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The Rainbow Reef is maybe probably the most well-known dive spot in all of Fiji. It’s house to a few of the richest and most ample sea life on this planet and is similar to the diving I did in locations like Komodo Nationwide Park and Raja Ampat. I got here right here proper after my epic Beqa Lagoon shark dive the place I dived with a whole lot of sharks with an emphasis on the majestic bull shark! This couldn’t be any extra totally different than the tranquil and pure fantastic thing about the diving in Rainbow reef.
Rainbow Reef has maybe probably the most vibrant and luxurious corals I’ve ever seen. Simply the quantity of colours I noticed on one dive alone was sufficient for me to fall in love with this place. I spent 5 days diving within the Rainbow Reef and stayed on the gorgeous island of Taveuni. On this submit, I’ll cowl all the pieces you want to learn about diving the Rainbow Reef together with loads of my dive photographs. As effectively, Taveuni island is as stunning as it’s various so there can even be a information on what to do on this island.
Taveuni is a surprising island
Taveuni, sometimes called the “Backyard Island” of Fiji, is a really particular and distinctive vacation spot recognized for its beautiful pure magnificence, vibrant marine life, and wealthy cultural heritage. Located within the South Pacific Ocean, Taveuni is the third-largest island in Fiji and is a part of the Vanua Levu Group. What makes Taveuni particular are its lush landscapes, various ecosystems, and the nice and cozy hospitality of its individuals.
I got here to Taveuni as a part of my better two week Fiji journey by means of its numerous island.
Taveuni Island is a world inside a world – a microcosm of pure wonders, cultural richness, and unforgettable adventures. From the plush rainforests to the colourful coral reefs, each nook of this island paradise beckons vacationers to discover, uncover, and join with each nature and the Fijian lifestyle. Whether or not you’re diving into the depths, climbing by means of historical forests, or immersing your self in native traditions, Taveuni guarantees an expertise that transcends the strange and leaves an indelible mark in your coronary heart and soul. So pack your sense of marvel and embark on a journey to Taveuni – the place journey and sweetness intertwine in good concord.
get to Taveuni and the Rainbow Reef
One of the best ways to get to Taveuni is by flight. For 99% of vacationers, that is going to be the best way you come right here as a result of the ferry takes a whole day from Suva. There are a number of every day flights to Taveuni from Suva and Nadi. These flights are all operated on Fiji Hyperlink which is a part of Fiji Airways.
These island hopper planes are the popular technique to get round Fiji and I completely liked taking them as they supplied stunning views of the Fijian islands.
Taveuni, affectionately generally known as the “Backyard Island” is Fiji’s tropical diving paradise. While you consider diving in Fiji, pictures of diving with the sharks at Beqa Lagoon may come to thoughts however for all the pieces else, it’s doubtless the images of gorgeous corals and assorted species of fish come from the Sumosomo strait subsequent to Taveuni.
I spent just below every week exploring and diving in Taveuni which was sufficient time to see the highlights that this island has to supply. When you’re a scuba diver lover like myself, then I’m right here to say that diving in Taveuni might be among the finest experiences of your life. Take it from somebody who’s dived everywhere in the world. Fiji, significantly the Rainbow reef within the Sumosomo strait is without doubt one of the finest dive spots I’ve ever accomplished. Whereas there isn’t lots of massive pelagics right here, the variability and coloration of the corals will you’ll want to mesmerize you.
The place is the Sumosomo strait?
The Sumosomo straight is situated between Fiji’s second largest island of Vanua Levu and its 3rd largest island of Taveuni. Channels are all the time a superb place to start out in search of stunning underwater life because the channel currents typically herald ample quantities of vitamins and plankton that the corals/fish thrive on. The Sumosomo strait is house to the Rainbow Reef which really lives as much as its title in each essence of the phrase.
The underwater world right here is so colourful that I noticed colours that I had by no means witnessed earlier than. As you’d count on with the South Pacific, there are numerous species of fish, extremely wholesome corals, and pristine situations all abound. I might examine the Rainbow reef to different high diving spots like Raja Ampat, Komodo, and Sipadan.
