The Best Snorkelling in Fiji
Fiji has a revered reputation for snorkelling, often referred to as the “Soft Coral Capital of the World”. But getting to those explosions of colour under the waves isn’t as easy as simply walking off the beach (well, in some cases, it is, and this guide will tell you where).
It takes planning to enjoy a stunning snorkelling holiday in Fiji. We’ll help you plan just that with this ultimate guide to snorkelling in Fiji.
Table of Contents
6 Things You Need to Know About Snorkelling in Fiji
To get you started, here are some quick tips and facts about snorkelling in Fiji.
- Most resorts have free snorkelling gear for guests to use, but the quality of the gear varies, so bring your own if possible.
- Ask for a defogging solution to be applied to your mask before you head out.
- Water temperatures are warm, around 27°C (80°F), but a rash vest is worth wearing to protect your skin from the sun.
- While snorkelling is good year-round, winter (June to September) is when the water visibility tends to be at its clearest.
- Snorkelling fins are recommended for Fiji’s waters. It’s also a good idea to have reef shoes for walking in and out of the water.
- While it’s always best to take the approach of “look, don’t touch” when snorkelling, be especially mindful of Fiji’s more frisky ocean-dwellers, such as moray eels, banded sea kraits, sea urchins, fire coral, pufferfish, rabbitfish, stingrays and crown of thorns starfish – learn more in A Traveller’s Guide to Wildlife in Fiji.
Now that you’re armed with these essential tips, you’re ready to dive into the vibrant underwater world of Fiji. Let’s explore some of the best snorkelling spots and what you can expect to see beneath the surface!
© FijiPocketGuide.comThe Best Regions for Snorkelling
With the ocean around the archipelago of Fiji taking up some 1,264,706 km² (488,305 mi²), the number of amazing snorkelling spots is by no means limited to the list we’re about to give you. Regardless, if you’re looking for the majestic displays of coral and hundreds of fish then these are the snorkelling spots that are accessible to most travellers in Fiji:
- Pacific Harbour – One of the best snorkelling spots just off the mainland and one of the world’s largest barrier reefs is the Beqa Lagoon. Boat tours from nearby resorts are available.
- Yasawa Islands – There are many snorkelling hotspots in the Yasawa Islands, from the Blue Lagoon in the northern islands with azure waters to Moyia Reef in the south with reef shark snorkelling.
- Vanua Levu & Taveuni – See all sorts of fish and coral thriving in the protected Namena Marine Reserve, as well as one of the best coral displays at Rainbow Reef.
- Kadavu – The highlight of this southern island group is the fourth-largest coral reef, the Great Astrolabe Reef. Kadavu resorts offer snorkelling boat trips to the reef.
See more details on each of these locations, as well as more top spots for snorkelling in the 20 Best Places to Snorkel in Fiji.
© FijiPocketGuide.comThe Best Resorts for Snorkelling
Just about every island resort in Fiji offers a boat trip out to a nearby reef for snorkelling. However, not all of the resorts in Fiji have sublime snorkelling from their shores. If you’re expecting to snorkel from the beach above colourful corals, then these are the resorts worth booking.
Quick tip: when snorkelling from shore—especially in the Yasawa or Mamanuca Islands—it’s generally best to go at high tide for easier access and better visibility.
- Paradise Taveuni, Taveuni
- Viani Bay Resort, Vanua Levu/Taveuni
- Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort, Vanu Levu
- Matangi Private Island Resort, Taveuni
- The Remote Resort, Vanua Levu
- Octopus Resort, Yasawa Islands
- Navini Island Resort, Mamanuca Islands
- Matamanoa Island Resort, Mamanuca Islands
- Blue Lagoon Beach Resort, Yasawa Islands
- VOMO Island Resort, Mamanuca Islands
- Royal Davui Island Resort, Pacific Harbour
- Barefoot Manta Island Resort, Yasawa Islands
Learn more about what snorkelling is like at each of these resorts in the 10 Best Snorkelling Resorts in Fiji.
© FijiPocketGuide.comThe Best Places in Fiji for Family-Friendly Snorkelling
Allow kids to get in on the snorkelling action, too, by basing yourself in one of the more family-friendly snorkelling destinations in Fiji. Some of the best snorkelling spots for families include:
- Mamanuca Islands – Scattered with sandbars accessible by boat from many of the family resorts in the Mamanucas, you can easily find shallow waters for snorkelling with little ones. For older children, take a trip out to Supermarket Reef at the Malolo Barrier Reef for a mass gathering of sea creatures.
- Coral Coast – Within driving distance of many of the Coral Coast’s family resorts, Natadola Bay offers excellent snorkelling right off the beach, best accessed at mid-to-high tide.
- Yasawa Islands – There are many snorkelling spots directly off the beaches of the Yasawa’s family resorts.
For more information on the above destinations and more, check out The Complete Travel Guide to Fiji for Families.
