Fiji is an archipelago of more than 300 islands and 500 islets. It is located in the South Pacific, between the Solomon Islands and the Kingdom of Tonga, 1100 miles north of New Zealand.

The largest of the islands is Viti Levu, where its capital Suva is located, and the Nadi International Airport.

Other important islands are Vanua Levu, Taveuni, Kadavu and Rotuma.  In general all the islands are mountainous and covered with tropical forest and dense virgin forest.

The coconut trees, the pandanos whose leaves are used to make baskets, the bamboo and the reeds, are part of the tropical landscape of the archipelago.  The national flower of Fiji is the tagimaucia.  Orchids and vanilla are also abundant.

The highest point of the country is the Monte Tomanivi at 4344 feet high located on the main island of Viti Levu, where the main rivers are also: the Rewa, the Navua and the Sigatoka.

Diving in Fiji is considered among the 10 best diving destinations in the world, and its diving can be described as spectacular and where it is possible to dive throughout the year.

Diving Type Available: From Hotel, Resort or Life on Board.

The coral reefs that surround the Fiji Islands are teeming with marine life, also being the third largest coral reef in the world.

Fiji is considered the “Soft Coral Capital of the World”.  The coral formations with their bright colors, attract blankets and sharks, as well as a great variety of marine life, including large schools of small tropical fish.

The diving points vary from lagoons and shallow reefs, suitable for all levels, to steep walls upholstered with large red, orange and yellow gorgonians, tunnels, caves, mountains, pinnacles and large pelagic for the most experienced.

In addition, shark diving enthusiasts can find at Pacific Harbor, the starting point of the Shark Reef dives, excellent dives with gray reef sharks, silver, white, black and nurse tips, as well as bull sharks, lemons and tigers.

Most of the dives are drift dives with moderate to strong currents, so an advanced level of diving is required.

Scuba dive Fiji is an ideal place for lovers of underwater photography.

Top 10 Scuba dives in Fiji

1. Beqa

The Beqa area is not an immersion point, but an area encompassing a dozen different immersion points.  In these reefs you can find a good representation of the fauna of the entire archipelago, from sharks to reef fish and a long list of invertebrates, corals, gorgonians, crustaceans and, as they could not miss, a good sample of nudibranmquios.  The dives, in their profile, are also diverse, since you can alternate oceanic walls with flat reefs and some modern wrecks.

2. E- 6

A large underwater submarine that rises from abyssal depths, barely a couple of feet from the surface.  It is located in an open area, relatively close to another low (Hi-8).  Its vertical walls concentrate a great diversity of soft and hard corals, as well as different species of gorgonians.

The most attractive and known is the passage that runs through a large section of the wall, as if a large part of it was detached from the base, leaving a narrow horseshoe-shaped corridor between this large block and the main structure of the reef.  The narrow fissure widens at the bottom, and in the evening there are incredible backlights.

Inside the passage there is not a lot of fish, but as soon as you go outside you will continue enjoying a continuous parade of reef fish, including white tip sharks, and sometimes some pelagic ones like barracudas, jacks or tuna.

3. Jim’s Alley

Located east of the Isle of Gau, this spot is ideal as the first contact with Fiji diving.  It is formed by three large coral pinnacles, of cylindrical shape that begin about 16 feet from the surface and descend to 60 feet.  It emphasizes the amount of soft corals, sponges and gorgónias that cover the walls of the low ones.  In the highest part we find hard corals like deer antler and brain.  In the sandy corridors between the shallows there are numerous tropical fish, and occasionally you can see rays and leopard sharks that rest on the bottom.  But the “Avenida” is a small slope that runs parallel to the bommies, full of ball coral, where hundreds of soldier fish, squirrel fish, surgeons, crossbows, yellow lutjánidos, butterflies and a number of wolves are concentrated.

4. Kanses

Two pinnacles of considerable size, very close to each other, which rises up almost to the surface.  It is a place for both day and night diving, since it is 65 feet deep.  The vertical walls of these calcareous cylinders are literally upholstered with gorgonians and soft corals, orange, purple, red, white and purple, and among them sponges, hydroids, and all kinds of other invertebrates.

