The Best Places to Dive and Snorkel in Kadavu
Dive into a world of underwater wonders unlike any other! Kadavu‘s Great Astrolabe Reef is a paradise for snorkellers and divers alike, offering some of the most spectacular marine encounters in Fiji. With crystal-clear waters teeming with vibrant coral gardens and an incredible array of sea life, you’re in for a treat. From curious manta rays gliding gracefully through the blue to colourful schools of tropical fish darting among the coral, each dive site here promises a unique and unforgettable experience. Whether you’re a seasoned diver or a first-time snorkeller, these top spots along the Great Astrolabe Reef will have you marvelling at the beauty beneath the waves. (Don’t forget your underwater camera – you’ll want to capture these memories!)
Table of Contents
1. Broken Stone
An underwater adventure awaits at Broken Stone! This fascinating dive site is tucked away in the Alacrity Rocks area at the eastern end of the Great Astrolabe Reef. You’ll love exploring the intricate network of passages, swim-throughs, and caverns that make this spot so special. The site’s four bommies create a maze-like environment, with a central cavern where sunlight beams down for a truly magical scene. (It’s like nature’s own underwater light show!) Keep your eyes peeled for long-nose butterflyfish and yellow-breasted wrasses darting around the bommies. Trust us, you won’t want to miss this underwater wonderland!
Location: Alacrity Rocks, Great Astrolabe Reef, Kadavu, Kadavu Island Group. Accessible with most resorts on Kadavu – see the 5 Best Resorts on Kadavu.
© FijiPocketGuide.com2. Fan Dreamland
Fan Dreamland is a spectacular dive and snorkel spot just off the southeast coast of Kadavu. This easily accessible site is a true underwater paradise, with crystal-clear waters teeming with vibrant marine life and a stunning array of soft coral and hard fan coral. Whether you’re a seasoned diver or a novice snorkeller, Fan Dreamland has something for everyone. Snorkellers can enjoy the shallow areas, while divers can venture deeper to approximately 20 m to uncover the site’s hidden treasures. (Don’t forget your underwater camera – you’ll want to capture the mesmerising beauty of this Kadavu gem!) We recommend booking a trip with the experienced guides at Matava Eco Adventure Resort – they’ll make sure you don’t miss a thing!
Location: Off the southeast coast of Kadavu Island, Kadavu, Southern Fiji. Accessible via boat from Matava Eco Adventure Resort.
© Alexia Bergengren via Fiji Pocket Guide 3. Naiqoro Passage
Naiqoro Passage is a large marine reserve that is a diver’s paradise, known for its exhilarating drift dives thanks to the strong currents. As you glide through the passage, you’ll be treated to a spectacular show of marine life. Huge schools of fish dance around you, reef sharks cruise by, and if you’re lucky, you might even spot a graceful sea turtle or two. (Keep your eyes peeled for the occasional hammerhead shark – they love to make surprise appearances!) The colourful corals lining the reef wall add a vibrant backdrop to this underwater spectacle. It’s like swimming through a living, breathing work of art! And here’s a fun fact: Naiqoro Passage isn’t just any old dive site – it’s officially recognised as a marine reserve by the Ministry of Fisheries. How’s that for diving with a seal of approval?
Location: Naiqoro Passage, Kadavu, Kadavu Island Group. Accessible from any resort on Kadavu.
© Alexia Bergengren via Fiji Pocket Guide4. Manta Reef
Manta Reef is truly a hidden gem off the south coast of Kadavu. This stunning site is separate from the Great Astrolabe Reef and offers a breathtaking underwater experience. You’ll love the chance to swim alongside majestic manta rays in their natural habitat – it’s truly a bucket-list experience! Manta Reef boasts a more impressive coral seascape than its neighbour, Robert’s Reef, making it a favourite among underwater photographers and marine life enthusiasts. The depth ranges from 14-20 m at its shallowest to 40-45 m at its deepest, catering to divers of various experience levels. For the best access to this incredible site, we recommend staying at Matava Eco Adventure Resort. They offer fantastic dive trips and can guide you through the SoSo Passage to reach the reef. (Trust us, their local knowledge is invaluable!)
Location: Off the south coast of Kadavu, Kadavu, Southern Lau Group. Exit via SoSo Passage, near Matava.
© Alexia Bergengren via Fiji Pocket Guide 5. Small Corner 1 & 2
The adjacent Small Corner 1 & 2 are a real treat for marine life enthusiasts. As you descend, you’ll find yourself gliding over sloping reefs that give way to fascinating ridges. Keep your eyes peeled for graceful turtles and eagle rays swooping by – they’re regular visitors here! The vibrant ecosystem is a kaleidoscope of soft and hard corals, providing a colourful backdrop for your dive. If you’re lucky, you might even spot some grey reef sharks patrolling the area. With a maximum depth of 15-20 m, these sites are perfect for both novice and experienced divers. We recommend booking your dive with Matava Eco Adventure Resort – they know these waters like the back of their hand!
Location: South coast of Kadavu, Kadavu, Southern Fiji. Accessible via Matava Eco Adventure Resort.
