Mana Island
Explore Mamanuca IslandsNestled just off the west coast of Viti Levu, the Mamanuca Islands offer a d
Explore Mamanuca Islands
Nestled just off the west coast of Viti Levu, the Mamanuca Islands offer a dive experience that is both diverse and engaging. This volcanic archipelago is renowned for its stunning marine environments, where warm, crystal-clear waters reveal vibrant coral reefs teeming with life. Whether you're exploring the calm, sheltered lagoons or the more adventurous sites along the Malolo Barrier Reef, the underwater landscapes are sure to captivate. Here, divers can encounter an array of marine life, from playful reef fish and elegant turtles to larger species like sharks, dolphins, and schools of barracuda.
The Mamanuca Islands cater to divers of all levels, featuring easily accessible sites just minutes from the shore. The region's legendary visibility allows for spectacular views of both soft and hard corals, creating a colorful backdrop for your underwater adventures. For those seeking a touch of adrenaline, drift and night dives provide thrilling experiences, while unique sites, such as a sunken plane and ferry, offer intriguing explorations for wreck enthusiasts.
With options for both resort-based and boat diving, the Mamanucas ensure a memorable dive trip. The laid-back island atmosphere is complemented by the opportunity to embark on specialized dive courses, making it an ideal destination for both leisure dives and skill-building adventures. Whether you're in search of peaceful underwater exploration or heart-pounding encounters, the Mamanuca Islands promise an unforgettable diving experience in the heart of Fiji's enchanting waters.
Places to explore
Dive Activity
Diving in Mamanuca Islands
The Mamanuca Islands, nestled in the heart of Fiji, are a haven for divers seeking diverse underwater adventures. Among the top dive sites is the "Supermarket," renowned for its thrilling shark encounters. Divers can marvel at schools of reef sharks gliding through the water. Another highlight is the "Tavarua Wreck," where a sunken vessel hosts vibrant marine life, creating a surreal underwater landscape.
Dive enthusiasts can enjoy both shore and liveaboard options, catering to different preferences. Shore dives offer accessible exploration of coral gardens teeming with colorful fish, while liveaboards provide the opportunity to venture farther afield. Night dives reveal enchanting spectacles like bioluminescent plankton and nocturnal marine creatures, offering a unique perspective of the underwater world. The Mamanuca Islands promise an unforgettable diving experience, balancing ease of access with thrilling underwater encounters.
Top Wildlife Sightings in Mamanuca Islands
The Mamanuca Islands, located in Fiji, boast a vibrant array of marine life, captivating divers with its diverse underwater ecosystem. Common reef fish, such as butterflyfish, parrotfish, and clownfish, thrive in the coral gardens, providing a kaleidoscope of colors and activity. These species are abundant and easily spotted throughout the year, making them a staple of any diving experience in the region.
Seasonal highlights include the chance to see blacktip reef sharks and graceful manta rays. Sharks are typically encountered more frequently during the cooler months from May to October, while manta rays are best seen during the warmer months, especially from November to April. Green and hawksbill turtles are also notable residents, often spotted gliding through the water across the year, particularly around coral-rich areas. Divers should check with local guides for the best times and locations to increase their chances of encountering these majestic creatures.
Wildlife Sightings are Based on User Generated Content
Shutterstock-Shane Myers Photography
Green Turtle
171 Sightings
J
3
F
2
M
1
A
3
M
2
J
8
J
15
A
47
S
39
O
15
N
21
D
15
Shutterstock-Ed Jenkins
Hawksbill Turtle
79 Sightings
J
0
F
1
M
1
A
1
M
6
J
6
J
4
A
2
S
15
O
15
N
19
D
9
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species: 200
Alamy-WaterFrame
Moray Eel
65 Sightings
J
4
F
2
M
0
A
6
M
6
J
6
J
4
A
6
S
5
O
10
N
8
D
8
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species: 300
Alamy/Reinhard Dirscherl
Octopus
23 Sightings
J
4
F
0
M
1
A
2
M
2
J
4
J
0
A
0
S
1
O
1
N
4
D
4
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species: 600
iStock/ultramarinfoto
Wrasse
15 Sightings
J
1
F
1
M
0
A
0
M
0
J
0
J
4
A
3
S
2
O
3
N
1
D
0
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species: 27
iStock-Global_Pics
Barracuda
12 Sightings
J
2
F
1
M
0
A
0
M
2
J
1
J
1
A
0
S
0
O
3
N
0
D
2
Alamy-National Geographic Creative
Leatherback Turtle
11 Sightings
J
0
F
0
M
0
A
0
M
2
J
0
J
2
A
1
S
0
O
3
N
1
D
2
iStock-June Jacobsen
Whitetip Reef Shark
194 Sightings
J
6
F
2
M
2
A
4
M
11
J
7
J
17
A
37
S
45
O
20
N
25
D
18
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species: 28
Udo Kefrig
Clownfish
91 Sightings
J
3
F
4
M
0
A
6
M
10
J
6
J
11
A
12
S
10
O
8
N
12
D
9
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species: 90
Shutterstock-Rich Carey
Angelfish
88 Sightings
J
4
F
5
M
1
A
3
M
6
J
5
J
11
A
14
S
14
O
7
N
9
D
9
The best Months to dive in Mamanuca Islands
The Mamanuca Islands, located off the western coast of Fiji's main island, offer excellent diving conditions year-round. Water temperatures typically range from 26°C–30°C/79°F–86°F, providing a warm environment for divers. Visibility is often exceptional, ranging from 20 to 40 meters, allowing divers to fully appreciate the vibrant marine life and coral reefs.
Diving is possible throughout the year; however, some factors can influence conditions. From May to October, the southeast trade winds can bring stronger currents, making some dive sites more challenging. The wet season, from November to April, may see occasional rainfall, but this rarely affects underwater visibility significantly, maintaining excellent diving opportunities most times of the year.
