Conservation & Community
"In the end we will conserve only what we love, we will love only what we understand, and we will understand only what we are taught."
Baba Dioum (1968 at IUCN)
At Viani Bay, conservation is not a programme — it is how we operate. The Rainbow Reef at our doorstep is one of the world's great dive destinations, and the community of Viani Bay depends on it for food, income, and identity. What we do here is practical, local, and long-term. Guests are welcome to observe, join in, or contribute. Everything on this page is something we actually do.
The Reef
Coral and Giant Clam Nursery
In 2019 we established a coral and giant clam nursery at Tivi Island in Viani Bay. The Qoliqoli (traditional reef owners) declared a 1,400 m stretch of reef a tabu (locally protected area) for 30 years. Guests can join a guided tour of the nursery, help plant corals, and learn about the biology of the reef at first hand. → Coral Farm Tour
4,000+
corals planted
35 + 12
giant + baby clams protected
30y
tabu
2019
established
Crown of Thorns
When Crown-of-Thorns starfish (COTS) outbreaks threaten the reef, we organise targeted missions with our dive team and volunteers. Our preferred method is to inject COTS with vinegar, some are removed to use them as fertiliser. Reactive, evidence-based work done in coordination with local reef knowledge.
Beach Cleanups
Corals need clean water to strive. Regular clean-ups around Viani Bay and on the beaches of Taveuni help to keep our oceans free from trash. Local communities, resort guests and visiting yachties are welcome to join.
Community
Scuba Scholarships
Few Fijians can afford the path to becoming a PADI professional. We cover the majority of training costs — from complete beginner through to PADI Assistant Instructor — and support graduates in finding work in the dive community.
Every dive booking at Viani Bay contributes a small portion to this fund.
Every member of our current dive team has either completed the scholarship programme with us or is actively training through it.
Local scholars: We do not offer year-round
open enrolment. Follow our Facebook page for announcements — applications open there first.
Reef-safe Sunscreen
The term "reef-safe" on sunscreen labels is not regulated — it can mean anything or nothing. What matters is what is actually in the bottle.
AVOID THESE INGREDIENTS
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Oxybenzone
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Octinoxate
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Octocrylene
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Parabens
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Microplastics / exfoliating beads
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Nano-sized zinc oxide
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Nano-sized itanium dioxide
LOOK INSTEAD FOR
A biodegradable mineral sunscreen with non-nano zinc oxide or non-nano titanium dioxide. These block UV rays physically rather than chemically, and break down safely in the marine environment.
PRO TIP
Apply 20 minutes before entering the water. Applied at the water's edge, sunscreen hasn't bonded to your skin — it washes off immediately, doesn't protect you, and leaves a film on the surface. Alternatively, a rash guard with UV protection avoids the issue entirely.
How you can support.
Staying, dining and diving with us already helps.
If you want to go further, here are a few options.
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Join a coral farm tour with hands-on planting (60 FJD)
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Use reef-safe sunscreen — or pick up Seasick on site (39 FJD)
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Wear a rash guard — no sunscreen needed in the water
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Every course booking already contributes to the scholarship fund
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Make a donation to the school or the sports teams: gift ideas here
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Sponsor a local scholar directly — contact us to discuss
Want to contribute in a more specific way? Get in touch — we'll find something that works.