© FijiPocketGuide.com6. Big Point
Manta rays, anyone? Big Point is the place to be if you want to catch a glimpse of these majestic creatures gliding through the waters. Located on the outer reef, this dive site offers a thrilling adventure for those who love a bit of a challenge. The ocean swells can make it a tad tricky to access at times, but trust us, it’s worth it! You’ll be rewarded with the chance to spot larger pelagic species and explore some seriously dramatic underwater landscapes. It’s like diving in an underwater Grand Canyon (okay, maybe we’re exaggerating a bit, but you get the picture)!
Location: Outer reef, Kadavu, Kadavu Group. Accessible by boat from nearby resorts.
© Alexia Bergengren via Fiji Pocket Guide7. Eagle Rock
Eagle Rock is arguably one of the best dive sites in the Great Astrolabe Reef. This underwater paradise showcases stunning rock pinnacles, exhilarating fast water passages, and a vibrant array of hard corals. Your dive adventure begins at Nacomoto Passage, where you’ll have the chance to spot graceful spotted eagle rays, impressive large red snappers, and a kaleidoscope of hard corals. The marine life here is truly spectacular – keep your eyes peeled for the charming bicolour butterflyfish, the quirky freckled hawkfish, and the majestic Napoleon wrasse.
Location: Great Astrolabe Reef, Kadavu, Southern Fiji. Accessible with Matava Eco Adventure Resort.
© Alexia Bergengren via Fiji Pocket Guide8. Te’s Reef
Hidden beneath the azure waters of Fiji’s southern coast lies a little-known gem accessible with Matava Eco Adventure Resort. Te’s Reef, a captivating dive site, plunges to depths of 18-20 m, offering an underwater playground for adventurous souls. But that’s not all! Just a stone’s throw away, a small uninhabited island beckons snorkellers with its massive hard staghorn coral and vibrant schools of fish. You’ll be mesmerised by the untouched beauty of this secluded spot (we certainly were!).
Location: Kadavu Island, Kadavu, southern Fiji. Accessible from Matava Eco Adventure Resort.
© Alexia Bergengren via Fiji Pocket Guide9. Turtle Alley
The real underwater wonderland of Turtle Alley is accessible with Matava Eco Adventure Resort. This renowned dive site off Kadavu’s coast is a marine lover’s dream, offering up-close encounters with graceful turtles and majestic sharks gliding through crystal-clear waters. You’ll be amazed by the vibrant coral gardens teeming with tropical fish, creating a kaleidoscope of colours beneath the surface.
Location: Great Astrolabe Reef, Kadavu, Kadavu Group. Accessible via boat from Matava Eco Adventure Resort.
© FijiPocketGuide.com10. Robert’s Reef
Robert’s Reef is a shallow dive site boasts a kaleidoscope of colours, despite the occasional cyclone’s best efforts. You’ll find yourself gliding over a sandy bottom dotted with coral bommies, creating a mesmerising seascape that’s sure to delight. If you’re staying at Matava Eco Adventure Resort and diving daily, you’re bound to visit Robert’s Reef at least once. It’s a popular go-to spot that never fails to impress, even for seasoned divers. The reef’s resilience is truly remarkable, offering a testament to nature’s ability to bounce back.
Location: Best accessed via Matava Eco Adventure Resort, Kadavu Island, Kadavu. Situated off the southern coast of Kadavu.
© FijiPocketGuide.comMore About Diving and Snorkelling in Kadavu and Fiji
That’s it for our guide to diving and snorkelling in Kadavu, for more information about underwater adventures in Fiji, check out the following articles:
- 5 Best Places to Swim with Manta Rays in Fiji
- 20 Best Things to Do on Kadavu
- 7 Facts You Need to Know About Visiting Kadavu Before You Go
Finally, if there’s anything we’ve missed, you’re likely to find it in our Complete Guide to Kadavu.
Sources:
The information in this guide has been compiled from our extensive research, travel and experiences across Fiji and the South Pacific, accumulated over more than a decade of numerous visits to each destination. Additional sources for this guide include the following:
- Tourism Fiji (General travel advice - Updated [2025])
- Fiji Hotel and Tourism Association (Tourism trade association - Updated [2025])
- SPTO (Pacific tourism advice - Updated [2025])
- Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviation (Tourism statistics - Updated [2025])
- Land Transport Authority (Road safety advice - Updated [2025])
- Fiji Immigration (Visa and immigration advice - Updated [2025])
- Fiji Revenue & Customs Service (Customs and visitor taxes - Updated [2025])
- Biosecurity Authority of Fiji (Biosecurity advice - Updated [2025])
- Fiji Meteorological Service (Weather forecast and warnings - Updated [2025])
- Fiji Bureau of Statistics (Statistics and travel data - Updated [2025])
- Safe Travel (New Zealand travel advisory for Fiji - Updated [2025])
- Smart Traveller (Australia travel advisory for Fiji - Updated [2025])
- Travel.State.Gov (U.S. travel advisory for Fiji - Updated [2025])
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