Fiji is a once and a lifetime trip off the beaten path. Though it is a small country, it has a lot of islands to visit, wildlife to see on land/under the water, and culture to experience.
You can go there and island hop on your own but that would take you a long time to get around not to mention the cost.
A Fiji liveaboard cruise boat is the best way to get around and experience all these islands have to offer. You can scuba dive/ snorkel off all of these boats but some are better for diving and others for land excursions.
Since most of the reefs are just offshore and the view is amazing you could just sit on the ship and enjoy all the water activities. There are a few liveaboards and options to choose from.
Here at OtterAquatics, we have done all of the research for you, allowing you to choose the liveaboard/ boat that best fits your budget and the activities you want to do. We will outline:
- Different liveaboards and the options they offer
- What sea creatures you could see on your dives
- The top dive sites
- What time of the year to take a liveaboard in the
- Other activities you can do on shore
Table of Contents
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Best for Excursions
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Best Diving
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Budget Option
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From $265/d
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From $522/d
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From $178/d
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At OtterAquatics, our ultimate goal is to help you book your dream liveaboard. We’ve assembled a team of PADI, SSI, and Molchanovs instructors, as well as liveaboard cruise directors to research all available options.
How We Pick
In order to create our best liveaboard lists, the OtterAquatics team starts off by researching the liveaboard landscape for a particular region of world, listing out all of the highest-rated choices.
Unfortunately it’s not possible to go on every single liveaboard, but we go on the ones we can.
Next, we identify 3-5 liveaboards per region that are distinct best choices for different scenarios. For example, on a list, we may suggest budget options, luxury options, or a liveaboard that exclusively hits a certain dive site.
How We Review
The OtterAquatics team reviews the liveaboards on our lists by researching information on liveaboard booking websites, review websites, and our social media communities of divers.
We also contact each liveaboard mentioned on our lists ensuring the information is accurate.
Our Team of Writers
Want to learn more about who our writers are? Head over to the OtterAquatics About Page.
At OtterAquatics, our ultimate goal is to help you book your dream liveaboard. We’ve assembled a team of PADI, SSI, and Molchanovs instructors, as well as liveaboard cruise directors to research all available options.
How We Pick
In order to create our best liveaboard lists, the OtterAquatics team starts off by researching the liveaboard landscape for a particular region of world, listing out all of the highest-rated choices.
Unfortunately it’s not possible to go on every single liveaboard, but we go on the ones we can.
Next, we identify 3-5 liveaboards per region that are distinct best choices for different scenarios. For example, on a list, we may suggest budget options, luxury options, or a liveaboard that exclusively hits a certain dive site.
How We Review
The OtterAquatics team reviews the liveaboards on our lists by researching information on liveaboard booking websites, review websites, and our social media communities of divers.
We also contact each liveaboard mentioned on our lists ensuring the information is accurate.
Our Team of Writers
Want to learn more about who our writers are? Head over to the OtterAquatics About Page.
Best Fiji Liveaboards
Reef Endeavour
- Free Internet
- Most Excursions Included
- Diving Package/ PADI Course Option
- Low Price Point
- Diving Package costs 160-1,024$ AUD
- A lot of other guests
The MV Reef Endeavour Liveaboard in Fiji is a wonderful opportunity for you to enjoy the beautiful scenery and experience the unique culture of the Fijian Islands (Mamanuca and Yasawa islands). One of the biggest positives of the Reef Endeavour is the chance to explore multiple islands in a short period of time (3, 4, and 8-day tours), even the island from the Tom Hanks movie ‘Castaway’.
You can enjoy the scenic beauty of the islands and indulge in various activities such as snorkeling, glass-bottom boating, scuba diving, kayaking, and many more.
The 7-night 8 day tour of the Mamanuca and Yasawa Islands gives you the most options to see all of the islands. There is the option to go scuba diving as well and this route gives you the most time to scuba dive or even take a course if you want to.
This boat offers a high level of comfort and luxury with its spacious cabins with private balconies. The ship is equipped with all the modern amenities, such as air conditioning, a swimming pool, a massage room, and a spa. The onboard dining experience is also exceptional, with a variety of cuisines and a wide selection of drinks available.
