Waitabu Marine Park

Fiji's Oldest Marine Park

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Marine Life

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

clam

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.

 

hhwrasse-small.jpgReef 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

coralsHard 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 mollusksSpider Conch small

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.

Visiting The Park

You have two options to visit the park.

One is the F$75 Cultural Experience Tour (includes Refreshments,Entertainments & Bilibili Ride) or for those travelling on a light budget, the F$50 Snorkeling Tour. You can save F$5 per person for groups of 4 or more.
Visits should be arranged in advance, please call 679-820-1999 or 679-930-4588

Find out more about planning your visit.

News from Waitabu

Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic visits Waitabu

Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic visits Waitabu

Guests are welcomed to a Fijian village with a traditional kava ceremony and demonstrations of crafts, cooking, music, and dance. Video by Rodrigo Moterani aboard the National Geographic Orion in Waitabu, Taveuni, Fiji.

Waitabu Marine Survey 2020- Day 2

Briefing was conducted by the Helen Sykes, team were shown how to take measurements of sea animals (sea cucumbers and trochus) and how the (CPUE) Catch per unit effort works. Today’s survey will take place at Tabu area ( Marine Protected Area).

More News...

  • TripAdvisor
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

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News from Fiji MPA’s

  • Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic visits Waitabu
  • Waitabu Marine Survey Day 3
  • Waitabu Marine Survey 2020- Day 2
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