Scuba diving in

Yasawa and Mamanuca Islands

Close to the mainland not far from the coastal town of Nadi, the Mamanucas are a string of idyllic islands known for their dazzling white sand beaches and bright turquoise waters. In fact, the rugged beauty of these islands is so spectacular, they’ve made regular appearances on our screens, providing the backdrop for TV shows such as Survivor as well as the feature film, Castaway. In total, there are around 20 islands in the Mamanucas, with several being lost to the Pacific Ocean at high-tide. The rest are a true playground for ocean-enthusiasts, with world-class wave breaks, tranquil lagoons, and thriving reefs on their doorstep.

Beyond the Mamanucas lie another 15 or so ancient volcanic islands known as the Yasawas. This chain offers yet more dramatic peaks with sun-drenched white sand beaches fringing tranquil blue bays below - the most famous of which gaining notoriety through its namesake ‘80s feature film, The Blue Lagoon. Only opening up to tourism several years after the film’s release, the remote, rugged, and romantic Yasawa islands are still a quintessential tropical paradise - perfect for adventurous ocean-based escapades.

From Nadi International Airport, you’ll need to make the short onward journey to the port at Denarau. Buses and taxis are easy to find at the airport, or you can arrange a transfer with your accommodation in advance.

From Denarau, you can catch a boat across to the Mamanuca Islands with travel times varying from just 30 minutes to a few hours, depending on your final destination. The Yasawa Flyer fast catamaran also departs from Denarau, making several stops in the Yasawa Islands before heading back to port along the same route. If you’re looking to travel from the Mamanucas Island chain to the Yasawas, you’ll either need to book a private boat transfer or head back to Denarau to catch the Yasawa Flyer.

If you’re traveling to one of the high-end resorts, you can simply fly directly from Nadi, with seaplane transfers taking just five minutes to reach the closest islands.

Located close to the main international airport, the Mamanuca Islands are home to Fiji's most popular tourist resorts - a convenient option for those who’d rather minimise onward travel. Each island in the Mamanuca chain has a slightly different vibe from the next, ensuring a great range of accommodation options, from luxurious private island retreats, to backpacker haunts, family-friendly hotels and cultural homestays.

The remote and less-developed Yasawa Islands might appear to be an undiscovered paradise, but you’ll find plenty of modern conveniences, with a scattering of upmarket luxury resorts nestled neatly amongst the landscape. Interestingly, though, this is also one of the most popular backpacker destinations in Fiji, with plenty of more affordable options available for those on a budget.

Diving in Fiji is year round but there are two main seasons that can impact the conditions underwater - the dry season that runs from May through to October, and the wet season from December to April.

During the dry season, the water is at its clearest with visibility up to 30m+, but it can be a little windier. Water temperatures can drop to 23-25°C, especially in August, while temperatures on land range between 25-30°C. The wet season is calmer and warmer, with water temperatures rising to 28-30°C, but plankton blooms can reduce visibility. Rainfall is heavy and prolific in the late afternoons and early mornings during the wet season, and temperatures average 30ºC, ensuring high humidity.

While sharks are present year-round, bull shark sightings can reduce slightly during their mating season which runs from November to February. Manta rays are most likely encountered between May and October.

Fiji is home to over 200 locally managed marine parks, covering over 12,000 kilometres of ocean in total. And, that number is steadily on the rise. In fact, the Fijian government is committed to a plan that would designate over 30% of the country's ocean as a protected marine area in the coming years. Within these zones, fishing and anchoring would be prohibited, and tourism-based companies would require a permit for operation.

Throughout the Mamanuca and Yasawa island chains, a number of resorts and private islands boast local Marine Protected Areas and marine reserves. Visitors here can also find coral reef restoration efforts, turtle rescue and breeding programs, as well as professional shark conservation teams led by marine biologists. The annual Great Fiji Shark Count is an excellent way to get involved, allowing tourists to help record and document essential data on the region's signature species.