There are two reasons we chose to go snorkelling at Sigasiga Sands in Fiji. First, we were looking for a quiet self-contained place to stay that didn’t have a mandatory meal plan. Second, we wanted somewhere we could explore a diversity of snorkelling spots for a few days. Sigasiga Sands delivered far more than we expected! If you’re looking for a comfortable resort-style place where you can be as independent as you like, this is a great place. The bures are comfortable and well-appointed, with great service, when you need it. Plus, it has a feature that is probably unique … a mini barrier reef. That provides an excellent snorkelling opportunity.
We were a bit unlucky at the start of our trip, as Fiji was experiencing some unseasonal weather. Normally it’s warm and dry mid-year but we had strong southeast winds and quite a lot of heavy rain. In some ways it was good, as we got to swim in less-than-ideal conditions. Plus, we always make the most of conditions and for the most part, there was always something to do. When the weather cleared though the snorkelling was even better. We even came back a second time to stay towards the end of our trip.
It has its own mini barrier-reef for snorkelling!
Sigasiga sands is quite unique in having two large lagoons in the reef in front, which are the highlights among 100ha (230 acres) of reef flat directly in front of the resort. One of these is massive and has a barrier reef on the ocean side. As we discovered, this is protected at low tide, even in quite poor conditions.
(A) Eastern lagoon
When the tide is low there is some great rock-pooling across the flats. Don’t underestimate this. There are lots of Peppered Morays and quite a few Green Mantis Shrimps, among many other things. When the tide comes in the currents can be a little strong but you’ll need a bit of water to swim south as there are a lot of small bommies. But it’s quite fishy and beautiful. When the southwesterlies are blowing strong, this is the most sheltered area to swim.
(B) – (C) barrier reef
This is an advanced snorkel and you need to take great care. This area would be more suited to experienced snorkelers as the drop-off is vertiginous and the shallowest duck dives are 4-6m. This lagoon is at least 30m deep in the middle (maybe deeper) and has a mixture of gently sloping edges, coral bommies and sand flats.
I cover this in my Fiji snorkelling book in more detail. We wouldn’t recommend swimming there in a strong offshore wind like we did. It was a 22 knot southeasterly when we entered at (B) and a wind-driven surface current was running west. On entering, we immediately found a Giant Moray. Then we swam out to the shelf on the ocean side (C) and found a Hawksbill Turtle and White-tipped Reef Shark sheltering under a rock bommie.
If the tide is dropping it can be rather hard to get out of the water at the western end. Later we decided it was safest to swim a loop going back towards (B). We found a turtle nursery (more details in the book) which is slightly to the west. The ocean rolls in there too and there’s chance of seeing Napoleon Wrasse, Grey Reef Shark etc. wind-driven currents will push westwards but are only strong in the channel where you enter. Note, you do need reef shoes for crossing to (B).
(E) – (D) shallow lagoon
This lagoon is quite deep at some points but has shallow edges. On first glance it looks dirty and lifeless but it is absolutely packed with animals. It’s a haven for octopus (check for the tell-tale signs of crab and shell pieces near holes). There are clownfish, snake-eels, juvenile batfish and sweetlips, pipefish, sea hares, burrowing mantis shrimps, nudibranchs etc. It is also a fantastic night snorkel spot. We found we could do this at any tide but best after the low as visibility improves a little. It’s also affected by currents and wind as it is exposed in the predominant southwesterlies.
More about Sigasiga Sands in Fiiji
We stayed at the Seahorse Bure, a large studio-style building with an ocean view. A great deal of thoughtfulness has gone into designing these to be affordable, low-impact, stylish and functional.
The hot water system is excellent, as are the kitchen facilities – though you can also order delicious and simple meals any time. It was lovely coming back from a late afternoon swim to have a meal delivered to our door. If you want to get into town it only costs a few dollars and there are some nice restaurants and some great supermarkets. The market is also wonderful for getting groceries.
The bathroom has two basins and a spacious shower, with great heat and water pressure. There are mosquito nets and shutters on every window, a big decking area for outside eating, plus an outside tap and shower for rinsing off after a swim. We found plenty of space to dry wetsuits.
On leaving the property, you can lock the French windows and back door, leaving valuables inside a safe (the type you get in any hotel, it’s bolted to the floor). The bed is a super kingsize, and very comfortable. For outings, the local taxi driver is extremely reliable and organised. We used him for trips to Natewa Bay and into town.
Getting there
Sigasiga Sands in Fiji is about 15 minutes from the tiny town of Savu Savu and 10 minutes from the airport. Fiji Airways fly several times a day from Nadi. The planes are 12-seat twin otters, so it’s worth bringing earplugs. On arrival, Sigasiga Sands Resort’s taxi driver will meet you at the airport.
