Diving the Rainbow Reef Taveuni

The Rainbow Reef is located off the southern coastline of Vanua Levu. There are few resorts on that coastline, however, and most dive operators that run trips to the reef are located on the north-western coastline of Taveuni. The waters that divide the two islands is called the Somosomo Strait and the ocean currents passing through the strait bring rich nutrients. This is the reason why the coral and the marine life in this area is so spectacular.

Most divers access Taveuni Island by air, via one of two domestic airlines, Air Fiji or Pacific Sun. The Twin Otter and Islander aircraft fly at lower levels than international jets, so they offer spectacular views as you fly from Nadi to Taveuni. Most flights stop at Savusavu on the island of Vanua Levu though some are direct. Many beautiful reefs can be seen in the ocean below, and in the sector between Savusavu and Matei Airstrip on Taveuni, the route passes over the Rainbow Reef, affording a glimpse at the beautiful living coral formation as it wraps around the coastline of Vanua Levu in a roughly boomerang-shaped formation.

Dive Sites on the Rainbow Reef

One of the special dive sites to be enjoyed is the Great White Wall, an underwater escarpment from 15-60 meters (50-200 feet)- though dive trips only cover to a depth of 30 metres - that is covered with a slightly luminescent white coral tinged with lavender. Other notable sites include Dakuniba Pass, a wall dive with pelagic s such as barracuda, shark and tuna, and the prettily coloured Annie's Bommie, with a kaleidoscope of soft corals and reef fish. Blue Ribbon Eel Reef presents a drift dive opportunity to spot the Blue Ribbon Eel, whereas the Cabbage Patch features an abundant garden-like display of cabbage looking hard corals. Other sites include Yellow Tunnel, Jerry's Jelly and The Ledge