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Snorkel Fiji, the Soft Coral Capital of the World
Published by David G. Elliott, Writer
Country: Fiji 
The Experience
Fiji is a country with over three hundred islands, which can beg the question of which islands to visit. Whatever your choice, the one phenomenon not to be missed—regardless of age, money or familiarity—is snorkelling! Fiji snorkelling is unparalleled with its warm clear waters and spectacular array of coral reefs.
Flying into Nadi International Airport on the main island of Fiji is an incredible sight as an endless number of islands sprawl for miles in the distance. Among them is the tropical paradise of Robinson Crusoe Island. Framed by teal-alluring waters, Robinson Crusoe Island is a tiny island which can be covered in under a half an hour and has a maximum of fifty people allowed on it at one time. With free kayak and snorkelling gear available, this is the perfect base to begin a Fiji snorkelling adventure.
A 20–30 min kayak excursion into the ocean from Robinson Crusoe Island will land you on the fringe of the Great Barrier Reef. From here, you can tether your kayak to a buoy and begin snorkelling Fiji. With a quick spit-and-rinse of the goggles, you’re ready to take the plunge.
The reefs are the highlight of snorkeling in Fiji, and the three main reef types: barrier, fringing and atolls, have earned Fiji the title of the “Soft Coral Capital of the World.” The reefs here are locally referred to as “bommies,” and characterized by large coral heads that rise like pinnacles from the ocean floor to within a few feet of the surface. These open-water corals attract a wide array of sea life, including: turtles, the common clown fish, lion fish, basslets, puffers, angelfish, triggers, groupers, butterfly fish and numerous wrasses (including parrotfish). True to its title, the soft corals are the most spectacular sight in a rainbow of colours, and they are often described by guides as "tropical sunset."
Some of the best snorkelling sites in Fiji are nestled between the Taveuni and Vanua Levu islands. A particularly popular spot is the Somosomo Strait which houses the Rainbow Reef and the Great White Wall. Here, the corals are nothing short of spectacular; showcasing over four hundred species of coral from fine and feathery to tightly-textured-tentacles. Other excellent snorkel sites found along the coral coast are between the islands of Nadi and Suva.
Fiji snorkelling is like a hands-on lesson in marine biology. The coral life here is abundant and flourishing. Just below the crystal-clear waters there is always a colour, shape or form of sea life waiting to be noticed. The beauty of snorkeling in Fiji is there is always something new and exciting waiting to be experienced.
Flying into Nadi International Airport on the main island of Fiji is an incredible sight as an endless number of islands sprawl for miles in the distance. Among them is the tropical paradise of Robinson Crusoe Island. Framed by teal-alluring waters, Robinson Crusoe Island is a tiny island which can be covered in under a half an hour and has a maximum of fifty people allowed on it at one time. With free kayak and snorkelling gear available, this is the perfect base to begin a Fiji snorkelling adventure.
A 20–30 min kayak excursion into the ocean from Robinson Crusoe Island will land you on the fringe of the Great Barrier Reef. From here, you can tether your kayak to a buoy and begin snorkelling Fiji. With a quick spit-and-rinse of the goggles, you’re ready to take the plunge.
The reefs are the highlight of snorkeling in Fiji, and the three main reef types: barrier, fringing and atolls, have earned Fiji the title of the “Soft Coral Capital of the World.” The reefs here are locally referred to as “bommies,” and characterized by large coral heads that rise like pinnacles from the ocean floor to within a few feet of the surface. These open-water corals attract a wide array of sea life, including: turtles, the common clown fish, lion fish, basslets, puffers, angelfish, triggers, groupers, butterfly fish and numerous wrasses (including parrotfish). True to its title, the soft corals are the most spectacular sight in a rainbow of colours, and they are often described by guides as "tropical sunset."
Some of the best snorkelling sites in Fiji are nestled between the Taveuni and Vanua Levu islands. A particularly popular spot is the Somosomo Strait which houses the Rainbow Reef and the Great White Wall. Here, the corals are nothing short of spectacular; showcasing over four hundred species of coral from fine and feathery to tightly-textured-tentacles. Other excellent snorkel sites found along the coral coast are between the islands of Nadi and Suva.
Fiji snorkelling is like a hands-on lesson in marine biology. The coral life here is abundant and flourishing. Just below the crystal-clear waters there is always a colour, shape or form of sea life waiting to be noticed. The beauty of snorkeling in Fiji is there is always something new and exciting waiting to be experienced.
