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Fiji Scuba Diving Regions > Taveuni

Fiji Scuba Diving Regions 11. Taveuni

Known as the "Garden Isle" of Fiji, Taveuni is the result of a gigantic volcanic eruption which has left the soil immensely fertile. The peak of the volcano, Mt. Uluqalau, is a majestic 1300 metres (more than 400 feet) above the sea and the ridges and spurs march down the sea covered in a magnificent rain forest which gives way on the lower slopes and the coastal fringe to coconut plantation except for a stretch on the south eastern side where cliff faces plunge into the ocean. The island is host to most of Fiji's native bird species and to the unique Tagimaucia flower. Taveuni is Fiji's third largest island, separated by a narrow strait from Vanua Levu, but enclosing within its reef the islands of Kioa and Rabi and within easy reach are the Ringold Isles, the Heemkerq Reef complex and the atolls of Qelelevu, Walagilala and Duff Reef. The northern Lau Islands include Kaimbu which is Fiji's most exclusive resort, featuring only three bures, each with access onto its own white sand beach

Diving

Deserving of every accolade. This is definitely connoisseur country offering experience which have earned revues from the most jaded divers. Taveuni features rainbow reef and the Great White Wall in the heart of Somosomo Strait, only minutes by the boat from the mainland. A few miles further north, Matagi and Qamea Islands have a different but equally impressive portfolio of dive sites while many more wait to be discovered. There are so many islands and reefs that even pioneers like Rick Cammick who "discovered" the Great White and Rainbow Reefs, or the Douglas family of Matagi Island who have dived the area for 40 years, have not seen more than .001 per cent of what the area offers. A live aboard dive vessel at Matagi will allow a much wider exploration. Kaimbu Island is located in splendid isolation from nearby land masses enjoying superb water clarity and a variety of diving which includes walls plugging to unbelievable depths, vibrant soft corals, gogonia, hard coral and profuse marine life