Diving in Fiji

Cartographers tally some 330 islands and more than a thousand miles of reef in the Fiji archipelago. There is enough here for a lifetime of diving, and it is estimated that less than 20 percent of the underwater terrain has been explored by divers. But there's no need to stage an expedition to the outer islands to find exceptional diving. International travelers arrive on the largest island, Viti Levu, which boasts a number of resorts at points around the island. On the north shore, the Rakiraki area gives access to the Bligh Waters, while Pacific Harbor is the gateway to Beqa Lagoon. In addition to the deservedly famous shark dives, the lagoon's 39-mile ring of coral shelters more than 100 dive sites in clear water. Signature features are the high-profile bommies dotted in soft corals. Resorts on the islands of Vanua Levu and Taveuni provide access to the Somosomo Straits. At famous sites such as Rainbow Reef divers can ride currents that typically envelop rather than overpower, and glide over reefs festooned with vivid displays of alcyonarian soft corals in hues from ice blue, yellow, red, pink to dark red and purple. The Great White Wall presents a patchwork tapestry of light-blue and white soft corals. The Strait attracts both reef dwellers and passing pelagics, and there's always a chance for sharks and rays at sites such as the Zoo. Taveuni-bound divers can also explore the less-visited northern sites near the adjacent islands of Qamea and Matagi. The liveaboard option gives access to an even greater range of venues. Fiji possesses a wide range of reef ecosystems to choose from. Collectively, they feature all four major classifications: shallow coral gardens, steep slopes, walls and bommies. The term bommie originates from the Australian aboriginal word "bombora," meaning reefs that do not break the surface. This type of reef structure is actually an immense mesa of coral that can be several hundred feet across, rising from depths as great as 100 feet, and stopping just short of the surface. Many of these structures develop caves, crevasses, and deep undercuts, and support a wide range of coral communities. Walls also feature prominently. Fiji's entire network of islands, as well as a large number of its’ reefs, are the remains of extinct volcanoes. Located in the heart of the Pacific Coral Belt, these dead caldrons have become the vital substrate for reef building corals. For thousands of years, the upward growth of these coral has kept pace with slow sinking of the islands, creating expansive tolls and ribbon-shaped coralline barriers. Quite a few of these walls begin their plunge into the abyss at depths of less than 10 feet. Fiji has been called the Soft Coral Capital of the World. Sustained by nutrient-rich flows, more than 200 varieties of soft coral perch on ledges, walls and pinnacles, with tentacles outstretched to capture passing meals. In areas of stronger currents, colonies cover every inch of underwater real estate, seeming to climbing atop one another to compete for passing morsels. In addition to the often dominating soft corals, Fiji also features reef systems which are almost completely governed by some 300 species of hard corals, including dense thickets of antler and table-top corals virtually overlapping each other in competition for space, seldom leaving room for anything else to grow. Given the richness of the landscape, it's not surprising that Fiji is also home to more than 1,200 species of fish ranging from hidden reef dwellers to schooling pelagics and numerous species of shark.

A valid passport is required for entry into Fiji that must be valid for 6 months beyond your date of entry into the country. A return or onward ticket is also required. No visa is required for stays under 4 months. Your passport must have at least 1 blank page for entry stamp. Read about Fiji's entry and exit requirements here. Fiji has a departure tax of 200 FJD that should be included in your international ticket.

There are no immunizations required to enter Fiji. It is always recommended that you consult the CDC Website or check with your doctor for recommended vaccines.

Fijians take pride in being known as the friendliest people in the world. The welcoming and easy-going attitude that permeates their island culture invite visitors to venture beyond resorts and discover a traditional way of life that values relationships, traditions and inclusion. It's not uncommon for Fijians to strike up a conversation with total strangers, and take a genuine interest in those they meet. This spirit of hospitality can be found at Lovo feasts, where foods cooked in open pits are shared in a communal fashion. Fiji's most iconic cultural tradition is the yaqona or kava ceremony. The sharing of this mildly narcotic drink, which is made from the ground root of the kava plant, creates a sense of relation and wellbeing rather than impairment. When visiting a village, it is customary to bring a gift of kava root, and the drinking of a cup is followed by a cry of Bula! Traditions remain, but Fiji is not stuck in the past, and the well-developed tourism industry offers the expected range of water sports, spa services and land-based activities. There are a number of golf courses on the major islands, and tour companies provide a range of adventures from horseback rides, cycle tours and zip lines to off-road safaris and even whitewater rafting in streams that plunge from mountainous interiors.

The electrical current in Fiji is 240 volts AC 50 Hz. Fiji has three flat pin power outlets identical to Australia and New Zealand. Leading hotels and resorts offer universal outlets for 240v or 110v shavers, hair dryers, etc. A converter is recommended with a transformer to convert 240V to 110V. Some hotels offer universal outlets for either voltage appliances or adapters but to be guaranteed no problems it may be best to bring your own adapter.

The country code for the Fiji islands is 679. Direct dialing is available to and from Fiji. Check with your cell phone provider for international plans or voice, data and text. Many hotels offer WiFi.

Many hotels have purified water. If in doubt, bottled water is available for purchase.

Fiji has three official languages: Fijian, English and Hindi (a Fijian form of Hindi spoken by the Indian population which is different than Hindi spoken in India). There are also many Fijian dialects which are spoken by the indigenous Fijians (Bauan is the most common).

The currency is the Fijian dollar (FJD). For the current exchange rate click here. Major credit cards are welcomed by hotels, restaurants, shops, rental car agencies, cruises and travel agents. Currency may be exchanged at the airport upon arrival or from ATMs located at banks.

Fiji observes Fiji Time (FJD) which is 12 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (+12GMT). Local time in Fiji is 12 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time from March 1 to October 31. Fiji does observe Daylight Savings Time which is recognized as Fiji Summer Time (FJST) between November and February at which time it is 13 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (+13 GMT). Although the 180° meridian passes through Taveuni, all of Fiji is west of the international dateline, so it's one day ahead of the United States.

Fiji is an island nation in the South Pacific Ocean, east of Vanuatu, west of Tonga and south of Tuvalu. The country occupies an archipelago of about 330 islands, scattered across 200,000 square miles of ocean, of which 100 are permanently inhabited. The two major island, Viti Levu and Vanua Levu, account for approximately 85% of the total population. Fiji offers lagoons, rainforests, pine forests, mountains and over 1,000 miles of white sand beaches.

Fiji's population is 897,000 (2016).