Gifted with towering palm trees, sunny weather, and pristine beaches, Fiji is a picture of paradise in more ways than one. It is a favorite amongst people who love sun, sea, and sand. It is also a top choice for travelers who are looking forward to exploring underwater gems. Snorkeling is one of the best activities to make your Fiji holiday more memorable.
Fiji Underwater Paradise
With deep canyons, colorful marine life, and lively coral gardens, you will have an endless list of the best places to snorkel in Fiji. To help you decide, keep on reading and we will share with you some of the best places that you should be visiting.
Namena Marine Reserve
Being one of the best snorkeling and diving destinations in Fiji, the Namena Reef system surrounds the island of Namenalala located in Northern Lomaiviti between Fiji’s main islands of Viti Levu and Vanua Levu.
Namena Marine Reserve was established in 1997, it is a “no-take area” home to a remarkable variety of fish, invertebrate, and coral species. It is also a known humpback whale calving site in Fiji.
As a diving hotspot, Namena’s reefs are renowned for magnificent marine biodiversity. Snorkelers and divers may visit via Savusavu operator Jean-Michel Custeau Resort, via live-aboard dive vessel or stay at the exclusive Moody’s Namena Resort.
Great Astrolabe Reef
Recognized as the 4th longest barrier reef in the world, this is another option for snorkeling in Fiji. It is home to more than 75 miles of soft and hard corals. The coral lagoons are filled with colorful sea creatures, including critters, starfish, and reef fish, among others. Matava Resort is one of the best places to stay in the area, offering guests easy access to snorkeling in Waya Island.
Manta Ray Island
The list of the best places to snorkel in Fiji will not be completed in the absence of mentioning the Manta Ray Island. Situated in a sheltered bay, it is home to a diversity of manta rays, which can be usually seen from May to October, with some of them having wingspans that can extend to up to 20 feet. For sure, gliding above these manta rays will be a snorkeling experience that you won’t forget!
Somosomo Strait
This has been repeatedly recognized as the most popular soft coral destination in Fiji. The strong tidal currents, meanwhile, can make your snorkeling adventure more challenging, so be prepared to struggle a bit. This tidal current is also the one that is responsible for providing the nutrients that are essential in the growth of colorful corals. It is a continuation of the Rainbow Reef, which is one of the most colorful snorkeling spots that you should try as well.
