Where’s the Best Snorkelling in Fiji? Our Top Spots

Fiji’s network of coral reefs covers more than 4,000 square miles and is home to more than 1,000 species of fish and several hundred types of coral. It’s marine biodiversity at its best – just ripe for you to explore this holiday.

The pristine waters of the South Pacific are a deep-sea diver’s dream. Here the warm, clear waters afford year-round snorkelling and diving opportunities. Each island boasts a vibrant underwater wonderland, teeming with exotic marine life and colourful reefs, but nowhere more so than the ‘Soft Coral Capital of the World’: Fiji.

What if I’ve never been diving or snorkelling before?

Fiji snorkelling and diving is not only for the experienced. If you’re new to the world below the waves, there are many calm beaches and snorkelling locations you can enjoy safely.

Most of the resorts in Fiji offer snorkelling and scuba-diving lessons. Plus, their instructors can run you through a PADI-certification course to get you up to speed with all fun things underwater.

Where can I go for the best snorkelling in Fiji?

Astrolabe Reef, Kadavu

Stretching a whopping 65 kilometres around the island of Kadavu, the Astrolabe Reef is one of the world’s longest reefs. Its intricate tunnels, shallow pinnacles, pulsating underwater gardens and intriguing shipwrecks will keep every type of diver entertained. Halfway along, the reef’s path is bisected by the Naiqoro Passage. This is an important transit point for large pelagics: manta rays, big fish and sharks.

Be on the lookout for: Head to Astrolabe Reef in July or August for the best chance of spotting a hammerhead shark.

Namena Marine Reserve

The island of Namenala is located between the two largest islands of Fiji: Viti Levu and Vanau Levu. The Namena Marine Reserve, which forms a horseshoe around the island, is a community-protected area managed by 10 village chiefs. It’s the mecca of Fiji diving experiences, for its unspoiled waters are home to particularly diverse marine flora and fauna.

Be on the lookout for: Blue Ribbon Eel, Barracuda and Humpback Whales.

Mantaray Island

You guessed it, it’s home to the manta rays! This island, located in the remote Yasawa Islands, has warm waters and a nutrient-rich environment that the rays just can’t resist. Between April and October is the best time to visit. You can float quietly in the water and observe the elegant rays as they arrive to feed in the plankton-rich waters.

Be on the lookout for: Manta rays, duh!

Off the island of Taveuni, in the Somosomo Strait, lies one of the most famous dive sites in the South Pacific: the Rainbow Reef. A site of unprecedented natural beauty, the reef’s vari-coloured coral appears to make up the colours of a rainbow – and it’s spectacular to say the least. While swimming in this exotic reef, be sure to explore The Great White Wall, this enormous perpendicular wall reaches 150 feet deep and almost 200 feet across. It’s one of the most popular snorkelling attractions and absolutely breath-taking.

Be on the lookout for: Clown Triggerfish, White-Tip Reef Sharks and even Leopard Sharks.

Navini Island

Navini Island is amongst the best in Fiji for snorkelling for newbies and beginners. The reef has low currents, making the marine life easy to spot and swimming a cinch. The reef sanctuary surrounds the island, putting world-class snorkelling right outside your front door. If you’ve kids, this would be our first pick!

Be on the lookout for: Clown Triggerfish, White-Tip Reef Sharks and even Leopard Sharks.

Natadola Beach

Natadola is a public beach on the mainland of Viti Levu. It’s renowned for its pristine white sand beach and choppy cobalt waves. Visitors can snorkel, swim and surf right off the beach. Natadola’s strong currents bring tonnes of colourful fish and marine life just off the beach, so put them flippers on and jump right in.

Be on the lookout for: Turquoise patches in the water which lead the way to deep holes in the reef and secretive caves – perfect for free-diving.

When planning your trip, please remember that while it’s safe to dive straight after a flight, you should leave at least 12 hours (ideally 24 hours) after diving before you get on a plane. This includes short inter-island plane trips in Fiji. Flying immediately after diving may cause decompression sickness.

Now that you’ve got a starter’s guide on the best snorkelling spots in Fiji, go ahead and plan that epic tropical island holiday! If you need someone to talk to, chat with our South Pacific Specialists on 1300 991 751. You can also check out some of our fantastic Fiji holiday deals and packages – we bundle accommodations, return flights, transfers, breakfasts and even seasonal specials like free nights and tours!