Waitabu Marine Park

Fiji's Oldest Marine Park

  • Facebook
  • RSS
  • Twitter
  • Home
    • Photo Credits
  • About the Park
    • Plan Your Visit
    • Map & Location
    • Admission & Rules
    • Review Us on TripAdvisor
  • Park Management
  • Partner Links
  • Marine Life
    • Featured Creature
  • Community Culture
    • Fijian Customs
    • Fijian History
  • Waitabu News
    • Fiji MPA News
You are here: Home / About the Park

About the Park

In 1998 the Waitabu Village of Taveuni declared its fishing grounds or “qoliqoli” to be “tabu” — a no-take fishing zone. NZAID initially supported the designation with funds for biological surveys and administration.

The Wainileli and the Bouma qoliqoli, were continually and heavily overfished, resulting in small fish stocks and damaged coral. Through the continuous drive of community members and non-governmental agencies, the region is now celebrating a healthy and abundant reef for the past 20 years!

Marine Park effectiveness

Fishing grounds surrounding the Waitabu Marine Park have been observed to be highly overgrown with seaweeds which cover coral boulders and restrict growth of new coral. This provides poor habitat for other marine life. (Ecological Report and Photos prepared by Helen Sykes of Resort Support and Chinnamma Reddy).

Sala Apao, project manager and community advocate until her death in 1998.
Sala Apao, project manager and community advocate until her death in 2005

The marine park or “tabu” area, through various surveys and visits, has been shown to have a variety of healthy coral and fish species. As a no-fishing zone for 10 years, the region sustains many surgeonfish (balagi) and parrotfish (ulavi) which maintain low levels of seaweed and algae. This natural maintenance allows for much new coral to expand.

Waitabu MPA map
Waitabu MPA map

The Waitabu community is proud to demonstrate the high success of the marine park. Fish species within the park are larger and more apt to breed and thus improve fishing stocks in all fishing grounds surrounding the park. This abundance is also a great attraction to visitors as fish are much friendlier to people within the safety of the park.

Visiting The Park

You have two options to visit the park.

One is the F$100 Cultural Experience Tour (includes Refreshments, Entertainments & Bilibili Ride) or for those travelling on a light budget, the F$70 Snorkeling Tour.
Visits should be arranged in advance, please call Park Manager on 679-9490792 or 679-7367267 or Park Reception 679-2818815 or 679-8725541

Find out more about planning your visit.

News from Waitabu

initiative to tackle plastic waste in Waitabu

Initiative to tackle plastic waste in Waitabu

We’re excited to share our initiative to tackle plastic waste in Waitabu! With the help of our research intern, the incredible women of the Waitabu Women’s Club have begun transforming plastic waste into art and ecobricks—strong building materials made from densely packed rubbish. 

Waitabu Marine Park open for tourists in 2023!

Waitabu Marine Park is again 100% open for tourists in 2023!

More News...

  • TripAdvisor
Costa Polarized Sunglasses
Waitabu Marine Park, Fiji logo

Welcome to Waitabu Marine Park

Arrive in the tree-adorned island of Taveuni to discover a tropical paradise you’ve only dreamed about. Slip on your fins and mask and slide into the warm waters of Fiji. Let all the stress of everyday life fall away as you make your way along the magical reef of Waitabu.

The communities of Waitubu and Bouma came to protect their native fishing grounds in 1998. Their foresight and diligence has allowed visitors, like yourself, the opportunity to share in the beauty of the Waitabu Marine Park. These crystal-clear waters are home to the most amazing marine species you may ever see. Don’t be too surprised when you pass a sea turtle or find yourself following a gentle ray. You know you’re in paradise when you’ve landed in the Waitabu Marine Park.

Wake up and see the beautiful sunrise over the marine park as the start of every new day begins in Waitabu

Elia

About Us

In 1998 the Waitabu Village of Taveuni declared its fishing grounds or "qoliqoli" to be "tabu" -- a no-take fishing zone. NZAID initially supported the designation with funds for biological surveys and administration. The Wainileli and the Bouma qoliqoli, were continually and heavily overfished, resulting in small fish stocks and damaged coral. Through the continuous drive of community members and non-governmental agencies, the region is now celebrating a healthy and abundant reef for the past 20 … Read More >>

Waitabu Marine Park

Waitabu Marine Park

Sign up for our Newsletter

Privacy & Cookies: This site uses cookies. By continuing to use this website, you agree to their use.
To find out more, including how to control cookies, see here: Cookie Policy

Follow us on Twitter

My Tweets

News from Fiji MPA’s

  • Initiative to tackle plastic waste in Waitabu
  • Waitabu Marine Park open for tourists in 2023!
  • Waitabu Marine Park Ruggers U21 Team @e 15th Fiji Bitter Wairiki 7s Tournament 2022
  • TripAdvisor

Like us on Facebook

Like us on Facebook

© 2025 · Waitabu Marine Park · Disclaimer · Privacy Policy · Privacy Tools

 

Loading Comments...