Located in the western part of Fiji, the Mamanucas and Yasawa Islands offer water sports and accommodations to delight everyone. Underwater topography includes walls, bommies and channels, a perfect mix for a range of diving abilities.
Above Fiji’s main island of Viti Levu, the Mamanucas Islands form a sweeping arch, followed by the volcanic chain of the Yasawa Islands. This is the sunniest, driest and warmest area in Fiji, you can practically count on clear skies and excellent visibility all year round.
The area is accessed by fast ferry or speed boat and is home to a range of properties, including Barefoot Kuata Resort and Castaway Island.
The fringing reefs following the Yasawa and Mamanuc Islands are a diving delight. As warm, tropical water drifts between each secluded island, swim throughs and gullies are created, the perfect home for a variety of marine life. The topography is the star here, beautiful hard corals atop ridges and overhangs stream with schools of convict tangs. Turtles and dolphins are regularly spotted, and manta rays can be seen seasonally from May to October; there's often the option to snorkel or dive with these majestic beauties.
Although Beqa Lagoon is synonymous with Fiji shark diving, the Yasawas are coming for the crown. In recent years marine biologist, Dr Thomas Vignaud, has developed the 'Awakening Shark Dive' experience conducted from Kuata Island. Up to 25 bull sharks can be seen on responsibly managed shark feeding dives. Often alongside the bull sharks are lemon sharks, tawny nurse sharks, tiger sharks, and silvertip sharks. Divers are positioned on the edge of the reef before the feeding begins. This dive in conducted in two areas, one for certified divers in the morning at 20 metres and the second in the afternoon at only 10 metres of depth. The afternoon dive allows any level of scuba diver to participate in this thrilling dive adventure.
White and blacktip reef sharks can also been seen during regular dives, with bull sharks being especially prevalent from March to October.
Gotham City is renowned for its batfish population, and shark lovers should dive The Supermarket. Another top dive site is the underwater delights of Plantation Pinnacle with its undercuts, tunnels and myriad of reef fish and corals. The Zoo is a popular dive site with schools of walu, trevally and barracuda also enjoying the steep wall exposed to strong currents. The wall is covered in colourful sea fans and soft corals, with invertebrates found living in the overhangs. West of the Yasawas is a vast area of virgin reefs, islands and tiny islets.
The Yasawa & Mamanuca Islands have numerous resorts, we handpick those able to access the best dive sites in the area. On the south tip of the Yasawa Island, the Barefoot Kuata Island Resort is a humble haven with subtle luxury. A handful of beachfront bures (traditional style Fijian homes) are designed with a connection to nature and offer a glamping twist on the South Pacific castaway resorts. Scuba diving from here is suitable for all levels, including learning to dive, and is home to crystal clear waters where coral covered bommies are dotted on white sand. From here shark diving can also be conducted and snorkelling with manta rays is possible. For a traditional luxury resort escape, there's Castaway Island. Affectionately known as 'grandmother of resorts' in Fiji's Mamanuca Islands, this resort was around even before the film. Water activities like kayaking, SUP, and snorkelling with turtles are available. Catering to all travellers and levels of diver, the Castaway Island family provide an unforgettable experience and a warmth that's second to none.
This string of islands does not require a domestic flight to access, for scuba divers who are looking to maximise every day, it's an ideal area to include on your Fiji (or South Pacific) island hopping itinerary. Closest is the Sun Coast on the northern edge of Viti Levu, from Rakiraki you can visit Bligh Water and see the 'soft coral capital of the world' in technicolour. Both resorts and liveaboards are an option in Bligh Waters, and you can visit the famous dive sites Mount Mutiny and Black Magic Mountain. In the south is the Coral Coast and Beqa Lagoon, a must for those seeking sharks. This area is the home of Fiji's shark diving and pairs excellently with the shark encounters offered in the Yasawa Islands.
The remaining areas are accessed by domestic flight from Nadi International Airport on Viti Levu, which is a short dive from the boat terminal used to access the Yasawas and Mamanuca Islands. The next island to the south is Kadavu Island, where explorers on quiet islands are treated to manta ray sighting all year round. In the east is Taveuni with the kaleidoscopic Rainbow Reef, while Namena Island and its marine reserve is accessed from Vanua Levu where hammerheads encounters are frequent and expeditions to local villages uncover Fiji's authentic heart.
Our collection of Yasawa and Mamanuca Islands dive holidays can be tailor-made to suit your exact requirements and dates - just contact our dive specialists who will be happy to help.
Utilise every moment on your Fiji dive holiday with this combo. The Mamanuca & Yasawa Islands are home to varied topography and shark encounters, and the magnificent Bligh Water has stunning coral gardens and mantas. Find Out More about Dive Fiji
A humble haven on the edge of Fiji's Yasawa islands. This resort offers a unique take on the South Pacific castaway resorts, and each beachfront bures are crafted to connect with nature. Find Out More about Barefoot Kuata Island Resort
An iconic paradise island in the Mamanucas, this award winning resort consists of secluded thatched bures, surrounded by lush tropical vegetation bordered by white sand beaches and encircled by vibrant coral reefs. Find Out More about Castaway Island Resort