The crew of the MV Reef Endeavour is another highlight of the experience. They are warm, friendly, and knowledgeable about the local culture and history. They are always available to assist guests and offer guidance on the best activities to enjoy on each island. The crew also hosts cultural events, such as traditional Fijian music and dance performances, to offer guests a glimpse into the local culture.
Finally, the ship supports sustainable tourism and conservation efforts in the region. The ship is designed to minimize its impact on the environment, and the crew is trained in responsible tourism practices.
Guests are also educated on the importance of protecting the fragile marine ecosystem, and the liveaboard partners with local conservation organizations to support their efforts. Overall, the Reef Endeavour Liveaboard in Fiji is a great way to enjoy the beauty of the islands, experience the unique culture, and contribute to sustainable tourism practices.
Route/ Itinerary: Southern and Northern Yasawa & Mamanuca Islands
Liveaboard Specs:
- Max number of Guests/ Divers: 130
- # Dives: Depends
- # of Cabins: 64
- Length: 5 to 12 days
- Wifi: Yes, Free
- Nitrox: No
- Drinks: Included
- Port: Denarau Marina, Nadi
- Onshore Excursions: Yes, Included
Nai'a
- Dedicated camera room
- Free Nitrox
- Nearly 1:1 Crew-to-Guest Ratio
- Rebreather Support
- No wifi
- Price
Nai’a liveaboard Fiji is a luxury liveaboard that offers diving expeditions in the waters of Fiji and is the one liveaboard in the area. One of the biggest positives of Nai’a is the high level of service that it provides.
The experienced crew is trained to cater to the needs of each guest and to make sure that their experience is unforgettable. The liveaboard offers a wide range of services, including comfortable cabins, delicious meals, and expert diving guidance.
While other liveaboards are centered around land excursions the Nai’a focus on diving, which gives you the opportunity to explore some of the most pristine diving spots in the world.
Fiji is known for its crystal-clear waters and diverse marine life. You can expect to encounter a wide range of sea creatures, including pelagics, manta rays, nudibranchs, and reef fish. There is also a special camera room just for diving and nitrox as well.
As with most liveaboards in the area, the Nai’a is also committed to conservation and sustainable tourism practices. The crew is knowledgeable about the local ecosystem and is trained to minimize the impact of the liveaboard on the environment. Guests are encouraged to participate in conservation efforts, such as monitoring the health of the coral reefs and collecting data on the local marine life.
The Nai’a liveaboard Fiji offers a chance to connect with like-minded individuals who share a passion for diving and adventure. People come from all over the world here, and the liveaboard creates a friendly and welcoming environment that creates unforgettable memories.
This is an average day on the ship and you can choose to dive as much or as little as you want.
- 05.30 onwards: continental breakfast available
- 07.00: dive 1
- 08.30: breakfast
- 10.00: dive 2
- 11.30: lunch
- 13.00: dive 3
- 15.00: snacks
- 16.00: dive 4
- 18.00: dinner
- Plus an after-dinner night dive 4 times
Route/ Itinerary: Flexible depending on the weather, but tentative is Bligh Water to Namena, Wakaya, and Gau in the Koro Sea.
Liveaboard Specs:
- Max number of Guests/ Divers: 16
- # Dives: 21
- # of Cabins: 8
- Length: 8 to 11 days
- Wifi: No
- Nitrox: Yes, Free
- Drinks: Included
- Onshore Excursions: Yes, Extra
- Port: Lautoka
Fiji Princess
- Free Internet
- Flexible Booking
- All Fees and Most Excursions included
- Scuba dives only 3+ days
- Price
The Fiji Princess is a luxurious liveaboard that offers guests a unique opportunity to explore the stunning islands of Fiji on 3, 4, or 7-night trips.
The Fiji Princess offers a variety of water activities and experiences like snorkeling, scuba diving, and kayaking, or simply relaxing on a boat and enjoying the stunning scenery of the islands.
The liveaboard also offers on-land excursions and cultural experiences, such as traditional Fijian dance performances and visits to local villages.
Another positive of the Fiji Princess is the high level of comfort and luxury that it provides. The cabins on the liveaboard are spacious, and comfortable, and feature private balconies. The ship is equipped with modern amenities, such as air conditioning, a swimming pool, and a spa. The onboard dining experience is exceptional, with a variety of delicious cuisines and a wide selection of drinks available.
