© niuepocketguide.com
© niuepocketguide.com

Where to See Whales in Fiji

© niuepocketguide.com

Whale Spotting in Fiji

Fiji is renowned for its diverse marine life, including sharks, Manta Rays, dolphins, turtles and, of course, whales. While Fiji has many species seen in abundance all year round, seeing whales is not such a common-day occurrence. Unlike the nearby islands of Tonga, Fiji’s whale spotting opportunities are few and far between, where travellers should rely on luck and not get their hopes too high if wishing to spot whales in Fiji. Nevertheless, there are a few areas where you’re more likely to see whales than others. With that in mind, we’ve laid out the three top locations for spotting whales in Fiji.

While you’re here, you might also be interested in the 5 Best Places to See Sharks in Fiji.

What Species of Whale Can You See in Fiji?

The most common types of whales seen in Fiji’s waters are pilot whales, minke whales and sperm whales. Humpback whales are more of a common sight between June and October. Occasionally, other species are seen migrating through Fiji’s waters.

Some of the whales seen in Fiji include:

  • Pilot Whales
  • Humpback Whales
  • Minke Whales
  • False Killer Whales
  • Fin Whales
  • Sperm Whales
  • Blue Whales
Where to See Whales in Fiji© niuepocketguide.com

Whale Spotting in Taveuni

Taveuni is one of the best places to spot whales in Fiji. Off its coast is the Somosomo Strait, which is not only a top scuba diving destination but often frequented by pilot whales. Resorts, such as Paradise Taveuni, have their own whale watching trip where it is sometimes possible to snorkel with whales if the conditions are right.

The Somosomo Strait is also a migratory path for humpback whales making their way from Antarctica to mating grounds in Tonga, so travellers cruising the waters, from June to October (with better chances in August), might have the opportunity to spot humpback whales.

A common sight that may also excite whale-lovers are pods of spinner dolphins, another resident of the Somosomo Strait. See the 5 Best Places to See Dolphins in Fiji for more details.

Finally, one of the best places to spot whales is from one of the many elevated resorts on Taveuni that offer sensational views across the ocean. Vacala Bay Resort and Raiwasa Grand Villa are just a couple worth mentioning. Check out more resorts on Taveuni here.

Where to See Whales in Fiji© niuepocketguide.com

Whale Spotting in Kadavu

This off-the-beaten-track island destination in Fiji holds many amazing experiences for travellers who take the time and the journey to visit, including whale spotting! Pilot whales are often seen in pods of around 50 individuals on cruises and fishing trips. Snorkelling trips with resorts like the Matava Resort will allow you to snorkel with pilot whales in their frequent feeding grounds should the opportunity arise.

Humpback whale watching is also available in Kadavu between June and October. There is a small number of whales that head to Kadavu’s lagoons or inside the Great Astrolabe Reef to breed and calf. Resorts will sometimes run snorkel tours with humpbacks should the occasion arise.

Learn more about the island group of Kadavu in The Complete Guide to Kadavu.

Where to See Whales in Fiji© niuepocketguide.com

Whale Spotting in the Pacific Harbour

Finally, another area of Fiji where you stand more of a chance of seeing whales is from the Pacific Harbour. Just off the shores is the Beqa Lagoon, one of the world’s largest barrier reefs often frequented by humpback whales in the whale season (June to October).

Operators, such as Sea Fiji Reefs (more info on Viator and Tripadvisor), offer seasonal whale and dolphin watching cruises, along with the opportunity to snorkel among the Beqa Lagoon’s coral reefs.

Learn more about the Pacific Harbour in The Complete Guide to Pacific Harbour & Beqa.

Author

Laura S.

This article was reviewed and published by Laura, editor in chief and co-founder of Fiji Pocket Guide. Since arriving solo in the South Pacific over 10 years ago with nothing but a backpack and a background in journalism, her mission has been to show the world how easy (and awesome) it is to explore a paradise such as Fiji. She knows the islands inside-out and loves sharing tips on how best to experience Fiji’s must-dos and hidden gems. Laura is also editor of several other South Pacific travel guides.

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