Spreading over 27 hectares, the Waitabu Marine Park supports a wide variety of wildlife. From the dense forest covering the island of Taveuni to the coral reefs of Waitabu, you will see a wide array of native species.
The Waitabu Marine Park has been protected as a part of the Bouma National Heritage Park and is locally managed by the communities of Lavena, Waitabu, Vidawa and Korovou.
Abundant Biodiversity
Located on Fiji’s Taveuni Island, Waitabu Marine Reserve is a vibrant reef set aside for the benefit of snorkel tourism and environmental education. The marine reserve is in close proximity to the Indo-Pacific center of coral reefs where the world’s greatest concentration of marine biodiversity is located. In 2006, according to the Waitabu Biological report, a dramatic increase of coral cover occurred, believed to be in response to an increase in herbivorous fish and resulting decline in algae. Come and see the many species of marine wildlife:
- 298 species of hard coral
- 1,198 species of reef fish
You may also see:
Giant clams
Species: Tridacna squamosa (other local clams: T. derasa)
After many years of overfishing and damaging fishing methods, the giant clam has developed a successful breeding ground in Waitabu.
Reef Fish
Humphead wrasse, Species: Cheilinus undulatus
Found in the Indo-Pacific region, this species reaches 3 feet (the females largest size) to 6 feet (the male). The humphead is easy to spot with its bright electric blue, green and purple coloration
Hard and Soft Coral
Hard coral species include small branching Montipora corals, Porites boulders and Acropora branching coral. Vibrant soft coral species include Sinularia.
Many beautiful hard and soft coral species reside in Waitabu such as this hard coral grown atop a beautiful artificial reef “fish house.”
Crustaceans and mollusks
If you are lucky and have an eye for detail, you may see one of these beautiful species including the Trochus or Spider Conch shell.
