The Best Places to Dive and Snorkel on the Suncoast of Fiji
There’s scuba diving in Fiji, and then there’s scuba diving among the underwater marvels of Fiji’s Suncoast. This notable region on the northern shore of Viti Levu is gaining recognition as Fiji’s premier diving destination, dubbed the “new” soft coral capital of the world. Envision pristine reefs, a diverse array of marine life, and over 50 dive sites distributed across the Bligh Waters and Vatu-i-Ra Passage. Whether you’re a novice or an experienced diver, the Suncoast offers an exceptional diving experience. Better yet, you have world-class dive shops to make the most of the region, from the SSI and PADI-affiliated Ra Divers at the Volivoli Beach Resort to the liveaboard Nai’a. We also love the Fijian family-owned and operated Ring Gold Divers! Without further ado, let’s examine the finest locations this aquatic paradise has to offer.
Table of Contents
1. Black Magic Mountain
Black Magic Mountain is a diver’s paradise, boasting vibrant coral reefs and an incredible array of marine life. You’ll be blown away by the schools of big eye jacks, fusiliers, and anthias that call this site home. And if you’re lucky, you might even spot a few sharks and rays cruising by! But the real showstopper here? The stunning purple soft corals that adorn the reef. Trust us, the contrast between these vivid purples and the surrounding coral is a sight you won’t soon forget. At 18-30 m, this dive site is best for seasoned divers.
© FijiPocketGuide.com2. Vatu-i-Ra Island
Just off the coast of Vatu-i-Ra Island, a bird sanctuary teeming with wildlife, lies an underwater world that’s equally impressive. This shallow dive site, ranging from 10 to 14 m in depth, offers a spectacular display of marine life surrounding the island’s reef. On sunny days, the soft and hard corals light up in a dazzling array of colours, creating a mesmerising backdrop for the diverse marine life. You’ll be treated to a vibrant display of fish species darting through the coral gardens. If you’re lucky (as we were!), you might even spot an elusive octopus blending in with its surroundings. The wall dive along the reef’s edge provides an excellent opportunity to observe the rich biodiversity of this underwater ecosystem. From colourful reef fish to larger pelagic species, there’s always something exciting to see in these crystal-clear waters. Whether you’re a seasoned diver or a curious snorkeller, Vatu-i-Ra Island’s underwater world is sure to leave you in awe.
© FijiPocketGuide.com3. Instant Replay
True to its name, this dive site will have you itching to plunge back in as soon as you surface. The star of the show? Stunning coral heads adorned with vibrant yellow and purple soft corals, waiting to be discovered in the deeper waters. But that’s not all – Instant Replay is a macro photographer’s paradise. Grab your camera and keep your eyes peeled for the myriad of tiny critters hiding among the corals. From colourful nudibranchs to elusive pygmy seahorses, you’ll find plenty of subjects to capture through your lens. The depth of this one is 15-25 m.
© FijiPocketGuide.com4. Mellow Yellow
This dive site is renowned for its breathtaking display of yellow soft corals, creating a vibrant kaleidoscope of colours that will leave you in awe. These magnificent corals can reach impressive heights of up to three metres, transforming the seascape into an otherworldly realm. As you glide through this golden paradise, you’ll encounter a rich tapestry of marine life, making it a must-visit for any diving enthusiast. This underwater spectacle reaches depths between 10 to 30 m.
© FijiPocketGuide.com5. Nananu-i-Ra Island
The northern coast of Nananu-i-Ra Island is a diver’s paradise, with its shallow waters teeming with soft coral swaying gently in the current. With depths of up to 10 m (33 ft), it’s an ideal spot for both newbie divers and snorkellers. You’ll be mesmerised by the vibrant underwater world, where colourful fish dart between the coral formations. The shallow depth allows for longer dive times, giving you plenty of opportunities to explore this underwater wonderland.
© FijiPocketGuide.com6. E6
Descending to depths of 15-40 m, E6 in the Bligh Waters is a thrilling seamount that’ll leave you wide-eyed with excitement. As you explore its underwater landscape, you’ll find yourself surrounded by an array of pelagic fish and graceful rays, with the occasional hammerhead shark making a guest appearance. But what really sets this site apart are its powerful currents. These underwater rivers bring in a bounty of nutrient-rich waters, supporting a diverse marine ecosystem that’s simply teeming with life.
© FijiPocketGuide.com7. Cathedral
Cathedral is a unique swim-through at E6 seamount. As you descend to depths of 20-30 m (66-98 ft), you’ll be greeted by an awe-inspiring underwater spectacle. Beams of light pierce through the ceiling, creating an almost ethereal atmosphere that’ll make you feel like you’re in a submerged cathedral (hence the name). But the visual feast doesn’t stop there. This dramatic underwater scenery is further enhanced by the presence of large schools of barracuda and jacks, swirling around you in impressive formations. It’s a sight that’ll leave you breathless (metaphorically speaking, of course – remember to keep breathing through your regulator!).
© FijiPocketGuide.com8. Amazing Maze
Dive into a mesmerising underwater labyrinth at this aptly named site. The Amazing Maze, found at depths between 15-35 m, offers an intricate network of coral formations that will leave you spellbound. As you navigate through the maze-like structure, you’ll encounter a vibrant array of reef fish seeking shelter in its nooks and crannies. Underwater photographers, you’re in for a treat! This site presents endless opportunities for unique compositions, allowing you to capture the essence of Fiji’s marine biodiversity in a truly enchanting setting.
© FijiPocketGuide.com9. Vatu Express
Prepare for an exhilarating underwater adventure at Vatu Express, a captivating drift dive along a vibrant wall bursting with soft corals and reef fish. This thrilling site is renowned for its powerful currents, allowing divers to effortlessly glide through the water while marvelling at the kaleidoscope of marine life. As you descend to depths between 15-30 m (49-98 ft), you’ll be mesmerised by the stunning array of colours and the diverse ecosystem that calls this wall home. The currents not only provide an exciting ride but also attract a variety of pelagic species, making each dive a unique and unforgettable experience.
© FijiPocketGuide.com10. Sailstone Reef
Dive into Sailstone Reef, where you’ll encounter an incredible density of marine life at depths between 10 and 25 m. Here, you can witness thrilling “thousand fish frenzies” that will leave you in awe of nature’s abundance. The reef is also a hub for fascinating symbiotic relationships, boasting numerous cleaning stations where you can observe the delicate dance between cleaner wrasses and larger fish. It’s a spectacle of underwater cooperation you won’t want to miss!
© FijiPocketGuide.comMore About Scuba Diving on the Suncoast and Fiji
That’s it for our guide to scuba diving on the Suncoast, for more information about diving in Fiji, check out the following articles:
- Scuba Diving in Fiji: The Complete Guide
- 10 Best Places to Scuba Dive in Fiji
- 10 Best Dive Resorts in Fiji
Finally, if there’s anything we’ve missed, you’re likely to find it in our Complete Guide to the Suncoast.
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])
- Tourism Suncoast (Regional tourism website)
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