The fish have taken the top part of the bommies, and the concentration is incredible.  The corridor between the two pinnacles channels the current, sometimes somewhat strong, which encourages the proliferation of gorgonians, alcyonators and other soft corals.  It is near this point where there is a small arch, known as “Window of Dreams”, a must-see for photographers, given the large number of gorgonians and corals that decorate it.  From this place, for those who want it, it is possible to make an interesting journey to Save a Tack.

5. Koro

This location is very varied, since it has a few deep bottoms covered with hard corals, cylindrical pinnacles full of soft corals and a wall that is lost in the depths, where gorgonians and sponges abound.  In shallow areas, reef fish, such as lionfish, parrotfish, and crocodile fish, stand out.  Surgeons, maidens, crossbows, etc.

In the pinnacles the smaller fish are protected between the arms of the corals or the tentacles of the anemones.  On the wall, especially if there is strong current, barracudas, carangids and some gray sharks.

6. Namena

The coral reef of Namena Island, considered a marine reserve, is very far from the coast and bridle excellent opportunities for diving, with a good sample of pelagic (barracudas, sea eagles, blankets and carangids) and reef sharks.  Equally abundant is the small fauna of the reef, being able to see from one side to the other, antias, yellow maidens, slender lizards, groupers, trumpets, surgeons, crossbows, etc.

In areas of hard corals, special attention should be paid to ocelot nudibranchs, white nudibranchs and curious flatworms.  The reserve of Namena is not a point of immersion, but a large area, where we will find places like: Black Forest, Save A-Tack, Chimeny’s, Rob’s Fins, Kanses, Ned’s Head or Keenans.

7. Ned’s Head

The immersion takes place in a relatively wide underwater submarine that culminates at 79 feet depth, forming a small platform on which two bommies or pinnacles settle that almost reach the surface.  Despite being separated by more than 130 feet, the good visibility of the area will allow you to comfortably carry out this wide route, enjoying along the way the large number of very varied fish that are concentrated in this place.  Note the white reef sharks, turtles , stripes of blue dots, carangids and barracudas, schools of batfish, groups of surgeons, endless parades of riflemen and parrots of different varieties.

8. Nigali Pass

This step, in the form of a cut on the reef, is very conditioned by the tide schedule, if you dive at the peak of the descent or rise, the current is very strong.  The ideal is to dive close to this schedule, since the concentration of life will be greater.

You can see barracudas, rays, turtles and numerous carangidae (mainly of the horse eye type), although perhaps the most attractive are the gray sharks, which are concentrated at the end of the pass, at a fork, where the bottom loses depth and the current it accelerates.

9. Pacific Harbor – Shark Reef – Bistro

This dive spot, also known as Bistro, is located between the south coast of Pacifc Harbor and the nearby island of Beqa and is listed as a marine shark reserve.  Its bottom does not offer color, since it is a slope, hard corals in not very good condition, with a visibility that usually approaches 65 feet.

The dive is concentrated exclusively on the sharks, although the big groupers, the hundreds of red snappers and many other fish are a parallel spectacle.  It is possible to see gray reef sharks, white tips, silver tips, nurse and black tips, but the most appreciated are the bull shark, the lemon and the tiger.

A stunning dive of feeding without a cage is a very good opportunity to swim with these great animals.  This dive spot is not made during cruises, so it is a perfect complement to add a few days of hotel stay, alternating these dives with the Beqa reefs.

10. Wakaya Pass – Blue Ribbon

The immersion starts at a depth of 33 feet, but after crossing “the pass”, you access an impressive wall.  The most interesting is the deep, between 100 and 130feet, it is possible to see barracudas, sea eagles, oceanic rays and some white-tipped shark or hammerhead.

In the hollows of the wall, in shallower areas, ribbon moraines, small crustaceans and lionfish abound.  Among the large and numerous gorgonians are the trumpet fish, accompanied by spider crabs.  There are also numerous anemones with their clown fish.

Fiji is considered the world capital of soft corals, something that gives an incomparable color to its reefs, but it is also a destination for great encounters with some of the most legendary shark species.  Scuba diving for all tastes.

Best time for scuba diving Fiji

Reading what Fiji has to offer, the next question always remains, what is the best time to visit?  The answer is always the same: when you want, as often as you can.

