Fiji | Volivoli Beach Resort April 18 - 27 2025
In a nutshell -
Easily up there with the best diving I have done in Fiji - similar to the superb dives we had at Naigani Island Resort many years ago. Some of the best soft corals I have ever seen and reefs full of life. Volivoli has developed a well earned reputation as the best dive resort in Fiji and it is certainly a level up from anything we’ve seen previously. They have big fast plate alloy dive boats and don’t shy away from taking us way out to the best locations - dive sites previously only dived by liveaboards. This is pristine territory. We will be diving in The Bligh Water - yes there will be some currents on some dives, but that brings nutrients, life and abundance. And certainly nothing like the currents we experienced in Komodo or Palau recently!!
We dived Volivoli in February 2023 and it was on dive 2 that I decided we were definitely coming back and soon! I tried for Easter 2025, but Volivoli books out well ahead, hence the dates are outside school holidays. I opted for mid April - after the cyclones have left but still with the warm waters of summer. Fiji has a lot to offer - with international flight schedules still often subject to cancellations and changes, Fiji is a safe bet - just one shortish flight, one scenic bus trip and we’re there! The restaurant is terrific, with great a-la-carte options and the bar and pool area are fabulous. And the sunsets and views out over Nananu-I-Ra are epic. This is one beautiul place.
Macolm Burrell’s terrific video from our Volivli trip February 2023.
Many years ago, we enjoyed two great dive trips, based at Wananavu Resort, near Raki Raki on the most northern tip of Fiji’s main island, Viti Levu. The dive operation back then was “Ra Divers” who have now set up their own purpose built dive resort nearby – Volivoli Beach Resort. Accessed via a 2.5 to 3 hour coach trip from Nadi airport, this is a “four star premium boutique” resort with a pool, three bars and spa facilities. Offering dives to the soft coral wonderland of the Bligh Water, those of us who travelled to nearby Wananvu many years ago will remember this area fondly. Back then, we only dived the nearby sore reefs, but now Ra Divers have bigger, faster boats and we will dive well offshore in The Bligh Water. We are also offered unlimited shore dives on the house reef.
Want to learn to dive in paradise? You can do a PADI Open Water SCUBA course on site for $850 AUD.
Voted in the top 10 by readers of Divemagazine UK - Voter Comments:
Great team with huge experience diving the awesome Bligh Waters area. Never disappointed with dives here.
– AC, Australia
We have stayed here many times over the years and they are just superb. Great service and the rooms are lovely. Our favourite is the Pool Villas. But the best part is that the food is amazing. Exactly what you want after a day’s diving. I’m looking forward to heading back there soon.
– LS, Australia
Volivoli beach resort has the best diving you could ever imagine. The diving equipment is top-notch and the dive instructors are all very friendly. You know you are in safe hands at Volivoli.
– Z, Australia
Absolutely amazing place to dive. The crew at the Volivoli Beach Resort are so professional and helpful. Did 10 dives with them this year and i can’t wait to get back.
– BP, New Zealand
Volivoli Beach Resort in Fiji Volivoli is easily the most luxurious and beautiful dive resort, excellent dive operation, amazing food (far beyond anything we have ever had at a dive resort)
– WM, USA
Bligh Waters is a stretch of ocean that runs between the two main islands of Fiji, Viti Levu and Vanua Levu and it is pretty famous for the diving on offer. Rakiraki is perfectly placed to access this area with ease and is known to have some of the best coral reef diving in Fiji. Water temperature in Feb-March will be a balmy 29 degrees. Nice! Fiji has been long recognised as the “soft coral capital” of the world and this area is no exception. Vatu-I-Ra, a national park and bird sanctuary, Bligh Waters is well protected, and as such, presents a vast array of marine life to discover. The island is ringed by stunning coral reefs which contain narrow passages brimming with life, particularly as the tide changes and the current builds, pushing plankton into the out-stretching arms of the beautiful soft corals.
These strong currents, and the nutrients that they bring, promote a massive diversity of sea life. For the macro enthusiasts look out for nudibranch, anthias, pygmy and common seahorses, frogfish, ghost pipefish, moray eels, and thousands of anemone fish living amongst the brightly coloured corals. Pelagics include hawksbill, leatherback, green, olive ridley, and loggerhead turtles, as well as blacktip, whitetip, and grey reef sharks. Larger shark species are also known to frequent these waters.
Dive sites include walls, bommies, and drift dives, all of which allow you to explore this incredible underwater world teeming with life and colour. The soft corals here are magnificent!
Visit this interactive Dive Sites map above to see what is available in the area
Diving in the region include sites usually only visited by liveaboards including the famous E6 and Mount Mutiny. Highlights include –
Mellow Yellow
Hit this dive site with the right currents, and you will be blown away by the abundance of yellow coloured soft corals on this pinnacle dive. A sea of gold anthias, crimson sea fans and blue water add even more colour to this dive. Keep a lookout for the impressive macro life dwelling in the cracks and crevices, such as scorpionfish, popcorn shrimp, nudibranch, and eels.
