Diving in Fiji

Great Hammerhead

General species description, not specific to this destination

The Great Hammerhead is the largest of all hammerhead species, instantly recognizable by its massive, flattened head extension called a cephalofoil. This prehistoric-looking predator can reach lengths of up to 20 feet, with a distinctive tall, sickle-shaped dorsal fin. Their unique head shape houses electroreceptors that help them hunt stingrays buried in sand. Great Hammerheads are solitary hunters, often seen cruising along reef walls and sandy bottoms. Despite their intimidating size, they're generally shy around divers and will often move away when approached. Their powerful swimming style and graceful movements make encounters truly memorable for fortunate divers.

Spotted Eagle Ray

Destination note

Occasional sightings during winter months in Fiji's outer reef channels, passes, and Beqa Lagoon; most reliable in protected waters.

Hawksbill Turtle

Destination note

Common year-round on Fiji's coral reefs; frequently encountered at Rainbow Reef, Namena, and throughout the Mamanuca and Yasawa islands.

Olive Sea Snake

General species description, not specific to this destination

The olive sea snake is a venomous marine snake found in the coral reefs of northern Australia and southern New Guinea. It has a flattened tail for swimming and valves in its nostrils to keep water out when submerged. It feeds on fish and crustaceans.

Bull Shark

Destination note

Year-round guaranteed sightings at Beqa Lagoon shark dive; Beqa Adventure Divers has recorded over 20 years of daily bull shark encounters.

Green Sea Turtle

Destination note

Common throughout Fiji's reefs year-round; frequently seen grazing on seagrass beds and resting under coral ledges at sites across all dive regions.

Atlantic Bottlenose Dolphin

Destination note

Common year-round in Fiji's waters, frequently encountered riding bow waves of dive vessels in the Mamanuca and Yasawa islands, and around Beqa Lagoon.

Great Barracuda

Destination note

Common year-round on Fiji's reefs and passes; frequently seen hovering in mid-water at sites like Bligh Water, Beqa Lagoon, and Somosomo Strait.

Common Lionfish

Destination note

Common on Fiji's reefs year-round, particularly beneath overhangs and in caves at Rainbow Reef, Great White Wall, and Mamanuca reefs.

Bicolor Angelfish

General species description, not specific to this destination

A small, brightly colored dwarf angelfish with a yellow front half and tail, deep blue rear body, and blue markings around the head. The sharp two-tone pattern makes adults easy to recognize among coral branches. Juveniles are similar but smaller and especially secretive.

Sailfin Tang

General species description, not specific to this destination

A large surgeonfish with exceptionally tall dorsal and anal fins that can be fully extended like a sail, nearly doubling the body profile. Body is brownish-yellow with pale vertical bars and small yellow spots. Has a sharp scalpel-like spine on each side of the caudal peduncle used in territorial disputes.

Blacktip Reef Shark

General species description, not specific to this destination

A slender reef shark with black-tipped fins, patrolling shallow Maldivian reef flats and lagoons. Shy and harmless to divers.