Fiji is widely known as the “Soft Coral Capital of the World,” and once you descend beneath the surface around its 333 islands and atolls, it’s easy to see why. Bring an underwater camera on your scuba adventures to capture small yellow fish weaving through vibrant purple, orange and crimson soft corals, and to photograph turtles large enough to wrap a flipper around you. Keep your wits about you as sharks glide by and circle towering cylindrical “mushroom” corals.
One of the top destinations for adventurous divers is the Namena Marine Reserve, a migratory route for humpback, minke and sperm whales and a habitat for spinner and bottlenose dolphins. The reserve supports extraordinary biodiversity: over 1,100 fish species live here, and divers will often encounter blue ribbon eels with striking yellow jaws sheltering among roughly 400 species of brightly colored corals.
Organizing dives in Fiji is straightforward. Many resorts run day dives, some departing right from their own shorelines. If you want to explore Namena, select a resort that offers day trips to the reserve or consider booking an overnight liveaboard for multiple dives. Local tourism resources and dive operators can provide details on diving, snorkeling and fishing options throughout Fiji to help you plan the best underwater experience.