Source: Scuba Diving in Fiji | Mana Island 2018

•From November to the end of March, it is the rainy, typhoon or cyclones – that is, winter.  But many divers visit the islands at this time of year.  The air and water are always quite hot and most days, the rain is short lived and does not have much impact.  Typhoons can occur but do not last long.  It is the low season and most hotels offer much better prices and are almost empty.  It is not a reflection of the lack of desire to visit Fiji, but rather a reflection of the Australian holidays since they are the main visitors.

•From May to October, it is summer and the peak of the tourist season.

The year can be divided into 2 seasons: the rainy season from November to April and the dry season from May to November.  The first is characterized by rains, warmer waters and a temperature of 87° Fahrenheit during the day; the second by warmer waters (around 78° Fahrenheit), a little wind and temperatures of 77° Fahrenheit during the day.  This second dry period is excellent for diving in Fiji.

Source: Ultimate Fiji Diving HD revised

Best dive spots in the Fiji Islands : E6, Namena Marine Reserve, The Great White Wall at Taveuni

Best months for diving in the Fiji Islands : the best time to dive in Fiji is from June to October, as it is the dry season and colder waters, bringing the most underwater life.  The best months to go diving in Fiji are November and December.

The best diving season in Fiji runs from April to November.  It is possible to dive all year, but you risk possibly big storms in the form of a cyclone, and visibility will be less, especially near the coast.  The temperature of the water is however fairly stable, it varies only from 79°F – 88°F.  The dive shops cater to all types of customers, including beginners.

You can participate in other activities as a couple or family.  In addition, their ease of access to the dive sites is paramount.  If you are diving in Yasawa , we recommend the sites around Botaira, Barefoot Island, Mantaray Island, Viwa Island, or Navutu Stars.

Source: 254 | DIVING YASAWA ISLANDS AND LOVIN IT!!! (Fiji Travel VLOG)

In the Mamanuca Islands , there is no shortage of choice. It should be noted that dives on Malolo Barrier Reef book nice surprises brought by strong currents and nutrients they bring, especially around Castaway, Matamanoa or Malolo and Likuliku.

On Viti Levu , one of the best-kept secrets is around Rakiraki in the north, where the sites are rarely frequented.  Do not forget, try diving around the island of Beqa, known for its beautiful reefs, but also for its shark dives in the channel between Viti Levu and Beqa.  Accommodations are available on Beqa Island, Royal Davui, and The Pearl.

DIVE SITES “STARS”

Kadavu and the famous Astrolabe Reef are full of fantastic and very protected sites.  They offer you a mix of hard corals, soft corals, dense fauna and good size.  The currents sometimes make these sports dives.

Source: Scuba diving in Fiji – Taveuni Island (HD)

To the north, Taveuni and Vanua Levu are the two islands that have become the main dive centers in the country.  The Strait of Somosomo, between the two islands, is famous for the variety of its fauna, the presence of pelagic, and its beautiful multicolored soft corals.  The dives which are often drifting reserve you nice surprises.

THE UNDERWATER SPECIES

Source: Discover the Mamanuca and the Yawawa Islands in Fiji

The fauna that inhabit the reefs of Fiji is varied.  There are more than 1,500 species listed, and reefs are teeming with colorful fish.  Instead, pelagic species are found in high water areas, such as in Somosomo Strait, around Beqa Island on Viti Levu, or Kadavu.  You will see barracudas, dog-tooth tunas, trevallies, turtles, wahoo, reef sharks.  Manta rays are regularly seen in the Yasawa Islands near Nanuya Balavu from May to October, and most of the year around Kadavu.

Unrivaled theme parks and an assortment of beautiful sun-kissed shores make up strong selling points for a getaway to the “Sunshine State”.  For scuba divers though, otherwise known as people who revel in the scintillating life beyond the surface, it is the surrounding aqua waters that are the state’s most prized possession.  If you are of this school of thought then you’re in luck as we’ll be rounding up the top 10 scuba dives in Florida:

1) Devil’s Den

Source: Scuba diving in Florida : Devil’s Den, Williston

Contrary to what’s its name insinuates, the Devil’s Den is actually a turquoise paradise that is as intriguing as it is gorgeous.  This serene haven is born out of a subterranean river running underneath a collapsed karst window which forms the roof.  This feature holds the exclusive title of Williston’s and Florida’s only prehistoric underground spring.

