The Ultimate Fiji Snorkelling Guide

Does Fiji Have Good Snorkelling?

Absolutely, snorkelling in Fiji is world-class! And best of all locations are varied, which means you can get totally unique snorkelling experiences at different snorkelling spots around the country. 

Fiji's coral reefs are estimated to cover more than 6,700km2, including two of the largest coral reefs in the world, the Great Sea Reef off northern Vanua Levu and the Great Astrolabe Reef off southern Kadavu.
You’ll find both hard and soft corals in Fiji, but colourful soft coral truly thrives here and that's why the country is known as the 'Soft Coral Capital of the World'. You'll be amazed by the colours you see underwater, both of the tropical fish as well as the vibrant coral itself. 

The reef system in Fiji is made up of fringing reefs which are adjacent to the shore (ideal for off-beach snorkelling), barrier reefs which are separated from the shore by the lagoon, patch reefs which rise from the lagoon floor. The diversity of reefs, as well as the diversity of coral, make for a brilliant underwater ecosystem that supports more than 1500 species of fish. 


 

What’s the Water Temperature Like?  

Perhaps the best news of all is that snorkelling in Fiji is a pleasant experience year-round, with water temperatures sitting between 26 and 28 degrees Celsius. You can literally spend all day in the water and not get cold! Just don't forget reef-safe sunblock, especially on your back which will be catching the sun while you marvel at the reef. 
 

Should I Bring Snorkeling Gear With me? 

Most resorts offer snorkelling gear for guests to rent but the quality and fit might not be what you're used to at home, so bring your own if you are planning on spending a lot of time in the water or if you have unique sizing. You'll also want to pack a long-sleeved rash vest, boardshorts, swimwear and reef shoes. 
 

When is the Best Time to Snorkel? 

Fiji is a great snorkelling destination all year, but the drier, winter months (June to August) are said to be best for underwater visibility.  Mornings in Fiji also usually have lower wind and calmer currents which makes for a more enjoyable snorkelling experience.  Avoid going to reefs near river mouths after long periods of rain as the water will likely be cloudy or murky. 
 

Where is the Best Place to Snorkel in Fiji? 

With such a vast network of coral reefs,there are thousands of mind-blowing snorkelling spots throughout the islands. Snorkelling is great all over Fiji but for a different snorkelling expeirence you can also head out by boat to an outlying barrier reef or a solitary coral bommie. 

Check with resort staff to see what snorkelling options they have available for you, and if you're keen for a more intense underwater experience you could consider trying scuba diving! Fiji's reefs provide fantastic diving opportunities for divers, with a variety of currents and depths to suit any experience level, and plenty of marine creatures to discover. 
 

Vatu-i-Ra Passage, Suncoast 

The Vatu-i-Ra Passage is a stretch of water between Viti Levu and Vanua Levu islands, where you'll find abundant marine life and coral reefs that are protected as part of Vatu-i-Ra Conservation Park. 
 

Great Astrolabe Reef, Kadavu 

Off the southern coast of the hidden gem island of Kadavu, the Great Astrolabe Reef is an excellent spot  for snorkelling as well as the chance to swim with majestic manta rays. 
 

Lomaiviti Islands 

The Lomaiviti island group is made up of seven large islands and countless snorkelling and diving spots depending on what you're looking for. Wakaya offers easy access to multiple marine reserves and mantas, Leleuivia boasts aquarium-like conditions right off the beach, Toberua's got a brilliantly bright mix of hard and soft coral, and Moon Reef's spinner dolphins are the star of the show. 
 

Somosomo Strait, Taveuni

The Strait’s 'Rainbow Reef' tells you exactly why this part of Fiji needs to be on your bucket list. Truly superb, extremely colourful and often regarded as one of the best soft coral reefs in the world. 
 

Savusavu 

Savusavu on Vanua Levu is an underwater adventurer's dream, providing access to Namena Marine Reserve's kaleidoscopic reefs as well as Natewa Bay, one of Fiji's newest and most pristine snorkelling and diving experiences. 
 

Great Sea Reef, Macuata 

Known locally as Cakaulevu (Large Reef) this reef off northern Vanua Levu is the third longest continuous barrier reef system in the world. You'll be able to spot giant wrasse, reef sharks and multi-coloured parrotfish, amongst many other species. 
 

Beqa Lagoon, Beqa Island & Pacific Harbour 

The house reef at Beqa Lagoon Resort is teeming with sea creatures, with many more snorkelling sites accessible by a short boat trip. If you're keen to try something new consider giving 'hookah snorkelling' a go, where you are able to explore with a regulator connected to an unlimited air supply above water.