The crew of the Fiji Princess is a highlight and will take care of all of your needs. They are warm, friendly, and knowledgeable about the local culture and history. They are always available to assist guests and offer guidance on the best activities to enjoy on each island.
The crew also hosts cultural events, such as traditional performances of song and dance, known as Meke. You will have the opportunity as well to share a drink of Kava while you enjoy a Fijian feast.
If you want to go diving (which you should) you have at least 3 days to dive from the tender at its world-class dive sites. Overall, the Fiji Princess Liveaboard in Fiji is a great way to enjoy the beauty of the islands, experience the unique culture, dive and contribute to sustainable tourism practices.
Route/ Itinerary: Modriki Island, Soso Bay Naukacuvu Island, Yalobi Bay, Blue Lagoon, Sawa-I-Lau, and Drawaqa Island.
Liveaboard Specs:
- Max number of Guests/ Divers: 68
- # Dives: 3 days of diving
- # of Cabins: 34
- Length: 4 to 8 days
- Wifi: Yes, Free
- Nitrox: No
- Drinks: Included
- Port: Denarau Marina
- Onshore Excursions: Yes, Included
Why go on a Fijian liveaboard diving holiday?
There are several reasons why you might choose to go on a Fijian liveaboard diving holiday:
Diverse Marine Life: Fiji is known as the soft coral capital of the world and its barrier reef holds pinnacles, bommies, and coral gardens for all to enjoy.
Unspoiled Dive Sites: Many of the dive sites in Fiji are remote and relatively unspoiled, offering a truly unique and authentic diving experience.
Convenience: A liveaboard diving vacation allows you to experience multiple dive sites in a short period of time. You can easily go shark diving with hammerheads on one dive then day and then small critters on the next dive. This makes it easier to see more of the underwater world and to make the most of your time in Fiji.
Onboard Amenities: Most liveaboards offer comfortable accommodations, delicious meals, and various onboard activities, such as yoga and massages, making it a great way to relax and unwind.
Cultural Experience: Fiji is a unique and culturally rich destination, and a liveaboard diving holiday can also provide an opportunity to learn about the Fijian culture.
Delicious Food: Fijian cuisine is a delicious fusion of traditional Fijian, Indian, and Chinese influences. Visitors can enjoy a wide range of dishes, including fresh seafood, tropical fruits, and curries.
What you will see diving in Fiji
When diving in Fiji, you can expect to see a wide range of marine life and underwater landscapes.
Some of the most common species and sights you might encounter include:
Schools of tropical fish: Fiji is home to a variety of colorful and vibrant fish, including barracuda, parrotfish, angelfish, and butterflyfish, among others.
Coral reefs: Fiji’s coral reefs are home to a staggering variety of marine life, including more than 1,200 species of fish and 390 species of coral. This diversity is due to Fiji’s location at the crossroads of the Pacific, which has allowed many different species to thrive in its waters.
Rays: Manta and Eagle rays are magnificent creatures that are often seen on dive trips.
Sea turtles: Green and hawksbill sea turtles are commonly seen in Fiji’s waters, and they can be a real treat for divers.
Sharks: Fiji is home to a variety of shark species, including reef sharks, bull sharks, and tiger sharks, among others. Scuba divers can see these creatures on drift dives and usually in strong currents at the Beqa Lagoon and the Nigali Passage.
Wrecks: Fiji has several well-preserved shipwrecks, including the SS President Coolidge, which has become an artificial reef and is now home to a variety of marine life.
Top scuba Dive Sites in Fiji
Fiji is known for its diverse and well-preserved dive sites, over 50 soft corals, and over 1,200 species of fish.
Here are some of the top scuba dive sites in Fiji:
Great White Wall: This dive site is located near the Yasawa Islands and is known for its pristine coral formations, eels, and abundant marine life.
Namena Marine Reserve: Located in the Fiji Islands, Namena Marine Reserve is a protected area that is home to colorful coral reefs, sea turtles, and manta rays.
Shark Reef: As the name suggests, Shark Reef is a popular dive site that is known for its large population of reef sharks.
Bligh Waters: This area is located near the Yasawa Islands and is known for its clear waters and soft and hard corals due to the nutrient-rich waters that flow through.
