It’s easy to see why Fiji is known as the soft coral capital of the world when diving in Vanua Levu. The surrounding waters provide perfect conditions for the lush growth of colorful soft corals, which need strong currents and nutrient-rich water to thrive. The effect is a rainbow of flower corals, tree corals, leathery corals, sea fans and sea whips in kaleidoscopic shades of red, pink, brown, white, orange and purple.
The reef topography decorated by this colorful carpet is known to offer fun swim-throughs, caverns and caves which are great spots to search for cryptic critters like nudibranchs and shrimp. Vanua Levu dive sites may also feature walls, bommies, sloping reefs and pinnacles. Some of the best Vanua Levu dives are drifts, during which the current entices the soft corals to balloon into full glory, but there are plenty of sheltered sites as well. Dive courses from beginner to divemaster are available.
Some highlights of Vanua Levu megafauna include schooling hammerhead sharks, manta rays, turtles, dolphins, whales, grey reef sharks, whitetip reef sharks, leopard sharks, schools of barracuda, Napoleon wrasse and plenty of medium-sized reef fish. Vanua Levu macro-critters include plenty of nudibranchs, other gastropods and crustaceans.
Vanua Levu diving is best enjoyed at dedicated dive resorts. Liveaboards in Vanua Levu only visit the Namena Marine Reserve, which dive centers and resorts can reach on a daytrip.
Vanua Levu, the second largest island in Fiji, offers diverse and thrilling diving experiences for enthusiasts. Among its top sites is the renowned "Dream House," a pinnacle famous for its rich marine biodiversity, including frequent sightings of hammerhead sharks. "Natewa Bay" offers a unique opportunity to explore one of the world's largest bays with vibrant coral gardens and the occasional manta ray gliding gracefully by.
For wreck diving aficionados, the site known as "Namena Marine Reserve" features a variety of sunken vessels that provide a habitat for an array of marine life. Shore dives can be easily accessed from locations such as "Savusavu," where calm waters and colorful reefs provide an immersive experience for divers of all skill levels. Both shore and liveaboard diving options are well-balanced here, offering flexibility and convenience while exploring the underwater wonders of Vanua Levu.
Diving in Vanua Levu is possible year-round, offering diverse marine life and vibrant coral reefs. The island's water temperatures range between 26°C to 30°C throughout the year, ensuring comfortable conditions for divers. From May to October, visibility is typically excellent, often exceeding 30 meters, making it an ideal time for underwater exploration.
However, from November to April, divers should be aware of the wet season, which brings increased rainfall and the potential for cyclones. While diving remains possible, visibility may decrease, and currents can be stronger due to weather patterns. Despite these factors, many divers still enjoy the rich aquatic life during this period, though planning around weather forecasts is advisable.
Wildlife Sightings are Based on User Generated Content
