To enjoy a variety of colorful soft corals, more than 1,200 species of fish, 12 species of dolphin and whales, and magnificent resorts and charters, you should consider a dive destination to the Fiji Islands. Whether diving off a boat of access from the beach, you will find yourself surrounded by some of the most beautiful nature in the world.

The Fiji archipelago is encircled by a massive reef and within the protected waters, you will find multiple shallow lagoons, steep drop-offs, and literally thousands upon thousands of sites perfect for diving. Depending on the waters that you choose to dive in there, some are accessible by boat and others by the beach. While the Fiji Islands are the most beautiful in the world, the visibility is what makes this such an amazing discovery.

For instance, on clear days, it is common to see 200 feet or more. However, the water temperatures are what draw divers’ interest from near and far. During the winter months, which run from May to November, the water averages 77 degrees and then in the summer, as warm as 86! When diving around the Fiji Islands, you will find the best conditions early in the morning before the trade winds pick up. Additionally, summertime brings with it rainfall, which can stir up the underwater silt, also reducing visibility.

One of the best dive sites is called Mamanuca, which is accessible by boat off the Island of Viti Levu. You will discover a number of excellent dive resorts that offer not only great accommodations and meals, but also day dive packages and dive rental. From Mamanuca, you can enjoy diving in shallow lagoons, great for beginners. Additionally, there are bommies and hollows with magnificent marine life. Then if you need a little more adventure, you can head over to the Yasawa Group to Sawa-i-Lau to explore caves.

Then, the Southern Islands of Fiji are also great for scuba diving. Boasting both soft and hard coral, the sites under the water are truly stunningly. Incredibly, on calm days, you can see almost 500 feet. There, a number of passages and bommies can be found, as well as secluded dive resorts, which is why this area of the Fiji Islands is a favorite destination for couples and honeymooners. Then, you might consider heading to Bega Lagoon, which is one hour’s boat ride from the Pacific Harbor off Viti Levu. One of the fun aspects of diving in this harbor is the shark feed of the hammerheads.

Then, you can dive in the famous Rainbow Reef located in the Northern Islands between Vanua Levu and Taveuni. The experiences there are unmatched. For instance, there is the Great White Wall where the coral is all white, advanced drift diving in all types of channels, several smaller reefs, an abundance of marine life, and one of the most highly developed ecotourisms in the region to include rainforests, mountains, and waterfalls.