Bligh Water Diving, Fiji: Soft Coral Spectacle

The Bligh Water sits where oceanic currents funnel through the channel between Fiji’s two largest islands. This steady flow brings the nutrients that soft corals and filter‑feeders love, resulting in:

• Dense gardens of soft corals in almost every colour
• Large sea fans and whip corals decorating walls and bommies
• Thick schools of anthias, fusiliers and surgeonfish
• Regular visits from trevallies, jacks and barracuda
  

On days when the current is running, many of the Bligh Water’s pinnacles come alive. Divers hook in or shelter in the lee of the reef while the water column fills with fish, and every available surface seems to be taken up by soft coral. When the flow drops, the same sites become gentler drifts or relaxed explorations, perfect for photographers.

Different operators may have slightly different names and favourite spots, but dives in the Bligh Water typically feature a few common themes:

• Pinnacles and seamounts rising from deeper water to recreational depths
• Walls and drop‑offs that tumble into blue water
• Ridges and channels where current is funnelled and fish life concentrates
• Hard‑coral gardens in more sheltered areas closer to shore
  

From VoliVoli Beach Resort, day boats can reach a wide range of these sites, allowing you to mix and match profiles over the course of a week. A typical trip might include:

• High‑energy pinnacle dives with hook‑ins and big fish action
• More moderate drifts along walls loaded with soft corals and fans
• Calmer, shallower reefs and coral gardens ideal for relaxed second or third dives

The Bligh Water’s reputation comes first from its soft corals, but the marine life is just as impressive. On a typical stay you can expect:

• Grey reef, white‑tip and black‑tip reef sharks cruising the edges of the pinnacles
• Schooling barracuda, trevallies and jacks, especially when current is running
• Turtles gliding along the reef or resting on ledges
• Napoleon wrasse, groupers and snappers using the structure of the reef to hunt
  

Look more closely at the reef and you’ll find:

• An abundance of nudibranchs, often in vivid colours that match the soft coral backdrop
• Crustaceans such as cleaner shrimp, squat lobsters and crabs packed into crevices
• Pipefish, anthias and damselfish weaving amongst the corals and fans
  

The combination of dramatic wide‑angle scenes and plentiful macro life makes the Bligh Water a rewarding destination for photographers, who can comfortably dedicate entire days to either big‑vista soft coral and fish shots or slower, critter‑hunting dives on the reef slopes.

The Bligh Water is very much a current‑influenced environment, and that’s part of what makes it so productive. With that in mind, you can generally expect:

• Warm water – usually in the high‑20s°C, suitable for 3 mm wetsuits or even skins for some divers
• Good visibility, often 20–30 metres on clearer days, particularly away from shore
• Variable currents, from gentle drifts to stronger flows on exposed pinnacles
  

Dive operations in the area, including those based at VoliVoli, plan their days around tides and conditions, selecting sites to match diver experience and comfort levels. Some dives are conducted as negative entries followed by a descent to the structure, with time spent on the current‑facing side for the best fish action, then drifting into more sheltered zones as the dive shallows out.

Thanks to the variety of sites and careful dive planning, the Bligh Water can work well for a broad range of divers:

• Intermediate and advanced divers will love the current‑swept pinnacles, hook‑ins and big fish action.
• Confident newer divers can enjoy more sheltered reefs and walls when conditions are kinder, building experience under close supervision.
• Underwater photographers benefit from a mix of reliable wide‑angle subjects and excellent macro opportunities.
• Groups and clubs appreciate the sheer number of sites within reach and the ability to tailor days to different experience levels.

Perched on a hillside overlooking the sea on Viti Levu’s northern coast, VoliVoli Beach Resort is one of the most convenient and popular bases for exploring the Bligh Water. The resort’s in‑house dive centre runs regular boat trips out to the channel’s pinnacles and reefs, with relatively short run times and easy access to a broad selection of sites.

Staying at VoliVoli means:

• You can dive the Bligh Water by day and relax in comfort by night, without the need for extra domestic flights or long liveaboard transfers.
• Dive staff know the area intimately and can match sites to conditions and group experience, keeping things fun and safe. 
• Non‑divers or those taking a break between dives still have access to pools, beaches and cultural excursions, making it suitable for mixed groups.
  

While the focus of any trip here is definitely underwater, VoliVoli’s relaxed atmosphere, ocean views and social spaces add a welcome topside dimension to a Bligh Water dive holiday.

For divers keen to experience the Bligh Water with maximum value and minimal hassle, Bluewater Travel currently features a dedicated special at VoliVoli Beach Resort. These limited‑time offers typically bundle:

• Discounted accommodation at VoliVoli Beach Resort
• Multi‑day boat diving on the Bligh Water’s reefs and pinnacles
• Meals and additional resort inclusions, depending on the package
• Better value than booking accommodation and diving separately
  

As inclusions, dates and availability can change, it’s worth checking the latest details on the VoliVoli special page and speaking with a Bluewater Travel trip expert about tailoring the package to your preferred season, length of stay and group size.

The Bligh Water’s accessibility from Viti Levu makes it straightforward to work into a Fiji itinerary:

• Fly into Nadi International Airport (NAN) on Viti Levu.
• Transfer by road to VoliVoli Resort, typically a few hours depending on conditions and stops.
  

A stay of 7–10 nights works particularly well, allowing time for:

• Multiple days focused on Bligh Water’s best pinnacles and walls
• A mix of higher‑energy sites and more relaxed reef dives
• At least one non‑diving or lighter day to enjoy the resort and explore topside Fiji
  

If you’re chasing:

• Fiji’s most iconic soft‑coral and fish‑life displays
• A varied mix of pinnacles, walls and coral gardens
• Warm, clear water with exciting but manageable current
• The convenience of day‑boat access from a comfortable, friendly resort
  

…then the Bligh Water should be high on your list of must‑dive regions.

Contact Bluewater Travel to plan your Bligh Water dive holiday from VoliVoli Beach Resort, customise your package, and make the most of current specials – our expert planning service comes at no additional cost to you.