Fiji is often referred to as the coral capital of the world, and the Bligh Water region embodies that to its core. Home to over 100 species of fish and 300 species of hard and soft corals, the waters are teeming with color and life. Soft corals, like sea fingers and sea whips, are soft and bendable and often resemble plants or trees. These corals do not have a stony skeleton and are non-reef building corals. Instead, they grow wood-like cores and fleshy rinds for protection. Like hard corals, they often live in colonies. Strong currents bring in nutrient rich waters to sustain these vast and vibrant reefs. More than 90 dive sites have been established offering a variety of diving conditions from calm, shallow reefs to large pinnacles, walls, swim-throughs, and vast drop offs.
Depends what you’re looking for! Dry season is May-October, which generally offers better visibility, calmer conditions, and cooler water temperatures. Wet season is November-April, which typically offers more plankton, higher chance of pelagic sightings, and warmer water. It is also considered the low season with fewer crowds and less divers in the water. Visibility may be reduced at times due to runoff and plankton, but it often exceeds 20-25 meters even during the rainy season.
Fiji is considered a warm, tropical maritime climate. Daily highs in the wet season (November-April) range from 25-30C with humidity as high as 80-90%. There are often short, daily rainstorms with an average monthly rainfall of 20-30cm. The dry season (May-October) is a bit cooler with average temperatures ranging from 22-28C with nighttime temperatures occasionally dipping as low as 18-20C. This time of year offers more consistent sunshine with lower humidity.
The waters remain warm year round with minimal fluctuation. The peak is typically around 28C-30C in February. During the cooler months of August and September, the temperature can dip as low as 24-26C.
The highlight of diving in this region is the magnificent variety of hard and soft corals that are absolutely teeming with marine life. Reef dives feature a huge range of tropical fish and macro creatures including pipefish, nudibranchs, octopus, anemones, and so much more. The Bligh waters are also home to reef sharks, schools of barracuda, hunting trevallies, 5 species of sea turtle, endless schools of reef fish, and the occasional passing pelagic species such as manta rays. Humpback whales also migrate through the Vatu-i-Ra channel with most sightings occurring during July and August.
We plan our dive days based on conditions with the option of short range or long range. Ideally, we allocate the long range dives for days with 3 tanks and the best conditions. We typically start our day around 8am and pack lunch for 3 tank days. The boat is always stocked with fresh drinking water, snacks, emergency equipment, and spare gear.
Yes, we offer a full range of PADI courses with our skilled and experienced dive instructors. Pricing and information can be found here. Please contact us for more information and specific requests.
Yes, we offer a variety of water based activities including snorkeling, fishing, paddle boarding and island day trips. More information and prices for boat days can be found here. Our land based activities include hiking, Nabalasere Waterfall, Narara Heart Waterslide, Head Snake Cave, and the nearby tomb of Udre Udre. A full list with descriptions and prices can be found here.
Cash is preferred for all diving and activities. There is an ATM and bank located in the nearby village. Accommodations can be booked and paid for on the Airbnb website.