Fiji Snorkeling - Simply The Best

by Sandra

Fiji Snorkeling Cove

Fiji Snorkeling Cove

I think that Fiji snorkeling is simply the best in the world. It puts everything else I have seen to shame. I have been to Fiji 4 times - twice to the southern Mamanuca chain and twice to Matangi Island in the north. Near Malolo, Sunflower Reef is accessible by boat and this reef is the size of three football fields. Barrier reefs in Fiji keep wave action to an either non existent or barely noticed effect. Thus, the water is tremendously clear. Photos taken underwater often look as if they were taken in the air.

Healthy Snorkeling Reef In Fiji

While boat snorkels are always exciting, Fiji's reefs are so abundant that you can generally snorkel off your beach right in front of your Bure (little house) to your heart's content. You will find the water warm and quite comfortable, clear and the coral is pristine. And, there is a full range of corals and fishes. You can expect to see large plate corals, staghorn corals, soft corals, blue star fish, giant clams and large anemones with several types of clown fishes.

I have snorkeled in Hawaii (not my favorite), Honduras and throughout the Caribbean and Fiji wins hands down. The reefs are so protected from the elements, boat traffic and pollution that many are simply pristine with live, healthy corals. If you go, stick to the smaller islands (meaning do not select the two largest islands) you will enjoy the full Fiji experience. The native Fijians do work at smaller island resorts - and many of the smaller resorts are family owned and operated (Matangi is a private 240 acre family owned operation and is simply perfect). You can expect to be treated quite well and will find the Fijians are very happy and loving people.

I would love to go back - any groups out there planning a trip - please let me know. My travel partner passed away 16 months ago and I am not ready to sit on the couch.

Comments for Fiji Snorkeling - Simply The Best

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Jan 16, 2011
 Fiji
by: Gord

Hi Sandra,

Fiji has been on my list for some time now. Like you, I have snorkeled many, many different places. I have snorkeled in the South Pacific (Hawaii, Tahiti, Cook Islands), yet I still have not made it to Fiji. I have looked at Fiji, but am just never sure where to go. I would really appreciate it if you could let me know two or three places (both the name of the islands and places to stay) that you would recommend for good snorkeling and also if you could let me know if there is snorkeling off the beach. Thanks so much for any information you could provide.
Jan 16, 2011
 Wow!
by: Susan

Those pictures are wonderful. Your description of Fiji sounds like a place I'd be in heaven. Little or no wave action suits me fine. That's the one thing I like about the carribean but that's about it. I love Maui though and am going there in a few weeks but sometimes have problems with the currents. Fiji is far from my home but so is Hawaii. Maybe I could stop over in Hawaii, then on to Fiji. Sounds like a plan. 8-)

I'm sorry about your partner. I'm sure it's tough, but sounds like you're keeping on keeping on. Good for you and if you find a group going please let me know. Sounds like a great place and your pictures are beautiful.
Jan 27, 2011
 Wonderful
by: Anonymous

Thanks for this posting!
I wish I could afford to go there because my best so far is Okinawa (Ishigaki)
Aug 12, 2011
 Snorkeled Fiji Lately?
by: Pat from San Diego

Those photos look ultra fabulous.

I had heard from somewhere that Fiji was having trouble with warm currents killing some reefs. Did you see any of that and how long has it been since you were there taking those awesome photos?

It is FAR but sure sounds worth the trip.
Mar 21, 2014
 Fiji Snorkeling Trips
by: Penny

My husband and I have also been lucky enough to snorkel in Fiji. We spent a week on the liveaboard boat, The TuiTai, that went to reefs not accessible from a beach or even by other boats. It was nothing short of spectacular. We snorkeled at least two different spots per day and had shore excursions on remote islands. We also visited local villages and waterfalls, etc.

We then spent a week in the Yasawas which was also wonderful beach snorkeling (Blue Lagoon Beach Resort) and some boat snorkeling trips. The variety of soft corals, fish and perfectly clear water was a snorkeler's dream come true.

As great as the snorkeling was in Fiji, I have to say that the wonderful people there made this trip one of the most memorable of our lives.
Aug 04, 2014
 Only 17 sleeps 'til Fiji!!!
by: Cary Bennett

So very excited! We head to Fiji in 17 days!! We will be staying at the Siga Siga Sands Resort on Vanua Levu's southern coast. It is a former 99 acre coconut plantation, with only 3 bures on the property!! We will be just yards from a white sand beach and spectacular snorkeling all up and down the coast! The Jean Michel Cousteau Resort is about 30 minutes away.

Siga Siga Sands appears to be located on what is certainly just a more southerly portion of the Rainbow Reef.

We will spend a week there, then fly back to Nadi and on to Ha'apai, Tonga. We will spend a week on Foa Island, and we have 4 days booked to swim with the Humpback Whales there!!!

From there, we fly back home. There will be many photos and videos and I will post here after the trip as I get them processed.
Apr 10, 2015
 Fiji is fab in so many ways
by: Lyn

Fiji is one of our favorite snorkeling places because there's lots to choose from. The best is usually near the priciest destinations but absolutely worth it. We are just normal wage earners, but really save up to get to the best coral, fish etc.

We have been to many snorkel places worldwide including snorkeling the entire length of the Great Barrier Reef from the South Queensland coast to Papua New Guinea, yet still Fiji appeals for it's beautiful people, amazing choice of islands and perfect climate.

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