When to Go to Snorkeling Fiji
Snorkelling in Fiji can be done just about any time of year, but for outstanding conditions the best time of year to do so is during their winter season: May to October. The winter season is the prime time to snorkel in Fiji as it is also the dry season, which means less wind, calm waters and good visibility—perfect for snorkelling. May and June are the warmest months and the best time to visit; while July and August are the chilliest months.
Odds n' Ends
The cost snorkelling in Fiji will solely depend on how you decide to do it. If you can rent a kayak and snorkel gear from your hotel, hostel or resort; and find snorkel areas, then the cost will be free or very minimal. Most places will require a deposit in order to ensure that the equipment will be returned.
You can also go on a half day snorkelling boat tour where you will go to two locations, swim and have lunch on the boat. These tours can cost up to US$30.
A full day snorkelling boat trip will start in the morning and return just after sunset. These typically include snorkelling in as many as five different locations, lunch and dinner, a stop-off at an island or two, a gorgeous sunset from the boat, and sometimes even a free alcoholic beverage. These tours can cost up to US$80 per person.
If you have time, I would highly recommend venturing out on your own and seeing what you can find on a paddle boat or kayak. If time is an issue, then definitely check out one of the half day tours. Sometimes they will even alter their tour to your liking. The full day tour can get a bit repetitive, and for the cost is not entirely worth it.
You can also go on a half day snorkelling boat tour where you will go to two locations, swim and have lunch on the boat. These tours can cost up to US$30.
A full day snorkelling boat trip will start in the morning and return just after sunset. These typically include snorkelling in as many as five different locations, lunch and dinner, a stop-off at an island or two, a gorgeous sunset from the boat, and sometimes even a free alcoholic beverage. These tours can cost up to US$80 per person.
If you have time, I would highly recommend venturing out on your own and seeing what you can find on a paddle boat or kayak. If time is an issue, then definitely check out one of the half day tours. Sometimes they will even alter their tour to your liking. The full day tour can get a bit repetitive, and for the cost is not entirely worth it.
Places to Stay Nearby
Search over 900,000 global hotel deals from over 30 merchants. Book via Expedia, Travelocity, Hotels.com, Booking.com, Priceline and the websites of popular hotel chains.
Stylishly nestled on the beachfront between tropical palms in Pacific Harbour with aweinspiring views across the sparkling Pacific Ocean to nearby islands and the best ... 28 miles away
$200 FJD+
Mango Bay Resort Fiji offers excellent and friendly service with the highest standards of accommodation to make your stay a memorable one. Nestled within the ... 30 miles away
$102 FJD+
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More Experiences Nearby
- Hike to Kuata Summit in Fiji
- Scaling a mountain doesn’t have to be a dramatic episode of blood, sweat and tears. From the bottom to the top of Kuata Summit in Fiji takes about forty-five minutes (though the humidity actually did cause quite a bit of sweat). The summit is the tallest peak on Kuata Island: the southernmost island in the Yasawas. Being a volcanic group of islands, the Yasawa Islands boast stunning views of endless lagoons and beach-meets-mountain terrain that is perfect for the infamous summit walks. Kuata Natural Island Resort is the only resort on the uninhabited Kuata Island, owned by village members on ...63 miles away.
While You're There - Tours and Trips Nearby
Castaway Island is one of the most beautiful resort islands in Fiji. This is your chance to spend a day on this idyllic tropical island. ...36.31 miles away via Nadi.
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Carpe Diem! Book to do this experience now!
Your cruise includes continental breakfast, beach BBQ lunch and all beverages including beer and champagne, so come aboard, and let yourself be pampered for a ...
Starting from $99.54 per person.
Starting from $99.54 per person.
Books and DVDs
- Lonely Planet: Diving and Snorkeling Fiji
- This book will give you all the information you need about diving and snorkeling while in Fiji.
- Oceans Alive: Marine Life of Fiji Islands DVD
- Fiji Country Guide Lonely Planet
Elsewhere on the Web
- Overview of FIJI
- This will just help you get started with any information you need about Fiji in general.
- Snorkeling in Fiji Information
- This will tell you the best places to go snorkeling and with which tour.
Media References
- Chasing manta rays in Fji - Examiner.com (newspaper)
- Coming home to Fiji - SFGate.com (newspaper)
Travel Insurance. Simple & Flexible.
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