Waidroka Bay Resort, Beqa Lagoon

Waidroka Bay Resort is a boutique dive-focused property on Fiji’s Coral Coast, offering direct access to the renowned reefs of Beqa Lagoon. While the resort also supports surfing and adventure travel, its strongest appeal lies in consistent boat access to shark dives, coral walls and diverse reef systems within short travel times from shore.

Established in the mid-1990s as a dedicated dive resort, Waidroka has evolved into a compact but well-organised base for exploring the southern reefs of Viti Levu. Its mainland location removes the need for additional domestic flights or boat transfers, making it a practical option for divers wanting efficient logistics combined with strong local reef knowledge.

Resort Facilities & Meals

The resort centres around an open-air main house with restaurant, bar and swimming pool overlooking a private bay. Meals are served daily, beginning with a continental breakfast and followed by à la carte lunch and a shared evening dinner service. Menus highlight seasonal produce and Fijian flavours, with vegetarian and other dietary needs accommodated on request. The atmosphere is informal and social, particularly in the evenings when divers return from the day’s sites.

Activities

Although diving is the primary drawcard, guests can also snorkel, kayak, paddleboard or join rainforest walks and cultural visits. Yoga sessions and massage services are available, providing a slower counterbalance to multi-dive days.

Staying Connected

Wi-Fi is available in the main areas of the resort. Speeds are suitable for basic communication, though the setting encourages guests to focus on outdoor activities rather than online work.

We Think . . .

Waidroka Bay Resort is best suited to divers who want reliable access to Beqa Lagoon’s shark and reef sites without relocating between islands. Its established dive centre, fleet operations and proximity to major sites make it a strong choice for both experienced divers and those seeking structured PADI training.

Waidroka Bay Resort is located on Fiji’s Coral Coast between Sigatoka and Pacific Harbour. This stretch of coastline faces offshore barrier reefs and deep channels that form part of the broader Beqa Lagoon system. The lagoon’s reef structure supports a mix of soft coral gardens, pinnacles, walls and sandy-bottom cleaning stations that attract larger pelagic species.

Diving conditions are generally favourable throughout the year, with warm water temperatures and good visibility during settled weather. The short boat distances — typically 10 to 45 minutes — allow flexible site selection depending on tides and currents.

How to Get There

The resort is approximately 2.5 hours by road from Nadi International Airport and about 1.5 hours from Suva. Transfers can be arranged, or guests may travel by taxi or public bus along the Queens Highway, followed by a short rainforest access road to the property.

Each Bure in Waidroka Bay Resort is decorated with a theme in mind such as the Sunset Bure, Coconut Bure, Palm Room and the Orchid Bure. They have three different room-types for different budgets. All bures are air-conditioned and have mini-fridges.

Superior Ocean Front Bures

These larger bures include a separate bedroom and living area, expanded deck space and additional storage. They are suited to guests wanting more space between dive days while maintaining proximity to the main facilities.

Deluxe Ocean Front Bures

Closer to the shoreline, the ocean front bures feature private terraces with garden surroundings and ocean outlooks. Interiors are flexible for couples, friends or small families and include air-conditioning, ceiling fans, private bathroom and mini-fridge.

Panoramic Ocean View Rooms

Situated on elevated ground above the main complex, these rooms offer wide views over the lagoon and surrounding rainforest. Bedding can be configured as queen or twin, and rooms include private bathrooms, air-conditioning, ceiling fans, mini-fridge and tea-and-coffee facilities. A shared veranda captures sea breezes and sunset light.

Diving Location Features

Beqa Lagoon is known for its soft coral density, schooling reef fish and regular shark encounters. The reef system forms part of one of the South Pacific’s most biologically diverse marine environments, supporting hundreds of coral species and a wide range of pelagic and reef predators. Conditions vary with tides, allowing for both relaxed reef explorations and more dynamic drift dives.

Dive Services

Waidroka Bay Resort operates a full-service PADI dive centre offering guided boat dives and a complete range of recreational and professional training courses. Equipment rental is available on site, and dive schedules are adjusted according to tide, current and weather conditions. The operation caters to individual divers, small groups and organised dive trips, with access to more than 20 sites typically within 10–45 minutes of the resort.

A key strength of the operation is its dedicated fleet of five purpose-equipped vessels. All boats are continuously maintained to high safety standards and operated by experienced local captains with extensive knowledge of Beqa Lagoon and surrounding reef systems. Standard safety equipment includes life jackets, first aid kits, emergency oxygen and onboard communications linking directly to the resort base. Drinking water, snacks and optional lunch packs are carried during trips.

The fleet includes:

• Yammy – A 23-foot fibreglass Yamaha with a 40HP outboard. Designed for local reef access, its shallow draft and V-shaped hull make it suitable for nearshore and outer reef excursions.
• Wave Hunter – A 29-foot fibreglass vessel powered by a 90HP four-stroke engine, equipped with roof cover for shade during transfers.
• Wave Rider – A 30-foot aluminium mono-hull with twin 115HP engines, offering stability and efficiency for mid-range dive runs.
• Fiji Explorer – A 32-foot aluminium catamaran with twin 250HP engines, configured for dive groups with a back-entry ladder and covered roof structure.
• Dau Wai – A 35-foot aluminium catamaran with twin 300HP engines, the largest in the fleet, designed for comfortable group diving with easy water access and overhead shade.

The combination of vessel range, site proximity and local reef knowledge allows the dive team to select sites based on prevailing conditions while maintaining efficient surface intervals and travel times.

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Diving from Waidroka Bay Resort provides access to a diverse range of sites across Beqa Lagoon and the nearby outer reef systems. Within short boat rides, divers can experience everything from controlled shark encounters and dramatic wall dives to coral pinnacles, swim-throughs and wreck exploration. Site selection is typically guided by tide, current and experience level, ensuring a varied schedule across multiple dive days.

• Shark Dive – Beqa Lagoon – A controlled shark encounter conducted on a protected reef system. Divers observe multiple shark species in their natural environment, often including bull sharks and reef sharks, along with dense schools of trevally and snapper circling the action.
• Frigates Walls – An outer reef wall system featuring steep drop-offs, strong currents at times, and vibrant soft coral growth. Best suited for experienced divers comfortable with changing conditions and blue-water exposure.
• Cesar’s Rock – A coral-covered pinnacle rising from sandy bottom, known for macro life, reef fish activity and occasional pelagic pass-throughs. Suitable for a relaxed multi-level dive.
• Aquarium – A shallow reef site with ridges and coral bommies, ideal for wide-angle photography and longer bottom times. Common sightings include reef fish, nudibranchs and schooling fusiliers.
• Fantasea – A gently sloping reef with colourful coral structures and varied terrain. Frequently chosen for mixed-experience groups due to moderate depth and manageable currents.
• Golden Arch – Named for its distinctive coral formation, this site combines swim-throughs and reef ledges. Often features anthias clouds and hunting trevally along the edges.
• Ponti’s Playground – A maze-like reef structure with coral towers and crevices. Good for exploring small overhangs and observing reef fish behaviour in protected sections.
• Seven Sisters – A cluster of pinnacles rising from deeper water. Currents can attract larger pelagics, while the coral heads host schooling fish and cleaning stations.
• Tasu II Wreck – A small wreck resting within recreational depths. Now colonised by coral growth and reef species, it offers both structure exploration and surrounding reef life.

Pricing for Waidroka Bay Resort