The Pacific is home to many amazing dive sites. Photo / 123RF
Patricia Greig surfaces with a list of Pacific's top underwater spots.
The South Pacific's tropical waters are home to coral reefs, atolls and a bounty of beautiful fish, so there are endless options for divers, from popular, easy trips to adventures off the beaten shore. Here are our top five sites to see the best sights the Pacific has to offer
under water.
SOLOMON ISLANDS
Gizo is the third-largest Solomon Islands town and the perfect base for divers seeking World War II wrecks on the surrounding reef. A must-see is the intact Japanese transport ship Toa Maru, through which guided tours are available. The vessel still has bombs, a motorbike and a tank on board, as well as a fantastic coral garden on top, perfect for a post-explore break. Gizo's waters also contain three aircraft, spots for wall diving and drift dives for the experienced.
FIJI
No Fiji dive trip is complete without a visit to the Somosomo Strait, the "soft coral capital of the world". The waters around Taveuni and the Koro Sea support large marine ecosystems making it the perfect location to see a plethora of underwater life. Of course, with pristine reefs and an abundance of fish, Vitu Levu is an obvious choice. Feeling brave? Jump into Pacific Harbour and dive with the sharks during feeding time.
RAROTONGA
Around 40 dive sites are sprinkled in the waters around Rarotonga and vary in difficulty, making the island a perfect place to visit for divers of any skill level. Home to local celebrity fish Monty and Tommy, Paradise is an excellent location to start with, crowded with curious fish and coral and plenty of swim-throughs to play around. Similar to Paradise is Mushroom Forest, an area rich with mushroom shaped bommies and one of the best spots to see an eagle ray in season.
