The best dive resorts in Fiji

Fiji is a renowned tropical island getaway for visitors of all kinds, but is particularly appealing to scuba divers. Offering a unique combination of adventure, culture, and charm, these stunning islands are also home to some of the world’s most impressive scuba diving experiences and boast a range of exceptional resorts from which to explore. But, which of these picture-perfect properties is the best choice for your next dive trip?

To help you decide, we’ve identified and reviewed our guests' favourite dive resorts in Fiji, including those on Vitu Levu, Taveuni and Vanua Levu. 

At a glance…

• Four-star property on the northwest coast of Viti Levu
• Award-winning accommodation and fine Fijian-fusion cuisine
• Watersports, volleyball, dolphin watching, and more
• Nitrox fills, camera room and 24-hour house reef access

Volivoli Beach Resort occupies a premium position on the northwest coast of Viti Levu. Over the years, this family-run, four-star property has well-and-truly cemented itself as one of Fiji’s premier dive resorts, combining luxury and adventure for authentic, one-of-a-kind experiences. Guests are accommodated in neatly-appointed, award-winning rooms that come in a range of sizes and styles – including comfortable ocean-view rooms and impressive villas with private pool terraces.

Volivoli prides itself on providing the finest Fijian-fusion cuisine, making all meals from scratch using the best locally-sourced ingredients. Onsite establishments include the refined main restaurant, a relaxed beachfront eatery, and a sumptuous swim-up pool bar. Possible pastimes include beach volleyball and village tours, along with watersports such as snorkelling, kayaking, paddleboarding, and dolphin watching.

Diving at Volivoli is overseen by Ra Divers – one of the country’s most reputable operators – and the onsite facilities are among the best in the region. Throughout their stay, divers can make the most of purpose-built dive boats, top-notch rental gear, nitrox fills, and a camera room, as well as an array of PADI and SSI certification courses. Volivoli also offers 24-hour access to its own house reef, and boat trips to over 50 incredible diving areas nearby.

At a glance…

• Leading watersports resort on Viti Levu’s south coast
• Onsite yoga sessions and spa services
• Close to quality surf breaks such as Frigates Passage
• Access to barrier reef and the Beqa Lagoon shark dive

Waidroka Bay lies on the south side of Viti Levu, in an area known as the Coral Coast, overlooking its own private bay and the Shark Reef Marine Reserve beyond. This expansive, well-kept property combines classic Fijian hospitality with concepts of wellness and clean living, creating the perfect balance of relaxation, contemplation, and adventure. A selection of comfortable rooms and charming bures provide peaceful accommodation to suit differing preferences, while optional onsite yoga sessions and spa services help to establish a sense of inner calm.

Originally established in 1994, Waidroka Bay is now one of Fiji’s leading watersports resorts. Equipped with a fleet of boats, quality rental gear, and professional staff, the resort’s onsite PADI dive centre facilitates a range of incredible underwater experiences. A score of stunning dive sites lie between 10 to 45-minutes minutes from the shore, comprising some of the most varied environments in Fiji – including an extensive barrier reef and the infamous Beqa Lagoon shark dives. The waters around Waidroka are also home to some of Fiji’s best surf breaks, such as the world-famous Frigates Passage, and guests can also take part in kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding.

At a glance…

• Nestled between the Yassawa and Mamanuca island chains
• Concierge service and classy dining establishments
• Spa, tennis courts, and a nine-hole pitch and putt golf course
• PADI 5-Star dive centre and day trips to The Supermarket

VOMO is a secluded luxury resort nestled between the Yassawa and Mamanuca island chains. Spread over two private islands, this elevated retreat has cultivated its own unique style of understated luxury – one where even the most indulgent facilities feel organic and genuine. During their visit, guests can opt to stay in one of 28 hillside and beachfront villas, or book a private beachfront residence for extra privacy and personal butler service. Either way, they can expect first-class concierge service, classy dining establishments, and indulgent extras such as onsite spa treatments, tennis courts, and a nine-hole pitch and putt golf course.

This resort is surrounded on all sides by a sprawling, coral-fringed coastline that harbours ample opportunities for exploration. Snorkelling, stand-up paddleboarding, and windsurfing can all be done close to shore, and an onsite PADI 5-Star dive centre enables trips to the area's best sites. VOMO’s surrounding waters play host to beautiful and thriving reef ecosystems, as well as channels and drop-offs that are famous for up-close encounters with reef sharks and eagle rays. The dive centre also organises day trips to The Supermarket, one of Fiji's best-known sites for shark diving.

At a glance…

• Sustainable resort situated within the Yasawa Islands
• Tropical gardens, board games, and hammocks
• Activities such as hiking, abseiling, and scuba diving
• Learn about conservation from two resident marine biologists

Located on Drawaqa Island, Barefoot Manta is one of the few resorts situated in Fiji’s breathtakingly beautiful Yasawa Islands. Recognising the importance of its envious surroundings, this environmentally-conscious resort is dedicated to sustainable, eco-tourism practices. Deliberately uncomplicated, unfussy and unpretentious, Barefoot Manta cultivates a tranquil ambiance where an appreciation of nature takes centre stage. Throughout their stay, guests sleep in a selection of traditional beachfront bures and are invited to while away the hours by strolling the tropical gardens, playing board games, or swaying gently in palm-shaded hammocks. Local village visits can also be organised, as well activities such as hiking and abseiling for the more adventurous.

