Deep Water Diving in Fiji

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Far-flung Fiji is the picture of paradise. This archipelago of 300 islands scattered across the South Pacific boasts palm-fringed beaches, tropical turquoise waters and some of the world’s most luxurious hotels – it’s the ultimate island getaway. And then there’s the diving. As one of the world’s shark hotspots, there’s plenty to see beneath the waves, from tawny nurse sharks to blacktip and whitetip reef sharks. Meanwhile, deep-water diving in Fiji reveals schools of scalloped hammerheads, silvertips and tiger sharks. Recognized as the ‘soft coral capital of the world’, every dive starts with pelagics in the deep blue and ends with an explosion of colour in the sun-kissed shallows. We’ve explored the best deep water diving in Fiji and will craft your dream tailor-made Fiji holiday itinerary, whether you want to become castaway on one Fijian private island or go island-hopping across the archipelago...

Taveuni

Taveuni, the third-largest island in the Fijian archipelago, sits off the southeast corner of Vanua Levu, the second-largest Fijian island. The narrow passageway that separates these two islands is known as the Somosomo Strait, home to some of the most colourful dive sites on the planet - the Rainbow Reefs. As the name suggests, these reefs are plastered in soft corals in every hue, When the currents are running and the corals swell to feed in the nutrient-rich water flowing through the strait, they are a sight to behold.

Among the dive sites on Rainbow Reef, those on the northern side, such as Rainbow Passage and Rainbow's End, stand out for their beautiful soft corals. Meanwhile, the sites on the southern side offer encounters with bigger marine animals. Currents can be strong at times, making it less suitable for beginners. However, experienced divers seeking exceptional deep-water diving in Fiji should not miss the famous Great White Wall. Here, the reef is blanketed with white dendronephthya soft corals that extend down to depths of 40 metres and beyond.

Bligh Water

When Captain Bligh was set adrift in the launch of the HMS Bounty following the infamous mutiny, he sailed the expanse of water between the two largest Fijian islands, Viti Levu and Vanua Levu. Today, this area is most commonly known as Bligh Water. While Captain Bligh found himself both literally and figuratively in deep water, plying these waters aboard a luxury liveaboard ensures you can relax and focus on the more literal meaning - enjoying the best deep-water diving in Fiji.

Vatu-i-Ra Island lies almost halfway between the south-west tip of Vanua Levu and the north-eastern corner of Viti Levu. The sites in this region are characterized by ripping, nutrient-rich currents, influenced by the tides guided by the moon's gravitational forces. One of the must-dive sites in Bligh Water, known as E-6, offers an opportunity to experience these currents and those who venture a little deeper can often spot schooling hammerheads and fly-bys by spotted eagle rays.

Vanua Levu

Bligh Water is bounded to the north by the island of Vanua Levu, whose southern shoreline is the best springboard to launch yourself into Namena Marine Reserve. The island's name, which translates to 'Big Land', and was once known as Sandalwood Island. The marine reserve features a lagoon teeming with macro life, and some deeper-water sites where larger, silvery fish, including barracuda, dogtooth tuna, Spanish mackerel and sailfish, can be found.

As with most other dive areas in Fiji, the shallow reefs are awash with colour, and for those seeking deep water diving in Fiji, there's the chance of encountering scalloped hammerheads in the deep blue. Dive sites like Dream House, The Chimneys and Grand Central Station are perfect choices for the first deep dive of the day, and while scanning the depths for hammerheads, the occasional upward glance may reveal a passing giant manta ray or pods of bottlenose or spinner dolphins.

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