The water therein averages about 72°F and it’s known to exhibit rising vapor particularly during the cold weather which forms a plume atop the cave’s entrance hence why early settlers believed it to be Lucifer’s very own doorsteps.  Obviously, that’s not the case though, but it is a doorway to an assortment of fossils dating more than 2 million years old making it one of the most coveted scuba diving Florida hotspots.

2) Molasses Reef

Source: Molasses Reef Key Largo Scuba Diving

A diving course set on easy, Molasses Reef is the go-to for many seeking certification within the area.  It is located off tranquil Key Largo and is a collection of shallow reefs perfect for those looking to cut their scuba diving teeth.

The underwater life here is quite diverse encompassing fire and brain corals, sea sponges and fans, star and elkhorn among many other aquatic species.  You’ll also find lobsters, eels, nurse sharks and corals crabs which call these enchanting waters home.

A coral-eating parrotfish, spadefish, and vibrant angelfish are also common passersby with the elusive sea turtle a rare treat for the lucky.  The lovely marine display can be taken in from anywhere between 25 and 45 feet.

3) Marathon

Source: Scuba Diving Lobster Table Marathon Florida Keys 2019 GoPro

Marathon is a scenic destination taken straight out of a fairytale consisting of storybook sunsets clashing with defiantly green vegetation that shares occupancy with endearing sandy shores making a worthy member in a list of the top 10 scuba dives in Florida.

Its underwater appeal is also just as enthralling with Sombrero reef a nice starting point to find your underwater bearing in this maze of seemingly countless delicacies.  Speaking of which, be prepared for a massive grouper lingering within dark corners, snappers glistening within rays of sunlight, sea parrotfish having crunchy corals for dinner and schooling grunts just minding their own business.  Eels and nurse sharks hide within finger-esque formations of the reef with the general depth for the impressive show by Mother Nature standing at between 8 and 20 feet.

4) Islamorada

Source: Scuba Diving Islamorada Florida Keys

Islamorada is another great choice for novices providing reefs with depths ranging from 10 to 15 feet.   The more experienced diver can try his/her hand at conquering the “The Eagle”- remains of an ancient Dutch vessel- which is challengingly poised between stretches of water totaling 110 feet deep.

Besides the rustic treasure, you are also likely to come across grunts, silversides, and sharks who’ve wondered down below for some alone time although they’ll hardly mind the intrusion if you have snacks to spare.

Alligator Reef is Islamorada’s- and the Upper Key’s- largest reef system and consequently avails 500 species for your viewing.  For instagrammable shots and nice snorkeling spots, Pickles Reef proves the go-to for scuba diving Florida.

5) Blue Heron Bridge

Source: Scuba Diving at Blue Heron Bridge- West Palm Beach, FL (GoPro Hero 5)

You’d think a place located underneath a city bridge would have little to offer for the seasoned diver, however, the opposite, in fact, holds true.  It is a case of good things coming in small quantities with the quiet waters neighboring Riviera Beach providing a nice but limited collection of batfish, octopus, seahorses, and rays.

Divers can also look forward to more below-surface goodies in the way of hammerhead stark statues, a pair of mini wrecks and sunken shopping carts.  The Blue Hero Bridge may not look like much at first, but its 6 to 25 feet diving playground is a joy to behold.

6) Hog Haven

Source: Hog Heaven Wreck, Scuba Diving Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Hog Haven resides in 72 feet of water and is a 180-foot barge that was designed for the sole purpose of creating an artificial reef.  And that it did quite spectacularly with the wreck now turned to humbled dwellings for countless fish varieties including barracuda, grunts, porkfish, sergeant majors and angelfish.

The ship accidentally sank in an upside down position in 1986 with reinforcements coming three years on in the form of the leftovers of the Pacific Reef Lighthouse providing enlightenment as to why the area has been christened the Jungle Gym.

7) Half moon

Source: Half Moon Wreck MIami – Snorkeling

The Half Moon is another manmade triggered creation with the once popular racing yacht a prize of war after the German vessel got caught up in the first World War during an escapade to England.  Unfortunate for its occupants but fortunate for divers, the wreck now sits at the bottom of the ocean providing chapters of history from an ancient time.