Situated on the island’s northern shores, Barefoot Manta offers easy access to around 20 individual dive sites spread along the western and eastern coasts. Amongst these sites are two deliberately scuttled shipwrecks which now host an array of marine life. Barefoot Manta offers morning and afternoon dives from its two boats, and full equipment is available for rent. Two resident marine biologists are also on hand to manage the resort’s marine conservation volunteer programme and conduct seasonal manta snorkelling expeditions, allowing guests to get up close and personal with some of Fiji’s most famous residents.

At a glance…

• Eco-sanctuary at the southern end of the Yasawa islands
• Thriving house reef just a stone’s throw from the shore
• Professionally-run bull shark interactions
• Chance of tawny, lemon, tiger, and great hammerhead sharks

Barefoot Kuata is an eco-inspired sanctuary situated at the southern end of the Yasawa island chain. Kuata Island is owned by inhabitants of nearby Waya Lai Lai, and the resort is a proud partnership with these welcoming Fijians, with many of the staff originating from the same village. As a result, guests can expect professional yet highly personal service underpinned by passion for the destination and expert local knowledge. While staying here, guests are accommodated in 21 individual bures, incorporating both double and dorm-style sleeping configurations to suit a variety of visitors.

Despite its remote location, Barefoot Kuata’s SSI dive centre offers everything needed for an exceptional dive holiday, including rental equipment, a training pool, several dive boats, and patient and professional dive staff. Guests enjoy access to over a dozen dive sites, including reefs, caves, walls, and a thriving house reef just a stone’s throw from the shore. But the biggest highlight here is a professionally-run shark experience that allows divers of all levels to get up close and personal with brawny bull sharks. And, on a good day, visitors might also spot the occasional tawny nurse shark, lemon shark, tiger shark and great hammerhead.

At a glance…

• Tranquil retreat on Taveuni’s northwest coastline
• Outdoor experiences on Fiji’s ‘garden island’
• Close to Great White Wall, Fish Factory, and The Zoo
• Nitrox fills and independent house reef exploration

Garden Island Resort is a tranquil retreat that is sure to impress even the most distinguished of travellers. Guests opting to stay here can expect charming character, warm hospitality, and stylish ocean-facing suites equipped with inviting amenities. Positioned on a spectacular stretch of Taveuni’s northwest coastline – and surrounded by beautifully landscaped gardens – this resort provides the ideal setting for recuperation while also opening the door to unforgettable outdoor experiences on Fiji’s ‘garden island’. Enjoy as much adventure as you like in the surrounding sea and countryside, or stay on the property to indulge in delicious dining, soothing spa services, and unbridled relaxation.

The resort’s highly-professional PADI dive centre makes a perfect base for exploring Fiji’s renowned soft coral gardens, current-swept channels, and fish-packed reefs. In fact, Garden Island is located just minutes from some of Taveuni’s best sites, including Great White Wall, Fish Factory, and The Zoo. Experienced buddy teams are also free to enjoy independent exploration of the resort’s own house reef. Throughout their stay, guests can expect day after day of exceptional diving with modern dive boats, professional quality equipment for rent, and nitrox fills for suitably certified divers.

At a glance…

• Set in a 64-acre property on Vanua Levu’s east coast
• Dedicated team is adept at anticipating visitors’ needs
• Overlooks the Somosomo Strait and Rainbow Reef
• Close to Great White Wall, Cabbage Patch, and Fish Factory

Situated on a 64-acre private peninsula on the eastern edge of Vanua Levu, The Remote Resort certainly lives up to its name, guaranteeing maximum seclusion for serenity-seeking guests. Though remote, this resort is surprisingly accessible and its dedicated team is adept at anticipating visitors’ needs, ensuring they’ll want for nothing throughout their stay. And, with a maximum of just 20 guests accommodated in eight exquisite villas, the day-to-day service here is second to none, promising unbridled flexibility and plenty of personal attention. Of course, this resort also champions its stunning natural surroundings by encouraging guests to embark on an array of enriching excursions led by passionate and knowledgeable locals.

From its privileged position, this peaceful property overlooks the nutrient-rich Somosomo Strait and spectacular Rainbow Reef – an area renowned for offering some of Fiji’s very best underwater scenery. As a result, guests can explore around 25 world-class dive sites within a short 10-15 minute boat ride from the resort, including Great White Wall, Cabbage Patch, Fish Factory, and a manta cleaning station. And it’s not just experienced divers who get to enjoy the fun, guided snorkelling tours can be organised to many of the best spots while several scuba certification courses are also available.