The Best Snorkelling Sites in Fiji
Snorkelling is an underwater experience that almost anyone can enjoy. Just dipping your head under the water in Fiji reveals a whole new world of colourful coral and a vibrant array of life. Fiji has been known to be called “The Soft Coral Capital of the World”, where coral erupts from Fiji’s depths close to the surface, making it easy for snorkellers to enjoy. While good snorkelling can be enjoyed from many of the island and beach resorts in Fiji, you’ll only experience the best snorkelling if you jump on a boat to one of the outer reefs. Check out some of our top recommended snorkelling destinations in this list of the best places to snorkel in Fiji!
For more snorkelling talk, see some of the best resorts with shore snorkelling here, as well as our complete snorkelling guide to Fiji.
1. Beqa Lagoon
Lined by 305km (190 miles) of coral, the Beqa Lagoon is surrounded by one of the world’s largest barrier reefs. Not only is the lagoon, just off the coast of the Pacific Harbour, a popular site for shark diving and scuba diving, but the snorkelling here is pretty outstanding too. Join tours like Sea Fiji Reefs for a two-hour trip on the water, stopping by the best snorkelling spots with a colourful array of coral and tropical fish. You’ll be accompanied by a local guide and receive all of the appropriate snorkelling gear. Find out more about Sea Fiji Reefs on Viator or Tripadvisor.
© Sea Fiji Reefs2. Moyia Reef
There’s one main thing that attracts snorkellers to this reef in the Yasawa Islands, the reef sharks! Snorkel with these majestic creatures from Barefoot Kuata Resort, which also offers day trips to the reefs from Denarau with South Sea Cruises (more info on Viator and Tripadvisor). While the reef itself isn’t as vibrant as elsewhere in Fiji, the sharks that are attracted to these waters are amazing to see. Plus, you can swim with them all year round! After watching the white-tip and black-tip reef sharks gracefully moving through the water, it will likely change your perception of sharks forever.
© South Sea Cruises3. Waitabu Marine Park
A one-of-kind marine park in Fiji, the Waitabu Marine Park is a protected marine reserve off the coast of Taveuni that even local villagers have chosen to protect for years. The result is a thriving coral and fish population, which can be experienced on a snorkelling tour run by the local village. The experience can also be combined with a cultural tour on a traditional bilibili raft. Find out more in 10 Free & Cheap Things to Do on Taveuni.
© Captain Cook Cruises4. Blue Lagoon
Often one of the top-rated areas for snorkelling in the Yasawa Islands is in the Blue Lagoon. The island resorts in the area all offer easy and interesting snorkelling right off their shores, such as at Turtle Island Resort, Blue Lagoon Resort, Nanuya Island Resort, Coconut Beach Resort and more. Waters in the Blue Lagoon are tranquil, warm and many shades of turquoise, making them a pleasure to snorkel in. Common species found here include lionfish, angelfish, butterflyfish, green and hawksbill turtles. Look out for various rays, squid and octopi too!
© Pixabay5. Namena Marine Reserve
Off the coast of Fiji’s largest island, Vanua Levu, the Namena Marine Reserve is not only a top diving destination but makes an excellent place to snorkel in Fiji. The protected area from fishing has some of the largest variety of fish and coral on the planet, creating amazing coral formations. Join a boat trip to the reserve with Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort or Koro Sun Resort for an experience you’re unlikely to forget.
© Pixabay6. Great Astrolabe Reef
For the adventurous traveller, get off the beaten track to Kadavu, home to one of the largest coral reefs in the world. The Great Astrolabe Reef curls around the islands of Kadavu, harbouring a colourful and diverse population of coral and tropical marine life. Snorkelling trips are available from many of the resorts on Kadavu, including Mai Dive Astrolabe Reef Resort, Matava Resort, Kokomo Private Island and more.
© Pixabay7. Rainbow Reef
Located just between Vanua Levu and Taveuni, the Rainbow Reef is named after its kaleidoscope colours under the water’s surface. Taveuni is the easiest place to explore the reef, with boat trips departing from many of the resorts on Taveuni. The coral population thrives here due to the currents bringing nutrients through the Somosomo Strait between the two large islands.
© FijiPocketGuide.com8. Bligh Water
Another snorkelling hotspot helped by currents is the Bligh Water between Fiji’s two largest islands, Viti Levu and Vanua Levu. The Bligh Water is particularly famous for its pink and purple soft coral, as well as incredible underwater formations like pinnacles. The best place to experience the outer reefs is from the Suncoast, where many Suncoast resorts offer snorkelling boat trips. Additionally, Captain Cook Cruises offer snorkelling stops at Makogai in the Bligh Water on their cruises to Vanua Levu and Lau Islands. Find out more on Viator, Tripadvisor and The Guide to Cruises Around Fiji.
© Captain Cook Cruises9. Mantaray Passage
Between May and October each year, a channel between Naviti Island and Drawaqa Island fills up with nutrient-rich plankton attracting giant manta rays. If you’re staying at any of the resorts around this area of the Yasawa Islands, such as Mantaray Island Resort, Barefoot Manta and Navutu Stars, you’ll have the opportunity to snorkel with these beautiful creatures. Plus, find out more about swimming with these majestic creatures in The Guide to Swimming with Manta Rays in Fiji.
© Pxhere.com10. Split Rock
Finally, one of the best snorkelling spots in Fiji where you don’t need to take boat transport is off the coast of Savusavu on Vanua Levu. Split Rock offers some of the best snorkelling in Savusavu Bay, where a huge underwater rock with a split down the middle harbours a wealth of colourful fish and coral. See clownfish, sergeant fish, damsels, clams, grouper, parrotfish and more! Check out directions to Split Rock in the 10 Free & Cheap Things to Do on Vanua Levu.
© PixabayMore About Places to Snorkel in Fiji