Before it found its way to the bottom though, Germania- as was its sobriquet during its heydays- was passed across various owners and was even a floating restaurant at one point before sinking in 1930 near Key Biscayne around Miami.

8) Christ of the Abyss

Source: Diving Christ of the Abyss: Key Largo Florida

Serving up exactly what that tag suggests, this Coral Reef State park’s center of attraction is without a doubt the bronze 4000-pound Jesus Christ sculpture taking up 8.5 of the 25 feet of water in which it is located.  It holds its own in a category of the top ten dives in Florida as well as the planet’s most visited diving spots.

Aside from the nonchalant Son of God putting his hands agape possibly wondering what he’s doing there, John Pennekamp also has a lot else to offer.  These include groove coral formations and the odd encounter with stingrays and eagle rays probably wondering about on a tour of the odd structure.

9) Blue Grotto

Source: Blue Grotto in Florida! | JONATHAN BIRD’S BLUE WORLD

Williston’s Blue Grotto dishes out a cascade of diving experiences ranging up to a maximum depth of 100 feet at the extreme bottom of the journey.  The intensely blue and transparent pool remains that way all through the year- thanks in part to the luminous lighting system- providing a clear backdrop to savor the masses of aquatic life sticking around for free treats.  It for this reason and plenty of others as well that it makes the cut of the top 10 scuba dives in Florida.

The crescent-shaped cavern which sits 50 feet below the surface is the joint of choice for the fish and is also home to a lineup of fossils that cling vehemently to the cumber walls.  Tewnty feet above it lies Grotto’s sole air bell where you can share words of encouragement with friends beyond delving further below.

10) French Reef

Source: Dive French Reef | Key Largo Florida

Things with a French tag hardly ever disappoint and the French Reef which rounds out our top 10 scuba dives in Florida is certainly in keeping with this tradition.  It provides stunning limestone cliffs that you’ll be hard placed to match and a gorgeous seascape as carved out by the maestro painter that is Mother Nature.

Those just testing the waters quite literally will take a liking to the reef which is amassed with canyons, ledges, and tunnels for guidance. What it also has lots of is biodiversity comprising of damselfish, jacks, grunts, and parrotfish among many others.

There you have it, the top 10 scuba dives in Florida that would not look out of place in a compilation of the world’s best.

For those people who love the water or who are newbies who want to see the amazing underwater life up close and personal, there are many things to keep in mind before going “all in” to the water.  Indeed, one pertinent question to ask is this: What is the best time to scuba dive in Florida?

Source: Florida Keys Scuba Diving

While the Florida Keys are warm and enticing year round, it’s good to keep in mind that during the winter in Florida, a heavier, thicker wet suit may be good for November through February.  That said, visiting Florida is not an issue when considering the best months of the year to check out the majestic Florida Barrier Reef or somewhere scuba diving amongst a National Marine Sanctuary in the Keys.

The farther south you go in Florida, the better the chance is that waters will be warm for scuba diving Florida.  Hint: The waters that kiss the coast of Miami and the Keys are your best prospects during winter months, but it is best to stay aware of the Hurricane season, which goes from late June to November.

And scuba diving Florida is a very fun method to understand the vast, yet attractive underwater life that is a draw for “snowbirds” coming down from Canada to enjoy the warm, welcoming waters of the “Sunshine State.”

The great thing about scuba diving Florida, besides nearly year-round temps above 55° Fahrenheit is that the Florida peninsula includes the Atlantic Ocean.  Sea life is abundant and there’s the Barrier Reef for scuba diving Florida.  Due south of the Florida mainland is the attractive and very welcoming Florida Keys, with a plethora of diving opportunities.

For beginning scuba divers, there are plenty of locations in Florida to get your feet wet — so to speak — and get that training to gain confidence to drop anchor off that yacht or party boat to explore all the many locales underwater to see amazing reefs, fish, Manatees and more.  Florida is known as a land-based diving state, which means that if you want to dive in the springs, you can grab your gear and walk in with your flippers to start scuba diving Florida.

