Fiji has long been celebrated for its breathtaking landscapes. But for divers, the country’s greatest treasures lie beneath the surface. This year, the islands once again earned top honors in Scuba Diving’s Readers Choice Awards, placing in categories spanning nearly every aspect of the sport. Fiji was recognized for Best Overall, Big Animals, Macro Life, Wreck Diving, Cave Diving, Shore Diving, Wall Diving, Beginners, Advanced, Underwater Photography, Snorkeling, Health of Marine Environment, and Best Value—an impressive sweep that underscores its global reputation as a diver’s paradise.
Tourism FijiFiji’s stunning landscapes and vibrant coral reefs strike awe in visitors both above the surface and underwater.
Often referred to as the soft coral capital of the world, Fiji’s waters harbor an extraordinary range of biodiversity. More than 42 percent of the world’s known coral species thrive here, spread across 1.3 million square miles of Pacific Ocean in 113 marine protected areas. Divers can encounter over 1,200 reef fish species and 75 species of sharks and rays.
Fiji genuinely cares for the health of its ocean. The islands have committed to conservation in a way that ensures these ecosystems remain vibrant for future generations, including investment in the Loloma Hour initiative, which encourages visitors to give back.
Tourism FijiOver 42% of the world’s known coral species flourish in these waters.
Each of the country’s regions offers its own distinctive flavor of adventure. On Kadavu, the Great Astrolabe Reef stretches for hundreds of miles as one of the largest barrier reefs on the planet. The Yasawa Islands are famed for seasonal gatherings of manta rays, a spectacle that unfolds between May and October as the majestic animals return to their cleaning stations. Taveuni, sometimes called the Garden Island, tempts explorers with nutrient-rich Bligh Waters and the Great White Wall—a dive site named for its dazzling expanse of soft corals that glow under torchlight.
Tourism FijiManta rays return to the Yasawa Islands each May–October for a stunning seasonal gathering.
Travelers seeking a more personalized escape have plenty of options. Boutique resorts such as Nukubati, Sau Bay, and Waidroka Bay Resort offer intimate accommodations paired with dive packages designed to match both skill level and interest. Whether guests arrive eager to log their first open-water dive or spend hours perfecting underwater photography, these resorts provide tailored guidance and easy access to world-class sites.
Beginners earning their first certification discover calm training grounds, while seasoned underwater photographers chase rare macro subjects in endless coral gardens. Snorkelers also find shallow reefs teeming with colorful fish and coral just steps from shore. But no matter the approach, every immersion carries the same sense of wonder.
Explore Further: The Loloma Hour Initiative
During your visit, consider participating in Loloma Hour. The initiative—named after the Fijian word meaning “love and generosity”—invites guests to spend one hour of their stay participating in meaningful sustainability efforts.
Join locals for activities such as coral planting, wildlife care, mangrove restoration, or learning traditional crafts—small actions that help safeguard marine life, coastal ecosystems, and cultural heritage. No special skills are needed, only interest, heart, time, and a willingness to connect more deeply with Fiji’s communities and environment.
2026 Readers Choice Awards
Fiji earned awards in Best Overall, Big Animals, Macro Life, Wreck Diving, Cave/Cavern/Grotto, Shore Diving, Wall Diving, Beginners, Advanced, Underwater Photography, Snorkeling, Health of Marine Environment, and Best Value categories.