Black Magic Mountain
Named for the massive bushes of black corals blanketing this soaring pinnacle, Black Magic Mountain regularly makes an appearance on diving itineraries. Schooling fish at the top of the spire and unicornfish, surgeonfish, fusiliers, and grey reef sharks can be seen circling near the base. Sharp-eyed divers will also be able to pick out crayfish, lionfish, anemone fish, coral trout, and a multitude of bright ascidians hiding in the corals.
Breathtaker
This is a deep reef with three coral heads and a drop off to 100 meters. Explore the slots and swim-throughs to experience the wall from both sides and watch the myriad of reef fish flitting from coral to coral. As you get to the point, you might be lucky enough to spot sharks among the schools of barracuda. How close these deep-sea dwellers get to the wall is very dependent on the currents and the time of day.
E6 –
One of Fiji’s best known dive sites, E6 was named after the copious amount of E6 slide film shot when this dive site was first discovered. This pinnacle rises from the depth of the ocean some 3000 ft+ (900m) up to just a few feet (1/2 metre) from the surface and is teaming in hard corals on top, soft corals on the protected sides with reef fish and schools of pelagic fish found where in the current.
Mount Mutiny –
Named after the legendary Captain Bligh from Mutiny on the Bounty (where Fiji’s famous Bligh Waters gets the name), Mount Mutiny is very similar to, but smaller than E6. This pinnacle offers the same diversity of pelagic fish like schooling barracuda and jacks, but is most known for Rainbow Reef, a wall of soft corals in every color of the rainbow.
PROPOSED ITINERARY :
At this stage , flights are still out of booking range, so I have provided you with a
Proposed Itinerary: Based on 2024 schedule.
Flights will be available for booking 11 months ( June 2024 ) prior to the return date , so it will be at this time that I will be able to confirm your final itinerary.
Flight : Friday 18th April 2025 : FJ 934 MEL | NAN 1330 | 1930
Transfer : Friday 18th April 2025 : Pick up from Nadi airport and transfer to The Gateway Hotel – Nadi
Accommodation : In Friday 18th April 2025 | Out Sat 19th April 2025 - 1 night at The Gateway Hotel – Nadi
Transfer : Sat 19 April 2025 : Pick up from Nadi airport and transfer to Volivoli Beach Resort
Accommodation : In Sat 19th April 2025 | Out Sun 27th April 2025 - 8 nights at Volivoli Beach Resort
Diving days 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26 April 2025
Transfer : Sun 27 April 2025 : Transfer from Volivoli Beach Resort to Nadi Airport
Flight : Sun 27th April 2025: FJ 931 NAN | MEL 1840 | 2235
PACKAGE INCLUSIONS :
* International airfares Ex MEL | NAN | MEL – Fiji Airways – Conditions apply – Group airfare
* Ticket Taxes
* 1 nights’ accommodation in a TWIN share Deluxe room at the Gateway Hotel – Nadi
* Round trip Nadi airport transfers
* 9 nights’ accommodation in an TWIN share Ocean View Room at Volivoli Beach Resort
* Welcome drink on arrival
* Full meal plan - 3 meals daily with juice, milk, rainwater, coffee and tea at breakfast whilst at both The Pearl and Volivoli Beach Resort
* Beach BBQ – Volivoli
* Traditional Meke performance and Fijian Lovo night – Volivoli
* Free use of kayaks and participation in a variety of complimentary resort activities
DIVING - VOLIVOLI – RA DIVERS
* 16 Boat Dive Package (5 days x 2 tank boat diving and 2 days x 3 tank boat diving – includes all tanks, weights and dive guide)
* Unlimited shore diving on resort's 3 House Reefs
Minimum Group Numbers : This group departure is based on a minimum number of 10 passengers travelling together. N.B.we are already at that level.
Price Increases may occur if numbers are not reached. We have flights held at this level until July 30 – you may incur a slight increase in the overall package price if you deposit after this date.
For NON-DIVERS:
There are various activities on offer, including Kayaks; Stand-Up Paddle Boards; Village visits; snorkelling, fishing trips; and a full range of spa treatments – https://www.volivoli.com/spa/ for further details.
This is some degree of time pressure on this trip in that we currently have a short hold on group airfares at a good rate. This is on hold until July 30 so time is of the essence. The only impact with later bookings may be a slight increase in airfare. I realise that folks may be reluctant to commit this soon but if you’re up for it, then fill in the online booking form and let’s get the Fijian diving party started!
We already have about a dozen starters - online booking link
If you’d like to book then follow this online booking link - www.diveadventures.com.au/pages/booking-final.php?booking=27493&agent=&consultant=Tracy&destination=Fiji-Rakiraki&departuredate=18/04/2025&departurepoint=Aust-Melbourne,%20VIC&DepositAmt=800
If you have any questions at all, call me, Alan Wiggs on 0466 308409 or email me at alanwiggs2@gmail.com.
Or chat with Tracy Price at Dive Adventures -
Tracy Price - Manager
DIVE ADVENTURES
Australia's Leading Dive Holiday Specialist
Ph: (03) 9646 5945 | Direct Ph : (02) 9137 0099 Ext 532
Website: www.diveadventures.com.au
Email: tracy@diveadventures.com.au
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HOURS : 09.00am to 05.15pm Monday to Friday