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.
House of Salt
Handcrafted Fiji Sea Salt & Island Goods Beauty Products
During Covid, Jone — co-founder of Viani Bay Resort — began experimenting with traditional sea salt harvesting. After two years of trial and refinement, the project evolved into Fiji’s first production of Fleur de Sel.
Today, House of Salt produces a range of artisanal sea salts alongside extra virgin coconut oil, coconut scrubs, bath salts, and botanical powders. All products are harvested and crafted on site in Viani Bay, creating additional employment opportunities for the local community.
Guests are welcome to visit the salt house, taste the different blends, and learn how sea salt is produced.
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.
Partners and Credentials
Conservation and community don't happen in isolation. These are the organisations we work with, learn from, and contribute to.
GREEN FINS
We are a Green Fins member and operate in line with their environmental standards. Download the Best Practice Guides to see what this means in practice. → Download Best Practices → greenfins.net
PADI ECO CENTER
We have been recognised as a PADI Eco Center — an designation awarded to dive centres that demonstrate a genuine commitment to marine environmental protection. → padi.com
PADI AWARE
We offer PADI AWARE courses for divers and non-divers alike. Sign up if you want to understand marine conservation and how to protect the ocean environment. → padi.org/aware
MANTA PROJECT FIJI
When we encounter mantas on the reef, we photograph their belly markings and submit them to the Manta Trust database. Every manta has a unique pattern — if yours isn't yet recorded, you get to name it. → mantaprojectfiji.com
REEF EXPLORER FIJI
Our go-to resource for coral research in Fiji. Reef Explorer supported the setup of our coral farm, trained our team in coral restoration, and assisted with species identification at Viani Bay. → Reef Explorer Fiji Facebook
TAVEUNI ANIMAL LOVERS
A registered non-profit bringing volunteer vets to the remote villages of Taveuni, providing free spay clinics and basic animal care. We sponsor their missions to Viani Bay twice a year. → taveunianimallovers.org
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.
