Vatu-i-Ra Conservation Park

The Vatu-i-Ra passage runs between Viti Levu and Vanua Levu and funnels current through a set of pinnacles and walls that are among the best dive sites in Fiji: soft coral in dense colour, schooling fish and pelagics moving through. The area was declared a conservation park by the customary owners, the Nakorotubu district, with dive operators paying a levy that goes to the villages and to enforcement. It is a working example of community marine management.

What's there

• The soft coral - dense colour on the walls and pinnacles the passage is known for.
• The current - the flow through the passage that feeds the coral and brings the pelagics.
• The pinnacles - dive sites rising from deep water, including Mount Mutiny and Coral Corner.
• The community park - the customary-owner arrangement that protects it.

When to go

May to October is the drier season with the best visibility. Dives are planned around the tide because of the current. Cyclone season runs November to April.

Practical notes

These are current dives and several sites are not for beginners; operators will assess you. Access is by boat with an operator only. Sea conditions in the passage can be rough and cancel the day.

Nearby

Rakiraki and Volivoli are on the Viti Levu shore, and Namena is further northeast.