Source: Check Out The Best Dive Sites In The Florida Gulf Coast

Scuba divers can also drop off the side of the boat in some areas, but you can figure out which is the best option for you for scuba diving Florida.  The good news is that the Florida Keys is known for having the best locales for getting instruction through many courses.  The Keys has plenty of different dive courses and levels of scuba diving that are suitable for all age groups.

Florida has many artificial reefs.  The Neptune Memorial Reef is one of them.  This reef, that’s near Miami, is a unique project for many reasons.  For one, scuba divers can check out intriguing statues and other artworks that are a lot like underwater art museums, which may resemble a sunken city that would be located somewhere in the Mediterranean.  Secondly, new scuba divers or veteran divers would be able to have fun in a designated area that is 40 feet deep.

Those who are advanced divers can also check out some of the more exciting areas of the USS Oriskany aka “Great Carrier” Reef.  Yes, this upright carrier is not for the faint of heart to dive around. With an overall length of 900 feet, scuba divers might find this locale, which is 20-plus miles from Florida’s Gulf Stream to be worth an adventure.

If divers ever wanted to witness a stoic aircraft carrier that sits upright, the “Mighty O,” or the “O-boat” is worth it.  One might find the waters around this monster craft, that is masking itself as a reef might be worth spending a day (or two) in the water to dive near.  After diving this reef, you may be able to gloat about having some scuba diving bragging rights or gain a new perspective about scuba diving in these enticing waters.

Source: Diving the Florida Keys

For Manatee lovers and general wildlife fans, there is a National Wildlife Refuge that is excellent to scuba dive with sights of the Florida Manatees up close and personal.  The Florida Manatee is considered to be related to the West Indian Manatee.

Source: How To Scuba Dive Florida – Manatee Encounter

Hawaii is a real paradise on earth.  This exotic corner of the planet, located in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, attracts tourists from all over the world.  Some of them come here for scuba diving, which in Hawaii is just amazing because of the huge number of scenic atolls, beautiful volcanic landscape, frozen lava flows, basalt boulders, mysterious caves and famous volcanic pipes.  Traveling to these distant shores can be the most exciting adventure in life.

Top Diving Sites in Hawaii

Scuba diving around the islands of the Hawaiian Archipelago is always superb.  However, a number of sites are seasonal.  What can be a very quiet place in summer, becomes a surf spot for world competitions during the winter months.  Winds also have a significant impact on dive site conditions, as they are protected by the island on one side but not on the other.

1. Kailua Kona – Hawaii

Source: Hawaii’s Best Diving – Scuba Diving Kona | Premium 2 Tank Long Range

Sometimes referred to as only Kailua or Kona, is located on the island called Hawaii, also called the Big Island.  The temperature is mostly dry and sunny.  There are a dozen diving sites nearby, and each one would easily deserve a place on a list of the best scuba diving sites in Hawaii.  That said, it is the Blackwater site that offers the ultimate and unique experience!  This is a shallow dive, about 60 feet, but it should be done at night.  You will discover that the ocean is not black at all at night…. thanks to all the little bio-luminescent creatures that will reveal themselves to you quietly.

2. Golden Arches – Hawaii

Source: Kona diving: skull rock, suck em up, golden arches

This is another dive site on the Big Island, and this one allows you to observe arches made of volcanic lava.  These are several passages to be used and around which there are several schools of fish, and often even dolphins.  In addition to this site, you will find many others along the Kona coast.

3. The Cathedrals – Lanai

Source: Diving The Cathedrals – Lanai, Hawaii

There are two diving sites, Cathedral 1 and 2.  The depth of these sites varies between 15 and 65 feet.  Apart from the ridges and lava tubes that form the sites, you will find an impressive drop-off to explore.  The main attraction of the sites remains the lava tubes.  The roofs have collapsed, leaving an open passage on the top, through which light enters and thus makes play of light on the walls.  This is where the names of the sites come from, which resembles a cathedral ceiling, and the light that passes through a stained glass windows.

