Barefoot Manta Island
Barefoot Manta Island, also known as Drawaqa Island, is named after the numerous manta rays that congregate here to feed in the channel off Manta-Ray Beach.
Explore Yasawa Islands
The Yasawa Islands, a stunning chain of volcanic islands in Fiji, offer a unique diving experience that appeals to all levels of divers. Located north of Viti Levu, these islands boast dramatic underwater landscapes, featuring fringing reefs, majestic walls, and captivating swim-throughs. Whether you're a novice or a seasoned diver, the Yasawas provide an array of sites, from vibrant shallow reefs to deep-water adventures teeming with large pelagics.
Diving in the Yasawa Islands is synonymous with encounters with extraordinary marine life. Divers can expect to meet graceful manta rays, various shark species, and a dazzling array of tropical fish, all set against a backdrop of colorful hard and soft corals. The tranquility of these dive sites, combined with options like shore dives and liveaboard trips, allows for an idyllic exploration of this aquatic wonderland. For those visiting between May and October, the chance of spotting manta rays is heightened, while the dry season from July to December ensures cooler waters and exceptional visibility. The Yasawa Islands, with their serene beauty and adventurous spirit, promise an unforgettable diving experience.
Places to explore
Dive Activity
Diving in Yasawa Islands
The Yasawa Islands in Fiji offer exceptional diving experiences, showcasing a mix of vibrant coral reefs and fascinating marine life. Among the top sites, "The Black Rock" stands out for its stunning underwater rock formations and thriving marine ecosystem. "The Manta Ray Passage" is particularly notable for seasonal encounters with manta rays, offering a breathtaking experience for divers.
While the Yasawa Islands feature a balance of shore and liveaboard diving options, shore dives like "Barefoot Manta" provide easy access to rich coral gardens and diverse marine wildlife. For those interested in wreck diving, the "S.S. President Coolidge" near Santo offers an unforgettable exploration of a submerged World War II liner. Night dives in this region reveal unique behaviors, such as bioluminescent plankton displays, adding an element of magic to the underwater adventure.
Top Wildlife Sightings in Yasawa Islands
The Yasawa Islands, located in Fiji, offer a vibrant marine ecosystem teeming with diverse marine life, attracting divers year-round. Among the coral reefs, snorkelers and divers frequently spot common reef fish like parrotfish, angelfish, and butterflyfish. These colorful species are abundant and are a staple in the waters surrounding the islands.
Seasonally, the Yasawas become a hotspot for more elusive marine creatures. From May to October, divers have the opportunity to encounter reef sharks, sea turtles, and manta rays, especially in areas like the Blue Lagoon and Mantaray Island, where sightings are more frequent. The presence of these species varies with ocean currents and water temperatures, making some months particularly favorable for observing these magnificent animals.
Wildlife Sightings are Based on User Generated Content
iStock/HakBak1979
Bull Shark
1.7k Sightings
J
135
F
157
M
134
A
144
M
131
J
81
J
105
A
113
S
180
O
207
N
139
D
166
Shutterstock-Shane Myers Photography
Green Turtle
501 Sightings
J
44
F
29
M
39
A
65
M
44
J
38
J
36
A
56
S
40
O
50
N
20
D
40
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species approx.: 200
Alamy-WaterFrame
Moray Eel
262 Sightings
J
9
F
11
M
15
A
28
M
26
J
25
J
27
A
33
S
22
O
18
N
21
D
27
Shutterstock-Andrey Armyagov
Hawksbill Turtle
141 Sightings
J
9
F
10
M
5
A
15
M
12
J
17
J
15
A
24
S
7
O
14
N
4
D
9
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species approx.: 600
iStock/ultramarinfoto
Wrasse
99 Sightings
J
2
F
7
M
11
A
12
M
22
J
3
J
5
A
6
S
6
O
8
N
10
D
7
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species approx.: 300
Alamy/Reinhard Dirscherl
Octopus
93 Sightings
J
2
F
9
M
1
A
5
M
19
J
10
J
15
A
9
S
8
O
3
N
3
D
9
AdobeStock-Nikolai Sorokin
Blacktip Reef Shark
947 Sightings
J
101
F
106
M
116
A
114
M
73
J
36
J
53
A
40
S
64
O
96
N
63
D
85
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species approx.: 28
Udo Kefrig
Clownfish
807 Sightings
J
44
F
61
M
67
A
126
M
100
J
55
J
70
A
76
S
65
O
72
N
36
D
35
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species approx.: 100
iStock-burnsboxco
Parrotfish
763 Sightings
J
49
F
49
M
53
A
105
M
89
J
55
J
69
A
66
S
57
O
74
N
47
D
50
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species approx.: 90
Shutterstock-Rich Carey
Angelfish
654 Sightings
J
37
F
27
M
56
A
117
M
76
J
41
J
62
A
63
S
43
O
51
N
42
D
39
The best Months to dive in Yasawa Islands
The Yasawa Islands offer excellent diving conditions year-round, with water temperatures ranging from 25°C–30°C/77°F–86°F. Visibility is typically outstanding, often exceeding 30 meters/98 feet, especially during the drier months. These conditions make the Yasawa Islands a prime destination for divers at any time of the year.
While diving is possible throughout the year, weather factors such as wind and currents can vary. The period from May to October is the most favorable, as it is the dry season with milder winds and more stable conditions. Conversely, the wet season from November to April may bring stronger winds and currents, making some dive sites less accessible. However, the rich marine life remains a constant allure, ensuring rewarding dives even during these months.
