Safety · Destination Guide
Fiji's soft-coral capital with a remote no-take reef at its doorstep
Updated Apr 26, 2026 • 26 sources
Savusavu and Namena reward conservative planning. The reserve is remote, protected, current-affected, and weather-dependent, while local medical support is limited compared with major international dive destinations. Treat the Namena tag and no-take rules as mandatory, not optional etiquette.
Use experienced local operators, check weather before offshore runs, and dive within training limits. Namena can involve current, deep walls, blue-water ascents, boat pickups, and remote evacuation logistics. Carry an SMB, audible signaling device, computer, and adequate exposure protection. Freedivers should never dive alone, should use a trained buddy and proper line setup, and should not combine hard scuba and freedive profiles without professional guidance. Snorkelers should use flotation when needed and stay close to guides on current-affected reefs.
Savusavu Hospital and local clinics can assist with urgent care and stabilization, while serious injuries may require transfer to Labasa, Suva, or another referral pathway. The published English-speaking medical facility list identifies CWM Hospital in Suva as having a hyperbaric medical facility. Carry DAN or comparable dive insurance with evacuation coverage, keep emergency contacts in your phone and on paper, and tell your operator about medications, asthma, cardiac history, and recent illness before diving.
Offshore weather can cancel Namena
Savusavu Bay can look manageable while the Namena run is too rough. Expect site swaps and avoid scheduling Namena on your only available dive day.
Strong current and blue-water ascents
Grand Central Station, seamounts, and walls can require advanced buoyancy, guide discipline, SMB deployment, and conservative gas planning.
No gloves and no reef contact in Namena
The reserve rules prohibit gloves, touching coral, collecting, feeding fish, fishing, anchoring, and disturbing protected wildlife. Photographers need excellent trim.
Remote medical logistics
Savusavu can stabilize many problems, but serious dive injuries may need medevac and referral to Suva's hyperbaric capability. Carry dive insurance with evacuation cover.
Namena Marine Reserve is a no-take area. Fishing, spearfishing, collecting shells or dead coral, feeding fish, touching coral, wearing gloves, anchoring, and dumping rubbish or chemicals are prohibited. Boats should use permitted moorings and follow wildlife approach rules. Turtles, nests, eggs, seabirds, dolphins, and whales must not be disturbed. Photographers should maintain neutral buoyancy before approaching macro life or soft coral pinnacles.
Do Not Do This
Avoid entering when offshore weather can cancel namena. Confirm local briefings before committing.
| Contact | Role | Phone | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fiji Emergency | General emergency dispatcher | 911 | 24/7 |
| Police Emergency | Police emergency line | 917 | 24/7 |
| Fire Emergency | Fire and rescue emergency line | 910 | 24/7 |
| Savusavu Hospital | Nearest public hospital and urgent stabilization point | +679 8850 444 | 24/7 emergency support, confirm current services |
| Savusavu Police Station | Local police assistance | +679 8850 222 | Local station hours and emergency support |
| Labasa Hospital | Northern Division referral hospital | +679 8812 522 | 24/7 emergency support, confirm current services |
| Colonial War Memorial Hospital | Suva referral hospital with hyperbaric medical facility listed by GOV.UK | +679 331 3444 | Referral and emergency pathway, coordinate through operator or emergency medical services |
| Tourism Police | Visitor assistance | +679 450 2639 / +679 830 7557 | Tourism support line |