Rainbow Reef: Located near Taveuni Island, Rainbow Reef is considered one of the best dive sites in the Fiji Islands.
SS President Coolidge: This sunken ship, which lies near the island of Espiritu Santo, has become an artificial reef.
Namotu Wall: Located near Namotu Island, this dive site is known for its deep wall dives and healthy coral formations as with the rest of the islands.
Wakaya Wall: This dive site is located on the Kadavu Great Astrolabe Reef and is known for its dramatic drop-offs.
When To Dive in Fiji
The best time to dive in Fiji depends on several factors, including the type of diving you are interested in and the water conditions you prefer.
Here are some things to consider:
Water temperature: Fiji has warm and stable water temperatures throughout the year, ranging from 79-86°F (26-30°C).
Visibility: Visibility can vary throughout the year, with the clearest water typically found during the dry season, which runs from May to October.
Weather conditions: It is stable around the year except for the rainy season, which runs from November to April.
Crowds: The busiest time of year is the summer months when many people take their vacations.
The best time to dive in Fiji is from May to October when the water is typically the clearest and marine life is most abundant.
Marine Life
Manta Rays: The best time to see manta rays in Fiji is from May to October when the water is cooler and the plankton blooms are the biggest.
Humpback Whales: Humpback whales migrate to Fiji between June and September each year to mate and give birth.
Bull Sharks: The best time to see bull sharks in Fiji is from May to October when they are most active and can be found in deeper waters.
Spinner Dolphins: Spinner dolphins can be seen in Fiji year-round, but are most commonly spotted from May to October.
How to Get to Fiji
There are several ways to get to Fiji, including by air and sea. Here are some of the most common options:
By air: The main international airport in Fiji is Nadi International Airport, which is located on the island of Viti Levu. There are several airlines that operate flights to Nadi International Airport from destinations around the world, including Australia, Indonesia New Zealand, the United States, etc.
By sea: There are several cruise lines that offer itineraries that include Fiji, and you can also reach the islands by taking a ferry from nearby islands, such as Tonga or Vanuatu.
Once you have arrived in Fiji, you can travel to the islands, dive resorts, and dive sites by plane, ferry, private boat, dive boat, or liveaboard.
What Makes up the Fiji Islands
The Fiji Islands are a group of over 300 islands located in the South Pacific Ocean. The two largest and most populated islands, the main islands are Viti Levu and Vanua Levu.
The majority of Fiji’s population and its capital city, Suva. The other islands in the Fiji group range in size from small, uninhabited islands to larger islands with smaller populations.
The Fiji Islands are located on the Pacific Plate and are part of the geologically active “Ring of Fire,” which is known for its earthquakes and volcanic activity. As a result, the islands are rich in natural beauty and biodiversity, including lush tropical forests, white sand beaches, and vibrant coral reefs.
In addition to its stunning natural beauty, the Fiji Islands are also known for their rich cultural heritage, including the indigenous Fijian culture. Today, the Fiji Islands are a melting pot of cultures, with a vibrant and welcoming population that celebrates its diverse heritage through food, music, and dance.
On-Shore activities to do in Fiji
Fiji is a great destination for those looking for a combination of diving and on-shore activities.
Here are some of the top on-shore activities you can enjoy during your stay in Fiji:
Visit traditional Fijian villages: The Fijian people are known for their warmth and hospitality. Visitors are often greeted with a friendly “Bula!” (hello) and are made to feel at home throughout their stay. You can learn about Fijian culture, customs, and traditions, and see how the Fijian people live today.
Explore local markets: Fiji is famous for its vibrant markets, where you can find everything from fresh produce to handmade crafts.
Visit the capital city, Suva: Located on the island of Viti Levu, highlights include the Fiji Museum, the Municipal Market, and the stunning Municipal Botanic Gardens.
Hike to waterfalls: Fiji is home to many beautiful waterfalls, one of the most popular waterfall hikes is the Navilawa Village hike, which takes you to the picturesque Sabeto Hot Springs and Mud Pool.
Visit the Orchid Island Cultural Village: Located on the island of Vanua Levu, the Orchid Island Cultural Village is a living museum that showcases the traditional culture, customs, and arts of the Fijian people.
