not touch, and let the manta choose how close to come.
Ready to start planning?
Flights, transfers, gear, insurance and itineraries for a Fiji dive trip, in one guide.
