Dua Dua Beach Resort

Rakiraki sits on the north western side of Viti Levu, and it's from here that Dua Dua Beach Resort puts divers into the Bligh Waters — the soft coral capital of Fiji, right on its doorstep. The resort is 2.5 hrs from Nadi International airport and is the only PADI Dive Resort offering diving in the Bligh Waters.

Reefs that come alive with the current

When the current flows, blizzards of tiny, neon-coloured fish flit between the coral gardens, schooling barracuda hang near the drop-offs, and sharks patrol the passages. Mantas, dolphins and pilot whales are regular patrons, and divers here mid-year may catch a glimpse of humpback whales passing through on their annual migration. The Vatu-Ra-Passage is just a short boat ride from the resort, and there's a house reef for those who'd rather stay close.

PADI scuba diving is taught by 1 PADI Instructor, with an onsite training pool and classroom for the classroom-and-confined-water side of things. Air fills, scuba and kids equipment rental, food and drinks, and onsite accommodation are all on hand. English is the language spoken, making this a natural fit for divers who want their courses, their boat and their bed in the same waterfront spot.