Fiji Snorkeling-Is it 5 Star

We are very avid snorkelers. As a frame of reference we have been to Indonesia (Bunanken, Sulawisi, Wakatobo,etc.), Malayasia(Redang and Prehentian Islands), Thailand (Phi Phi Don, Similans) Great Barrier near Lizard Island) and 14-15 Caribbean Islands including Belize and Roatan). If you have been to Fiji in the past 2 years and any of of the places we have snorkelered at can you give us your assessment of the current vqua;lity of the variety of the healty and variety of hard and soft coral, variety of fish species (we have seen enough rays) and a wide and interesting variety of colorful sea anenomes in depths of 5-10 feet with visibibiltys of 40-50 feet. The resort we are interested in will take us out to reef out croppings so we do not have to rely on of-the-beach snorkeling. It is a long distance to go as many of our trips have been in Asia and we want to be somewhat assured the snorkeling will be comparable to what we have experienced in Asia over the past 4-5 years.
Thanks.

It depends where in Fiji. Near the mainland it's not very good. Out amongst the smaller islands there are some great spots that are as good or better than those on your list, right off the beach. Some of the most memorable snorkeling I've done was in Fiji.

tch7; It would be around the island of Vanuatu. I am sure they will not take us more than 1-2 mile from shore but they have indicated we would go to different spots each morning and afternoon. The boat we would have is a 27ft speedboat with a snorkel guide. They have suggested early to mid-May is normally the best time for snorkeling but you can never be guaranteed with the changing weather patterns.

Vanuatu is not Fiji.

Cheers,
Peter

Peter_n_Margaret; Not knowing region I meant Taveuni in Fiji for snorkeling. I know it is great for diving. But it has to be great for snorkeling currently to make the long trip next year.

It will be nothing like East Indo, period.
Still nice, but definitely not the same.

Laszlo; Thanks. I do not think I will take such a long trip from NY for just "nice". If it were pretty close to the quality and variety of hard and soft corals, variety of fish and sea anenomies in depths up to 10 feet then it is another destination worth trying but based on your travels I will pass. I think after our 11 day liveaboard through the Banda and Raja Ampat Islands Dec.9-22 we will be hard pressed for a next destination. If we were divers it would be a different story I realize.

If you rate Wakatobi and Bunaken at 10, I'd rate Fiji's outer islands at an 8.

OK so what was your conclusion having gone to Fiji? We're just like you and have been to all the best snorkeling places on the planet. Will be in Fiji in 2 weeks.
Would appreciate hearing about great house reefs you found.
Thanks!