Magnificent Bligh Water has been traditionally the premier liveaboard area in Fiji, although is now accessible from land. Divers here can see mantas, numerous species of sharks, large schools of fish and superb coral gardens. Drift dives, often with strong current, over steep walls and pinnacles should be expected.
Fiji has rightly earned the title of ‘soft coral capital of the world’, and its crown jewel is Bligh Water. Reefs skimming the surface are flushed with nutrient-rich water as the ocean pulls through the strait, allowing colourful corals to flourish. Gorgonian sea fans, bubble, sun and carnation corals in shades of pinks, purples and yellows carpet every surface. Crinoids and anemones bustle for space in the busy reef scape as anthias, damsels and fusilier pulse in and out of hiding. The strong currents bring the larger marine life into action, providing the opportunity for divers to see manta rays, numerous species of sharks, large schools of fish including jacks and barracuda.
The tropical waters of the South Pacific allow soft corals to thrive, in Bligh Water this has gone to another level. Dubbed the soft coral capital of the world, the reefs here are an explosion of colour and are home to several species of reef fish as well as brining in the big stuff like turtles, shoaling pelagic fish, and sharks. The marine life here's able to thrive due to the currents that pass through Bligh Water, and the coral gardens help to keep the visibility at more than 40m. Hard corals are prevalent here too, as well as smaller marine life including sea horses.
Bligh Water is home to a number of Fiji’s best dive sites. Mellow Yellow is named after the vast numbers of yellow soft corals that cover the current facing is the pinnacle, schools of bicoloured and scalefin anthias encircle the rock face. Black Magic Mount has an amazing variety of life, with schools of big eyed jacks and the possibility of manta rays and several species of sharks, all surrounded by colourful corals. Gotham City is another pinnacle dive, named for the large shoal of resident bat fish, the pinnacles provide a haven for marine life and are covered in soft and hard corals. Drift dives in the Vatu I Ra Marine Protected Area, often with strong current, along steep drop offs and weaving through bommies and pinnacles should be expected.
Now accessible from resorts in Rakiraki on the north side of Viti Lavu island, this area has something to suit all levels from learning to dive to advanced and technical diver. From Volivoli Beach Resort, along with Ra Divers, scuba diving in Bligh Water has never been easier. Everything from their small stuff on the house reef to Vatu I Ra can be reached, dive sites like Mount Mutiny and Black Magic Mountain for schools and soft corals.
Magnificent Bligh Water has been traditionally the premier liveaboard area in Fiji, who tend to access the more challenging dive sites. The Nai’a is an excellent choice for the more experienced divers who are happy with drift dives. Sailing Bligh Water year round it accesses the Vatu I Ra Passage, Namena Marine Reserve, and usually visits dive sites such as Mellow Yellow and Gotham City.
As Bligh Water is mainly accessed from the main island, Viti Levu, access to all other areas in Fiji is as easy as it gets! On the south side of Viti Levu itself is Beqa Lagoon, the home of Fiji’s shark diving. A short ferry ride away is the Yasawa Islands and the Mamanuca Islands, the sunniest area in Fiji with opportunities to see sharks, turtles and relax on white sand beaches. By domestic flight is Kadavu Island to the south, home of the Great Astrolabe Reef, one of the largest barrier reefs in the world complete with manta ray cleaning stations. To the east by domestic flight is Vanua Levu island, which gives access to the Somosomo Straits, the best place to spot hammerheads in Fiji, and you can also reach Rainbow Reef from here. Island hopping in Fiji is easy and our Trip Ideas are here to recommend ideal itineraries, our dive holidays to the South Pacific can also be tailored to suit your requirements.
Our collection of Bligh Water dive holidays can be tailor-made to suit your exact requirements and dates - just contact our dive specialists who will be happy to help.
If you’re curious, Bligh Water was named after William Bligh, of The Munity on the Bounty. After his crew turned against him in 1789, he and the 18 ousted crew members sailed through this passage of water (between Viti Levu and Lanua Levu islands) on the Bounty’s launch boat. The overthrown sailors then made the 5,700 kilometre journey to Timor, Indonesia, before returning to the UK.
Utilise every moment on your Fiji dive holiday with this combo. The Mamanuca & Yasawa Islands are home to varied topography and shark encounters, and the magnificent Bligh Water has stunning coral gardens and mantas. Find Out More about Dive Fiji
Fiji has been crowned the soft coral capital of the world with kaleidoscopic reefs like nowhere else. This itinerary travels to Taveuni to dive the Rainbow Reef followed by diving Bligh Water. Find Out More about Dive Fiji’s Soft Corals
Known as the Soft Coral Capital of the world, Fiji is also a magnet for sharks and manta rays on thrilling drift dives. Experience the finest dive sites in the Pacific on this twin-centre itinerary. Find Out More about Fiji Liveaboard & Shark Dive Adventure
With panoramic views of the vibrant Bligh Water and easy access to over 90 of the best dive sites in the South Pacific, Volivoli Beach Resort truly is Fiji’s premier dive accommodation. Find Out More about Volivoli Beach Resort
This luxurious yacht offers divers 7 and 10 night world-class diving adventures in the central region of Fiji (Lomaiviti, Namena and Bligh Water) throughout the year. Expect vibrant corals, shark encounters and plenty more. Find Out More about Nai’a
