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Diving on Rainbow Reef - what to know & where to stay

Writer's picture: Alison SmithAlison Smith

Taveuni, affectionately known as the "Garden Island" of Fiji, captivates visitors not just with its lush greenery and rich culture but also with its world-class dive sites on a coral system known as rainbow reef. The best of taveuni scuba diving being on the world famous great white wall.


nocturnal solderfish and sweepers huddle in the swim through to the Great White Wall on rainbow reef
nocturnal solderfish and sweepers huddle in the swim through to the Great White Wall on rainbow reef

taveuni island is very lush due its volcanic soil with a large tropical rainforest canopy. The island surrounds a mountainous ridge includng two of fiji's highest peaks gathering clouds and triggering the generous tropical rains that nurture the rainforest. taveuni presents an enticing blend of adventure and relaxation. This post serves as your ultimate guide to the finest dive resorts on rainbow reef and taveuni island and how to get the most from the breathtaking dive sites that Taveuni has to offer.


rainbow reef: A Diver’s Paradise


Choosing a dive resort in Taveuni or on the vanua levu side of somosomo strait, from where rainbow reef can also be dived, can be very confusing. Each resort presents its unique charm and array of offerings, catering to divers at various skill levels.


which side of somosomo strait? Taveuni or vanua levu dive resorts ?


Rainbow Reef is dived by quite a large concentration of dive resorts - there are at least 10 on the taveuni side offering various degrees of luxury and catering for different budgets and around 4 or 5 nuzzled into serene private bays accessed only by boat on the vanua levu side. The Vanua levu resorts are generally closer to the Great white wall which can be a benefit in rough weather and for night dives.


Both Matei Airport in Taveuni and savusavu airports can get divers to the Fiji dive resorts peppered around the somosomo strait and its dive gem - rainbow reef. Small boats take divers to vanua levu resorts across the strait.


sun coral intertwined with technicolour soft corals are common all over rainbow reef.
sun coral intertwined with technicolour soft corals are common all over rainbow reef.

Which Rainbow reef resorts offer the best diving?

soft corals and current are best friends. For a scuba diver this needs careful timing and nowhere more so than on Fiji's rainbow reef. The somosomo strait is very narrow and deep and this creates a fast current vortex. The dive shops on rainbow reef must actively time the current to enable divers to see the soft corals in full bloom yet prevent them from being washed away! Not only is this critical for the soft corals but divers are much more likely to experience shark encounters, trevally, barracuda and fusillier schools when the current is flowing.


The two images below are of the Great white wall on rainbow reef - the first image shows the white dendronepththya soft corals in full bloom and the second they are retracted. Timing this dive is everything!


The best resorts on rainbow reef

are those that time their diving schedule properly.......

How the white wall should look when properly timed !
How the white wall should look when properly timed !

Bad timing of the great white wall scuba dive in fiji
Bad timing of the great white wall scuba dive in fiji

1. nakia Resort

Nakia resort stands out with its stunning fijian styled beachfront accommodations and an on-site dive shop, Taveuni ocean sports that caters to all diving enthusiasts. This eco resort prides itself on exceptional service in intimate surroundings and a commitment to the rich marine life of the area. They also have organic gardens and a large fresh water swimming pool.



nakia Resort - one of Taveuni's best dive resorts
nakia Resort - one of Taveuni's best dive resorts


2. viani bay resort

Viani bay resort focuses primarily on diving. The resort provides comfortable lodgings and an experienced staff padi instructors dedicated to crafting personalised diving experiences. They offer night dives on the great white wall and cabbage patch,


Rates are very competitive at Viani Bay Resort. They also grow much of their own vegetables and prepare delicious healthy meals with a fijian twist. Feedback from guests indicates that approximately 90% found the diving experience exceeded their expectations as they pay such close attention to the currents on rainbow reef and are very small providing them with the flexibility to do this.


Viani bay resort and dive academy offer private and flexible diving on rainbow reef
Viani bay resort and dive academy offer private and flexible diving on rainbow reef

3. sau bay resort

sau bay resort beautifully combines luxury with adventure. With breathtaking ocean views and a peaceful atmosphere, this resort serves as a perfect retreat for divers.


this secluded and intimate resort caters for your personal preferences in which hour of the day you wish to scuba dive on rainbow reef. You will be in very small groups with a high number of dive masters to guests. Timing the currents on rainbow reef is a skill and sau bay resort excels.



SAU BAY RESORT'S LUXURY TENT ACCOMMODATION
SAU BAY RESORT'S LUXURY TENT ACCOMMODATION

gallery of rainbow reef's best diving



look out for:


  • Great White Wall

  • jerry's jelly

  • Blue Wall

  • Fish Factory

  • Purple Wall

  • Rainbow's End

  • annie's bommies

  • rainbow passage

  • cabbage patch




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