© FijiPocketGuide.comSnorkel with Manta Rays, Sharks and Turtles
Some of the more unique snorkelling experiences available in Fiji include snorkelling with giant manta rays, reef sharks and sea turtles. Although it’s quite possible to spot any of these majestic marine species by chance, it’s best to almost guarantee a viewing by going to the right place at the right season.
Check out The Best Seasons for Wildlife in Fiji and discover the best destinations for swimming with these exciting species in our articles below:
- The Guide to Swimming with Manta Rays in Fiji
- 5 Best Places to See Sharks in Fiji + The Best Tours
- 10 Best Places to See & Swim with Turtles in Fiji
With these incredible underwater encounters, your Fijian adventure is sure to be unforgettable. Don’t miss the chance to swim alongside these gentle giants of the sea!
© FijiPocketGuide.comThe 17 Best Snorkelling Tours in Fiji
If you only have time for a day trip, Fiji still offers incredible snorkelling experiences that will leave you in awe of its vibrant underwater world.
- South Sea Cruises (Denarau/Yasawa Islands) – Experience snorkelling with sharks in the Yasawa Islands on their “Ultimate Encounter” experience.
- Captain Cook Cruises (Denarau/Mamanuca Islands) – Snorkel at Tivua Island on this day trip with snorkelling gear included. See coral planting tables and coral bommies just offshore near the jetty.
- Cruisin Fiji (Denarau, Mamanuca Islands) – Full-day snorkelling tour visiting Mana Sand Island, Monu Island, and Modriki Island, ideal for a mix of snorkelling and island hopping.
- Malamala Beach Club (Denarau/Mamanuca Islands) – Perfect for beginners, the inner reef offers calm waters and easy snorkelling. For the more adventurous, ask the staff about accessing the outer reef, where you’ll find the best snorkelling spots teeming with tropical fish.
- Ocean Ventures (Vanua Levu) – Small-group snorkelling in the sheltered, pristine Natewa Bay, known for its coral diversity and minimal boat traffic.
- Paradise Taveuni (Taveuni) – Daily snorkelling trips to nearby reefs like the Vuna Reef and Rainbow Reef, guided by the Paradise Dive Team. Private and night snorkelling trips are also available.
- Sea Fiji Reefs (Pacific Harbour) – Offers day and night snorkelling tours aboard the Sea Venture, providing unique views of the reef’s marine life with hybrid underwater lighting.
- Tropic Magic (Pacific Harbour) – Snorkelling trips from the Pearl Resort Marina, exploring vibrant coral reefs and marine life. Suitable for all ages.
- South Sea Cats (Denarau/Mamanuca Islands) – offers 3-hour catamaran tour with snorkelling at sandbars, inflatable slides, and onboard drinks. Designed for active travelers, tours depart from Denarau Marina in the morning and afternoon.
- Vuda Water Taxi & Island Hopping Fiji (Vuda Marina/Mamanuca Islands) – Explore the lesser-visited Mamanuca Islands and Survivor locations on the “Mamanuca Islands Snorkelling Package” or combine with island resort visits on the “The Local Reef Snorkelling Package”.
- The Remote Resort (Vanua Levu) – Snorkelling tours to Kioa Island, Christmas Reef, Palette Reef, and Nukuni Bay. Night snorkelling and seasonal Manta Ray snorkelling tours are also available.
- KoroSun Dive (Vanua Levu) – Offers guided snorkelling trips to vibrant coral reefs, including Somosomo Strait. They operate out of Savasi Island Resort.
- Seventh Heaven (Denarau/Mamanuca Islands) – While not the best snorkelling just yet, have masks and snorkels to hire to see regenerating bommies and take part in coral planting.
- Viani Bay Resort (Vanua Levu/Taveuni) – Guided snorkelling tours on the Rainbow Reef, exploring two distinct snorkel sites.
- Daku Fiji Resort (Vanua Levu) – Offers snorkelling tours to Lighthouse and Split Rock, known for abundant marine life and shallow coral heads.
- Liquidstate Freediving (Vanua Levu) – Offers snorkelling and freediving training, helping participants improve their breath-hold time and confidence underwater, with a focus on safety and relaxation techniques.
- J Hunter Pearls (Vanua Levu) – Combines a pearl farm tour with snorkelling at Split Rock, offering a unique underwater experience.
With such a diverse range of snorkelling experiences available, you’re sure to find the perfect tour to explore Fiji’s spectacular underwater world, whether you’re a beginner or an experienced snorkeller.
More About Snorkelling in Fiji
That’s it for our guide to snorkelling in Fiji; for more information about underwater adventures, check out the following articles:
- 10 Best Snorkelling Resorts in Fiji
- 20 Best Places to Snorkel in Fiji
- The Guide to Scuba Diving in Fiji
Finally, if there’s anything we’ve missed, you’re likely to find it in 101 Things to Do in Fiji: The Ultimate List.
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])
Our editorial standards: At Fiji Pocket Guide, we uphold strict editorial standards to ensure accurate and quality content.
