Dive into Paradise : Your Guide to Fiji's best snorkelling spots
- Alison Smith
- Oct 11
- 4 min read
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Fiji's underwater realm is a spectacle that rivals its stunning landscapes. But with over 300 islands, where do you begin? Don't worry, we've navigated the azure waters to bring you the definite guide to Fiji's best snorkelling.
The Unforgettable Top Tier : Must - See Snorkel Sites
Close your eyes and imagine this: you're floating weightlessly in bath-warm water, the sun dappling the surface below. Before you, a world of electric blue, vibrant gold and neon coloured fish exploding into life. Fiji's underwater world teems with clownfish, parrotfish and schools of sapphire - blue damsels. This isn't a dream - its the everyday magic of snorkelling in Fiji.
1. The Yasawa Islands, Viti Levu
Best for: Accessibility, calm waters and picture perfect beaches
Suits : Beginners/ children
This iconic chain of islands is where most visitors get their first taste of Fiji snorkelling and it doesn't not disappoint. The water is exceptionally clear, winters are dry and the reefs are easily accessible from countless resorts. The reefs can be accessed directly from the beachfront swimming out to explore vibrant fish schools glistening in the sunlight over a pristine hard coral expanse.
Barefoot Kuata Resort - from AUD 253 per night
Toss your shoes aside and feel the powder-soft sand between your toes. This is Barefoot Kuata Resort, a barefoot paradise for snorkellers - with a secret world just steps from the shore. The resort offers the opportunity to snorkel with white tip and black tip reef sharks and you can even sign up for a 'discover scuba dive' with bull sharks in a shallow 13 metres.
Fish schools and hard corals grace the shallow waters of the Yasawa Islands - just a short boat ride from the airport. The snorkelling is metres away from the beach in calm clear waters.
Slip into the warm, turquoise waters metres from your beachfront bure at Barefoot Manta Resort in the heart of the idyllic Yasawa Islands. The house reef teems with fish life and reef sharks and turtles are commonly sighted. Between the months of May to November manta rays grace the Drawaqa Passage feeding on plankton as the current funnels microscopic plankton - their food source.
Barefoot Manta Resort isn't just a place to stay. It is an invitation to trade luxury for authenticity and to find that the most breathtaking treasures are below the surface
Combing Barefoot and Manta Resorts into a package is simple - talk to today for a seamless Fiji snorkelling package in Fiji's Yasawa Islands
2. Rainbow Reef, Taveuni & Vanua Levu
Best for: World class corals, manta rays (seasonal) and marine life
Suits : Experienced snorkellers/swimmers
Situated between Taveuni and Vanua Levu, the Somosomo Strait is at the heart of Fiji's 'Soft Coral Capital' title. Rainbow Reef has a variety of snorkel spots where vibrant marine fish and corals can be seen in shallow depths. Stunning beaches and pristine house reefs - home to technicolour fish schools - attract keen snorkellers in crystal clear waters. Manta Rays visit the reef between May to November in this quiet and non touristy area.
There is a fantastic house reef directly from the beach at Sau Bay Resort and another easily reached by a gentle kayak. The resort also offers small group boat trips to manta snorkelling (May to November) with a picnic and guided snorkelling on the Rainbow Reef.
Sau Bay Resort is one of the most beautiful properties on the Rainbow Reef at the base of a lush virgin rainforest in a calm bay accessed only by boat.
PARADISE TAVEUNI RESORT- from AUD 2,567 per 7 night stay twin share
Escape to Paradise Taveuni Resort -- right on the doorstep of the Rainbow Reef and steps away from an incredible house reef buzzing with schools of snapper, fussiliers and fish of all descriptions. The resort provides snorkelling boat trips to the legendary Rainbow Reef by day and then you unwind by the pool and watch a varied programme of Fijian entertainment by night. A perfect spot to soak in the beauty of Fiji's 'garden island', Taveuni.
2. Savusavu & Namena Marine Reserve Reefs
Best for : novices and experienced snorkellers
Suits : Everyone
Savusavu reefs are rich in marine life with the huge Savusavu bay offering beautiful reefs in the shelter of the bay a short boat ride - and some, such as Natewa Bay and Split Rock accessed from the shore. This vibrant authentic, off the beaten track town, provides the perfect base to explore the reefs of the Koro sea and Savusavu Bay - including the jewel in Fiji's crown 'Namena Reserve'.
KOROSUN RESORT & SPA - Savusavu & Namena Marine Reserve - from AUD 300 per night
This large resort offers a plethora of marine activities and a large calm lagoon. Explore Turtle Alley with your snorkel (as the name suggests you can expect to see many turtles), and the reefs of the Jean Michel Cousteau Reserve as well as the world renowned Namena Reserve.
Fiji Snorkelling Check List : Tips for an unforgettable trip
Respect the reef : never stand on or touch the coral. It is a living animal and extremely fragile. Use reef - safe sun screen to protect it.
Timing is everything : the best visibility is during the dry season (May to October). The water is warm year round, but summer (November to April) can bring rain and reduced visibility.
Go with a guide: local guides know the tides, currents and the best spots for the day. They can also point out hidden creatures that you might miss.
Gear up: whilst resorts provide gear, bringing your own well-fitting mask and snorkel can make a huge difference to your comfort and enjoyment.
Fiji's beauty lies beneath the surface, so pack your swimsuit, grab your mask and snorkel and get ready to flip your fins in one of the most awe inspiring aquatic playgrounds on Earth
Meet Waterlust Fiji - your dedicated diving and snorkelling travel expert
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