Kadavu is the fourth largest of the 300 odd islands in Fiji and is largely undeveloped. The island is surrounded by coral reefs, magnificent palm-fringed beaches and rugged terrain.
The tranquil South Pacific island is relatively undisturbed, the secluded beaches are fringed with palm trees and lapped by vivid turquoise waters. The Great Astrolabe barrier reef stretches 120 kilometres from the eastern edge of outer Ono Island, around the south and ends on Kadavu's western coast. Among this reef, bountiful tropical waters await with year round manta rays sightings, hard and soft corals, vibrant reef fish, and a variety of larger pelagic fish species.
Resident manta rays can be observed year round, with optimum sightings in the calmer months of the South Pacific winter. Vuro Island, a short boat ride from Ono Island, is a favourite spot for these majestic beauties. Between May and November, the manta rays gather around the island to be cleaned, socialise, and feed. It's possible to both dive with manta rays and snorkel in this area, providing a truly unforgettable experience for all. There are many cleaning stations dotted all around these islands, sightings from December through to April also have a high success rate. Other cetaceans can be spotted around the islands; seasonal visitors the humpback whales (Jul-Sep) and large pods of short-finned pilot whales (April-May) are an extra treat for divers.
The excellence of Astrolabe has made Kadavu world-famous, it's packed full of incredible dive sites. The Great Astrolabe Reef is the world’s fourth-largest barrier reef, extending along the entire southern side of Kadavu. It's rated as one of the world’s premier scuba diving locations with a truly exciting underwater world, offering great diversity of coral structures and marine life. Both soft and hard corals are abundant, hosting a wide variety of tropical fish, year round manta ray sightings and action-packed shark encounters. Kadavu Island and its outer island are remote, but those that make the journey are rewarded with private beaches, rich coral environments, and secluded dive sites. The amazing variety of dive sites this area has to offer allows you to choose between a relaxing dive gazing at soft coral and the rich marine life or thrilling express rides during drift dives, or one today and the other tomorrow!
The Nauporo Passage is a short boat ride from Ono Island, a break in the reef provides a breeding ground for various reef and large pelagic fish species including marlin, sharks, tuna, giant trevally, mahi-mahi, and snapper. The Broken Stone dive is part of the Alacrity Rocks dive sites, a labyrinth of swim throughs, caverns, and passages. Light beams down through the ocean surface to create mesmerising images as divers make their way through rock formations. To the south of Solo Reef is the dive site Incredible, this wall is covered with soft coral of all colours wedged between mature hard corals. Large pelagic fish are common here including grey reef sharks whitetip reef sharks, and for those that like the smaller things in life, nudibranchs and anemones abundant with streams of fusiliers for good measure. To the north of Kadavu island are the equally exciting reefs, Namalata Reef and Tavuki Reef. These dive areas exhibit a tremendous variety with several passages, submerged pinnacles, many tropical fish, and manta rays cleaning stations adding to the reasons why Kadavu is recognised as a premier diving area.
Among the thick vegetation, Kadavu island and its surrounding outer islands house just a handful of accommodation options, perfect for a remote South Pacific getaway. As liveaboards are yet to venture into these waters, by resort is the only way currently that Kadavu waters can be dived. The Oneta Resort lets you leave your shoes behind with a relaxed and family-feel atmosphere, a limited number of traditional Fijian bures are sprinkled along its private beach and up the hillside. Only accessible by boat on Ono Island, after the domestic flight from Nadi Internation Airport, the resort strives for natural balance and minimal impact on the surrounding environment. The Matava Eco Adventure Resort is an intimate hideaway on the northern side of Kadavu, providing access to a wide variety of the best dive sites.
The exciting underwater world of Kadavu pairs excellently with several areas in Fiji. Domestic flights from Nadi International Airport easily transport you around Fiji. On the main island Viti Levu, to the south is the calm inner reef waters of Beqa Lagoon and the Coral Coast. Under the surface is anything but calm with action-packed shark encounters, drift dives, and large pelagic fish. Another ideal stop in any itinerary is the less trodden Sun Coast with the wonderful Volivoli Beach Resort on the edge of the soft coral capital Bligh Water. Dive sites such as Black Magic Mountain and Mount Mutiny await! On the opposite side of Bligh Waters is Vanua Levu, don't let its size fool you as it's covered with thick vegetation and transport is often conducted by boat. Here the Somosomo Straits are accessed for diving encounters with hammerheads, manta rays, and an amazing variety of tropical fish.
Hop on a flight over to the garden island of Tavueni to dive the Rainbow Reef in the Savusavu Strait. These tropical waters are rich with soft coral and abundant marine life. If you would rather not wait for another flight then the Mamanuca Islands & Yasawa Islands are perfect, a scenic ferry ride hops from one castaway paradise island to the next. This area offers sites suitable for all divers, from the first time blowing bubbles to shark encounters.
Our collection of Kadavu dive holidays can be tailor-made to suit your exact requirements and dates. Fiji has a diverse range of world-class diving and a friendly warmth that stays with you. Whether you're after thrilling shark encounters and majestic manta rays or to swim among the tropical fish in the soft coral capital of the world, this exciting underwater world awaits! Contact our dive specialists who will be happy to help create your South Pacific adventure.
A great itinerary for divers who enjoy a mix of colourful reefs and pelagic encounters. Discover one of the world’s greatest displays of soft coral at Taveuni’s Rainbow Reef, then encounter critters and manta rays at Kadavu. Find Out More about Corals of Great Astrolabe & Rainbow Reefs
Go BIG in Fiji with manta ray encounters and soft coral diving on the world’s fourth-largest barrier reef, Great Astrolabe, followed by some exhilarating shark dives at Beqa Lagoon. A true dive adventure! Find Out More about BIG in Fiji: Dive Great Astrolabe Reef & Beqa Lagoon
The Oneta Resort is a remote and untouched paradise. On the fringe of the Great Astrolabe Reef, this family-run, eco-resort offers authentic Fijian style and a personal approach to each guest's stay. Find Out More about Oneta Resort
