Must-visit Pacific Island- Taveuni, Fiji
Original by Justine Harrington, Leaf Group; Updated May 14, 2018
With its glorious stretches of powdery white sand, glowing blue-green waters, lush greenery and flowering palm trees, Fiji is truly one of the best destinations in the world for those travelers seeking a slice of paradise. But, although the scenery on land is breathtaking, it's Fiji's ocean life that's really something else. The waters there are teeming with over 1,500 fish species, hundreds of colorful coral species and tons of exciting sea creatures. For those travelers who love to snorkel during beach vacations, Fiji is an ideal place to do so.
Fiji's Best Spots for Snorkeling
Fiji is known as the "soft-coral capital of the world," thanks to its endless stretches of rainbow-colored reefs and an entrancing array of fish and deep-sea mammals. For travelers looking for the best snorkeling spots on Fiji's islands, start your underwater journey at the Namena Marine Reserve, which lies in the waters between the islands of Vanua Levu and Viti Levu. There are a staggering number of fish species and corals here, in addition to humpback whales, eels, barracuda and dolphins. Plus, Namena is an excellent example of local conservation, as the entire area is protected from fishing. In addition, Somosomo Strait is known for being one of the best soft-coral diving sites in all of Fiji. Here, you'll find the Rainbow Reef, an incredible world bursting with color, and the Great White Wall, a blanket of white coral that's considered to be one of the best dive sites in the world. There are reputable companies all over Taveni and Vanua Levu that lead trips to the Somosomo Strait. Finally, the Great Astrolabe Reef is one of the world's longest barrier reefs; head here to spot sharks, manta rays and lots of other amazing wildlife. A few dive resorts on Kadavu offer fantastic snorkeling trips directly from the beach.
Tips for Your Snorkeling Adventure
It's a guarantee that you'll have fun snorkeling in Fiji, but it's also important to learn basic safety tips so you don't run into any trouble underwater. First and foremost, remember that snorkeling is a buddy sport; you should never snorkel alone. Avoid having too many rum cocktails or pina coladas before you snorkel. Alcohol consumption can render snorkeling a dangerous activity. Don't feed the fish or any other wildlife you see, and never touch anything you see underwater, be it coral, fish or any other marine life. Finally, know your limits and don't venture far from the shore.