4. Molokini Wall – Maui

Source: Molokini Crater back wall dives, Maui

It is actually a crater, in a protected area, located about 40 minutes by boat from Maui.  Several sites are located around this crater, including the Molokini Wall, which is a world famous drop-off site and a drift dive site for certified divers only.  The wall descends to a depth of about 280 feet.  As for the marine current, it is generally mild, allowing a pleasant drift dive.  Sharks are common, especially grey reef sharks, as well as black and white tip sharks.  You can also meet Manta rays, turtles, dolphins and many schools of fish.

5. Black Rock

Source: Black Rock – Best Shore Dives Maui, Hawaii

This site is very close to Maui, and is very popular with tourists.  The colour and vertical surface are breathtaking.  The site is considered to be in the top 5 most beautiful shore dives in the United States, as well as one of the best snorkeling sites.

6. Kauai

Source: Kauai Southshore Scuba – Sheraton Caverns (HD)

The greenest island, which is also called the “Garden Island”.  The most interesting and popular dive sites are located here.  Be sure to visit Cannons, Tunnels and Ke’e Lagoon.  Of particular interest to divers is the Tunnels Reef dive site, consisting of intricate labyrinths of volcanic tunnels.  Dives are possible around the clock.

7. Maui

Source: SCUBA Adventure with Lahaina Divers- Maui, Hawaii

In order to appreciate the beauty of the local nature, it is recommended to go to the western part of the island of Maui, which was chosen by the huge sea turtles, the true long-livers of these hospitable shores.

Molokini Crater, which you get to by boat, will delight divers with the main attraction – black coral.   In the local waters you can also meet hammerhead sharks.  The depth of the Molokini crater reaches approximately 130 feet.

8. Oahu

Source: The best dive sites of Oahu, Hawaii

Scuba diving here will be memorable for many reasons.  Divers can dive directly from the shore; in the winter, the western and southern coasts are more suitable for this, and in the north – dive during the summer.  Of significant interest for divers who have visited this unique island are sunken ships, of which there are many.

Aeroplane is a sunken passenger plane that has found eternal peace in the western part of the island of Oahu. The aeroplane crashed in the 80s and has since rested next to a picturesque coral reef at a depth of 10 feet.

Also there is a Corsair plane wreck which is an American warplane that crashed in 1946 and rests at a depth of 90 feet.  At present, it has a colony of eels on board.

9. MV Mahi

Source: Scuba Diving the Mahi shipwreck and Mākaha Caverns, Oahu, Hawaii

MV Mahi is a man-made reef, formed from the remains of a 197 feet tanker.  Not far from the MV Mahi is a 164 feet dry cargo ship.  Divers can get inside the tanker and get acquainted with its fearful inhabitants.

10. Paliea – Oahu

Source: Scuba Diving in Oahu

In addition to sunken ships and airplanes, you should visit the Sea Cave, an underwater cave near Paliea, located in the eastern part of the island of Oahu at a depth of 66 feet.  No less interesting for divers is the underwater cliff Paliea Point, inhabited by amazing inhabitants and often visited by a giant whale shark.

When is it better to go

The climate in this latitude is marine, tropical.  A small amount of precipitation in Hawaii is possible between early May and October, when the islands are affected by tropical cyclones.  The rains at this time are not long, and sunny days still prevail.  The water temperature in the ocean does not fall below 72° Fahrenheit in winter and stays around 82° Fahrenheit in summer.  This means that diving in the Hawaiian Islands is possible at any time of the year.

Hawaii Diving Season

The main attractions that primarily attract divers are sheer walls, coral reefs, under sea lava flows.  The local fauna is also of great interest: stingrays, white-footed sharks , turtles, eagles, crabs, octopus, eels, as well as many species of coral fish that are found here in large numbers.

Hawaii Diving Conditions

The best diving season in Hawaii is in the summer, although diving can be done year.  In addition to scuba diving, tourists can enjoy many other water activities , as well as the magnificent local beaches and various entertainment facilities.  On the islands, you can easily rent the necessary equipment for scuba diving, there are over 50 diving operations, and in almost every hotel there is a diving operation.

Diving conditions

Although Hawaii is a tropical destination, the depth of the sea does not allow surface water to heat up as much as you might think. All the same, the average water temperature varies around 74°F-80°F during the year.

That said, deep water has its good side as it also provides excellent visibility.  The visibility is rarely under 30 feet, and at several sites, it exceeds 100 feet.