Less developed and frequented by tourists, Vanua Levu is Fiji’s second-largest island. Divers enjoy easy access to one of the best areas in the country, plus picturesque beaches and unspoiled nature.
The main town of Savusavu is a short flight from Nadi yet a world away. The island is renowned for its sugar cane fields, hidden paradise beaches, hot springs, pearl farms, yachting community and access to the Namena Marine Reserve. This marine park was established in 1997 and stretches around the barrier reef of Namenalala island and the main island of Viti Levu. This area offers the visitor an ideal opportunity to observe local traditions and culture, relatively untarnished by tourism.
Savusavu is a 1-kilometre stretch along a main road located in a protected bay and is the main area for resorts. Natewa Bay, to the east, is home to a community of spinner and bottlenose dolphins and is accessible to dive from resorts in Savusavu. The rustic town has transport links to Labasa and Nukubati Great Sea Reef in the north, a route which winds through remote villages and dense tropical vegetation.
The Namena Marine Reserve is a reliable location for spotting the usually shy hammerhead shark. Dive sites such as Dream House where a resident population of hundreds of these elusive creatures can be spotted all year round. They can be seen along the coastline as the nutrient-rich waters are pushed up pinnacles in the Koro Sea, drawing in hammerheads from the open blue. As the dive sites are often more challenging, it's suited to more experienced divers.
The Namena Marine Protected Area is home to pristine reef walls teeming with excellent marine life. With over 400 coral species, these reefs are some of the best in Fiji. The reefs aren’t the only highlight with huge schools of barracuda, jacks and snappers in addition to being a migratory pathway for humpback whales, nesting beaches for turtles and protected bird species. Underwater highlights include colourful soft coral reefs, hawksbill and green turtles, and scalloped hammerhead shark sightings.
There are plenty of dive sites to discover on Vanua Levu. Dream House is an underwater pinnacle which has a resident population of over a hundred scalloped hammerhead sharks, which means sightings are possible all year round. Other pelagic species are drawn to this dive site including yellow tail and blackfin barracuda, Spanish mackerel and dogtooth tuna in addition to the whitetip and grey reef sharks. The dive site Dungeons and Dragons is aptly named, during high tide on a sunny day the caverns and swim-throughs look almost mythical and are adorned with giant clams, gorgonian sea fans, and feather star crinoids. The Cocktail Canyon is a series of three pinnacles carpeted in hard and soft corals, ranging between 10 metres and 30 metres in depth and with a strong current, this site is more suited to experienced divers.
Around the corner from Savusavu Bay there are a number of resorts in Vanua Levu including boutique island resort, luxury hotels, and those including a spa. The Koro Sun Resort is suitable for all guests and one of the best hotels in the area. It provides diving to Natewa Bay, Namena Marine Reserve, the Rainbow Reef of the Somosomo Strait. We also work with more resorts in the area that aren't on our website, including the Jean Michel Cousteau Resort, a family friendly eco property with strong heritage. In the north there are hotels which give access to the Nukubati Great Sea Reef. Contact us to discover Vanua Levu further.
Island hopping in Fiji is easy due to the excellent network of destinations within reach from Nadi Airport, situated on the main island of Viti Levu. Areas such as the Coral Coast and Beqa Lagoon can be reached by road from the airport, and therefore pair very well with Vanua Levu. Beqa Lagoon is a must for any shark diving enthusiast, and is the home of the Ultimate Shark Dive, ideal before or after hammerhead encounters in Vanua Levu. Alternatively there's Bligh Water, which can be dived by liveaboard and land from Rakiraki, this stunning area exhibits the Coral Capital of the World in spectacular form. Accessible by another domestic flight are the areas of Taveuni and Kadavu, these areas are tranquil and untouched, well worth the journey for those willing to make it.
Our collection of dive holidays can be tailor-made to suit your exact requirements and dates - just contact our dive specialists who will be happy to help.
Located on the island of Vanua Levu, this family friendly resort is surrounded by lush rainforest, built amongst a coconut plantation and sitting on the shores of the Koro Sea in a private lagoon. Find Out More about Koro Sun Resort & Rainforest Spa
