Snorkelling is a million dollar business where tourists can enjoy the best Fiji has to offer by way of marine and beach life that is among the very best in the world.
The description and pictures below is typical of the promotion of this wonderful tourism sector by Fiji tourist operators. But one thing is not in dispute, the pristine waters of Fiji offer one of the best snorkelling places. TRY IT AND YOU WILL NEVER WANT TO LEAVE!
With its warm clear waters, amazing coral reefs and a diverse array of marine life, snorkeling in Fiji s simply the best. Home to three different kinds of reefs found here (barrier reefs, fringing reefs and atolls) Fiji is often referred to as the ‘Soft Coral Capital of the World.’ The underwater visibility here is superb at over 30 meters, with May through October being the best time to go snorkelling.
In Fiji there is no such thing as a best location to snorkel in. Each dive site in Fiji has something special or unique that makes snorkelling here a simply awesome experience. The reefs in Fiji are teeming with a wide variety of incredible sea creatures, offering divers much to see and enjoy. Another great reason for going snorkelling in Fiji is the fact that much of Fiji’s reef system is well preserved and unadulterated, add to this the rich marine biodiversity, and snorkelling here is incredible. There are over 400 species of coral found in the waters around Fiji and with an abundance of brightly colored tropical fish, you have an underwater world like no other.On the main island of Viti Levu, some of the best snorkeling sites are found along the Coral Coast between Nadi and Suva.
The Pacific Harbour is also a wonderful place to go snorkeling in. Here you can go snorkeling and diving in an extinct volcano crater known as the Beqa Lagoon. Natadola Beach and Nananu-i-Ra are also wonderful snorkeling destinations.
On the outer islands, Mamanuca and Yasawa have some outstanding places to snorkel in, while in the Lomaiviti Group, Caqelai and Leleuvia are well known dive sites. On Vanua Levu some good snorkeling can be found near Mumu’s Resort, and on Taveuni, the Vuna Reef is the place to head for Kadavu Islands also have a number of great locations to go snorkeling in such as the Astrolabe, Solo, Tavuki and Namalata reefs.
When snorkeling in Fiji, do wear a T-Shirt and use plenty of sunscreen. If you don’t have your snorkeling gear with you, you can always hire some from the many local dive shops, or from the resort or hotel you are staying at. However, do check your mask, snorkel and fins before you rent them. For first time snorkelers asking for a life jacket is a good idea. If you are the adventurous type, you can also opt for snorkeling at night, but be sure to use a reputable dive operator.
There a number of diver operators on Fiji that offer plenty of diving and snorkeling packages for you to choose from, so do ask around before you choose a package. While snorkeling you may also encounter reef sharks, so it is important not to panic. Another thing to keep in mind is not to touch any of the marine life, as some of the most beautiful fish and coral can also be poisonous.
