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The house reef of the Naqalia Lodge, located on the southern coast of Wayasewa, is one of the best snorkeling spots of the island. Along the coral reef which slopes gently in front of the beach, we can finswim accompanied by sumptuous angelfish, clownfish fiercely defending their anemone, yellow-lipped sea krait winding their way among the corals and, sometimes, sea turtles. Access to this spot is reserved to the lodge guests.

Yellow-lipped sea krait in Wayasewa Island
The yellow-lipped sea krait is commonly seen at Naqalia Lodge Reef.

How to reach Naqalia Lodge snorkeling spot?

Naqalia Lodge is located south of Wayasewa Island, in the Yasawa Chain. It is one of the Yasawa islands closest to Nadi, where you can find Fidji’s main international airport.

From Nadi, go to Denarau Marina by taxi/shuttle or by bus in order to embark on Yasawa Flyer, the ferry that serves the archipelago (tickets are sold at the airport or at the pier). You must have a reservation on the island in order to buy the ticket.

There is a ferry trip to Wayasewa once a day and the trip lasts about 2 hours. The lodge will send a boat to pick you up directly on the Yasawa Flyer.

Naqalia Lodge snorkeling map
Naqalia Lodge snorkeling map.

Water entrance for snorkeling Naqalia Lodge

Get into the water from the sandy beach of the lodge.

Naqalia Lodge house reef snorkeling exploration

The recommended snorkeling area covers the coral reefs facing the beach of the lodge (↕3-10ft/1-3m). A hundred meters away from the beach, the reef opens onto sandy beds (↕10-12ft/3-4m).

Naqalia Lodge house reef is covered with an interesting variety of corals, especially branching corals, digitate corals, tabulate corals and beautiful porites coral blocks. Pretty deteriorated here and there in the shallowest areas, the corals are better preserved at depths of over 6ft/2m.

Fiji anemonefish in Wayasewa Island
The Fiji anemonefish is the most common clownfish species snorkelers can spot around Wayasewa Island (here photographed in a Sebae anemone).

This spot allows visitors to spot a very diverse marine life. The sea anemones found between the corals host several species of anemonefish, among which orangefin anemonefish and Fiji anemonefish.

There is no need to go too far to spot them: you can see clownfish on the reef flat, a few tens of meters away from the beach. Swim above the reef to come across filefish, triggerfish, butterflyfish and angelfish, which are among the many bright-colored tropical fish found here.

The Naqalia Lodge is also known for the presence of yellow-lipped sea krait, a species of sea snake that hunts on the reef. Don’t be surprised to see one winding among the corals, in search of its favorite meal, the small moray eels. This snake has a strong venom, but it is not aggressive, except if it feels genuinely attacked.

As always when snorkeling, do not step on the seabed and do not touch anything, all the more so since the reef hosts crowns of thorns, cones, and other stonefish.

Semicircle angelfish in Naqalia Lodge
The elegant Semicircle angelfish is one of the most beautiful reef fish found at Naqalia Lodge House Reef.

On the reef front, the luckiest may swim with one of the green sea turtles that regularly visit the area.

The coral reef borders this whole stretch of coast of the island, but do not stray from the areas facing the beach. The bay is generally well sheltered. Nevertheless, do not go into the water if there are waves.

Restaurants and accommodation at Naqalia Lodge

Naqalia Lodge offers full board packages.

 

  • Level required Beginner
  • Maximum depth3m
  • Water entranceEasy, from a sandy beach
  • Potential DangersSea snake, crown of thorns starfish.
  • LifeguardNo
  • Visitor numbersLow
  • Access costsStay at Naqalia Lodge cost
  • Restaurants nearbyYes
  • Public toilets & showersYes

MAP Spot

These snorkeling spots are accessible to beginners and kids. You will enter the water gradually from a beach, or in a less than 3ft. deep area. The sea is generally calm, shallow, with almost no waves or currents. These spots are usually located in marked and/or monitored swimming areas. It is not necessary to swim long distances to discover the sea life.

This level only apply when the spot experiences optimal sea and/or weather conditions. It is not applicable if the sea and/or weather conditions deteriorate, in particular in the presence of rough sea, rain, strong wind, unusual current, large tides, waves and/or swell. You can find more details about the definition of our snorkeling levels on our snorkeling safety page.