Page 168 - Melanesia
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T he center of the island is forested and includes the nation’s merheads) and sea turtles. The Bligh Waters are home to famous
highest peak Mount Tomanivi (otherwise Mount Victoria) ris- dive sites such as Mellow Yellow, which has magnificent yel-
ing to 1,324 meters. The island is the only known home of one of low soft corals. Diving in Rakiraki is characterized by swarms of
the world’s largest insects, the Giant Fijian long-horned beetle. brightly colored tropical reef fish including moorish idols, dam-
Until recently, the main island of Viti Levu was not well known for selfish, butterflyfish and emperor red snapper. However there are
having the best diving in Fiji. However Rakiraki in the north of the also larger more impressive fish that can be sighted in the region.
island is fast becoming recognised for its world-class diving op- These include schools of barracuda, trevally, rock cod and more.
portunities that are equal to anywhere else in Fiji. These outstand- You are also likely to encounter sharks such as blacktip reef sharks,
ing dive sites feature spectacular coral reefs, dramatic pinnacles whitetip reef sharks, bronze whalers and grey reef sharks as well as
and huge volumes of fish. There are miles of untouched reefs and sea turtles.
new dive sites are still being mapped and explored by the dive re-
sorts. The Rakiraki region offers divers access to the world-famous F or those more interested in the smaller stuff, nudibranchs
Bligh Waters. Divers can find an abundance of diverse underwater abound and you could find yourself framing that perfect
species from colorful soft coral to spectacular wall & current dives. picture of a spanish dancer. Thanks to the variation in terms of
This is a very remote, pristine and traditional area very accessible diving difficulty, topography, depth and marine life, there really is
and about 3 hour drive from Nadi Airport. There are two resorts something for every diver in Rakiraki.
located in the north who have access to some of the fantastic dive
sites in the Blight Waters, however the very best dives sites there I f you are seeking the big stuff then take a full tank and dive
are only accessible by liveaboard. Breathtaker. 3 coral heads sit at around 25 to 30m from a base of
around 100 meters, meaning upwellings of nutrients and a result-
M ain Island of Viti Levu / Bligh Waters - From the main island, ant throng of activity. You will encounter sharks here in impressive
it’s a 2-3 hour drive to your resort. Staying in the central numbers, including blacktip reef sharks and grey reef sharks. If you
north coast in the Rakiraki area means that you can dive the Bligh can see past the sharks you will see the coral heads festooned with
Waters directly from your resort, with just a 50 minute boat ride. vibrant purple gorgonian fans. Manta rays and barracuda are spot-
In the Bligh Waters you can see beautiful sharks (including ham- ted at this amazing dive site.
