Kadavu Scuba Diving
The Best Hard Corals in Fiji
The Great Astrolabe Reef is still the jewel in the Kadavu diving crown and is a reef now well known among divers throughout the world. The reef is about 100 km long, making it the fourth largest barrier reef in the world. It stretches from the south side of the island near Vunisea, and runs along the south coast before looping around Ono Island and ending off the east coast of the main island. The reef boasts a variety of stunning hard coral outer reef slopes in wonderous colours, and steep soft coral drop-offs. The dive sites here exhibit a tremendous variety with several passages, submerged pinnacles and manta ray cleaning stations adding to the reasons why Kadavu is a great spot for several days diving.
Now, the fringing reefs of Kadavu are becoming as recognised as its barrier reef, and the reputations of Namalata and Tavuki Reefs, along the north coast, are growing in reputation. These are more soft coral pinnacles and great areas for the student or less experienced as conditions can be easy and the sites are varied. South Sea Reef to the south west of the island too, has hard corals and steep walls. Here again the reefs are in prime condition and the numbers and variety of fish life is richly rewarding.
Most of the dives in and around Kadavu are easy to access by short boat ride and see little more than moderate currents. The innumerable bays that lie all around the coast of Kadavu also provide an idyllic setting for sea-kayaking, swimming and snorkelling.
Whatever your standard, however low your boredom threshold is, there is such variety in these dive sites and wonderful untamed reefs and reef-life that you too will join the growing number of divers who think Kadavu has all the elements of a perfect Fiji dive holiday.
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Diving Season
The season to dive Kadavu runs all year round. November to April sees the most rainfall. Northerly winds at this time of year mean its generally drier and calmer on the south side of the island. Top visibility is during Fiji's winter months of August to October when the surface can be a choppy, particularly on the windward south coast, and potentially as cool as 24°C. During the November to April summer months, water temperature can reach a tropical 30°C.
Reef Basics
Great for: Large animals, reef life and health, visibility
Not so great for: Snorkelling
Depth: 5 - >40m
Visibility: 15 - 40m
Currents: Gentle to strong
Surface Conditions: Mostly calm but can be choppy offshore
Water Temperature: 24 - 30°C
Experience Level: Beginner - advanced
Number of dive sites: >60
Access: Kadavu diving resorts and liveaboards
Recommended length of stay: 7 - 10 days
Dive Sites
More detailed information on Kadavu dive sites (on our www.dive-the-world.com website):
Dive The World Recommendations: Seafan Alley and Eagle Rock.
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