The Great Astrolabe Reef lies to the south of Kadavu, facing the expanse of the South Pacific Ocean.
Mad Fish Dive Centre @ Matava dives the entire reef system both inside and outside the reef depending on the best conditions of tides, wind, weather and waves.
Fiji has the world’s most beautiful coral reefs. That’s why we made the IMAX® film, Coral Reef Adventure, here.
- Howard & Michele Hall, underwater filmmakers and photographers
Dive Areas
We divide this enormous barrier reef into 6 Dive Areas (running North to South):
- Naiqoro Marine Reserve
- Nacomoto Passage
- Korolevu
- Big Point
- Soso Passage
- Manta Reef
Naiqoro Marine Reserve
Nacomoto Passage
This passage includes “Eagle Rock” and “Cabbage Patch”. And is known for it’s lively currents and pelagic (BIG FISH!) life.
“Cabbage Patch” is home to one of the biggest cabbage coral patches a diver is ever likely to see. Reef sharks, hump head wrasse and colourful schools of reef fish are commonly seen on this relaxing dive. The passage is a marine reserve.
Soso Passage
Home to “Golden Chimney” and “Coral Wonderland”. The Golden Chimney is a large coral structure completely covered in golden soft corals, which when blooming light up the entire area. Gorgonian fans, moray eels, reef sharks, garden eels are other highlights of this dive.
Coral Wonderland combines the best of wall, drift and relaxed coral watching. The dive starts deep with some very large fan corals on the edge of a very deep drop off. At the end of the wall, large schools of barracuda often hang out along with a grey reef shark or two. The last part of the dive is spent in shallower coral gardens which go on and on with reef fish schooling in large numbers.
Manta Reef
A very special dive and one of the few places in the world where manta rays can be seen regularly. You’ll be taken by the size and graze of these beautiful creatures as they circle inquisitively. Though almost within touching distance all you’ll do is stand back in awe. Even without these magnificent creatures, the reef itself is outstanding in its quality and diversity of fish life. If you see mantas as well, this dive will always rank amongst the best you will ever do.