The Rainbow reef can be house to the extremely well-known Nice White Wall dive which is an absolute should in case you are diving within the space. Extra data on that in later sections of this submit. Whereas the Rainbow reef isn’t recognized for its massive stuff, you may be fortunate and see the occasional manta ray and quite a few shark oceanic shark species.
We have been fortunate sufficient to see a humpback whale on the floor! A mom and calf have been casually swimming by means of the channel! Unfortunatelyj, we weren’t fortunate sufficient to snorkel with them because the whales swam off into the gap. If that have been to have occurred, I might need effectively simply known as it a profession in diving!
Taveuni vs Savu Savu space?
One of many massive debates I had whereas planning this journey was selecting between Taveuni and Savu Savu. Each areas are situated equidistant to the Rainbow reef and dive outlets from each islands usually go to the strait for diving.
Savu Savu is a city on the japanese coast of Vanua Levu and is house to quite a few resorts whereas Taveuni is its personal island that’s house to stunning mountains and luxurious inexperienced jungles. Whereas Savu Savu has nicer seashores at its resorts, Taveuni has a extra distant and luxurious really feel to it.
The place To Dive? Dive outlets in Taveuni
There are a complete of 5 dive outlets on Taveuni. Three of them belong to resorts and you should keep at these resorts so as to dive (they don’t settle for exterior company). That leaves simply 2 dive outlets that take exterior divers; Taveuni Ocean Sports activities and Salt Divers.
I ended up spending my time diving with Taveuni Ocean Sports activities after assembly somebody on the Nadi Airport who lives on Taveuni and praised the store. After 5 days of diving, I can completely suggest diving with this store. Julie, the proprietor of this store runs a completely spot on operation. They’ve high notch divemasters and instructors that know what they’re doing. She has lived on the island for a few years and is an absolute gem in relation to making individuals really feel welcome and excited for the dives. They even paid their employees throughout COVID once they had basically zero enterprise for 2 years.
Taveuni Ocean sports activities additionally affords maybe the very best non-liveaboard meals I’ve ever had. Though they solely do a normal 2 tank dive within the mornings, that they had an absolute scrumptious unfold of meals on the floor intervals. We have been handled to vegetarian roti wraps, banana bread, selfmade lemonade, and chai tea which was grew to become one thing I seemed ahead to each morning even earlier than the primary dive!
The boats in Taveuni are smaller speedboats and didn’t have any lounge area the place you’ll be able to chill out in between dives just like the phinisi boats in Indonesia or the Newton boats within the Caribbean sadly.
Price of diving in Taveuni
Diving in Taveuni in all fairness priced for Fiji in my view. The price of diving at Taveuni Ocean sports activities varies based mostly on the quantity of days you’re diving. In whole, I paid about 1000 FJD for 8 dives together with gear rental. That averages out to be about 125 FJD per dive which equates to roughly $55 USD per dive. Very cheap in my view for the way distant and premier of a vacation spot that is.
When you don’t dive, I additionally met loads of folks that have been snorkeling or free diving the reefs as a substitute. Taveuni Ocean Sports activities did snorkeling excursions as effectively and so they have been on totally different boats than us divers.
Diving the Nice White Wall
The Nice White Wall in Fiji stands as some of the well-known and iconic dive websites, famend for its distinctive and fascinating options that draw divers from around the globe to expertise its underwater grandeur. For sure, one of many predominant attracts for individuals diving within the Rainbow reef is the possibility to go to the Nice White Wall. This dive web site has been rated as one of many high 10 dive websites on this planet and it’s not troublesome to see why.
At the start, the title itself piques curiosity. Opposite to what one may assume, the title “Nice White Wall” doesn’t discuss with sharks; relatively, it’s derived from the beautiful white coloration of the smooth coral that covers the underwater cliffs. This intriguing distinction towards the deep blue of the ocean creates a hanging visible affect that continues to be etched within the reminiscence of divers lucky sufficient to discover this web site.
The primary attract of the Nice White Wall lies within the sheer magnificence and variety of its smooth corals. The coral formations listed below are a testomony to nature’s artistry, exhibiting an astonishing array of shades, from immaculate white to delicate shades of pink and lavender. This vibrant show of coloration is a results of the nutrient-rich currents that circulation by means of the realm, nourishing the corals and contributing to their vibrant hues.
You have to time the Nice White Wall Dive
The Nice White Wall can solely be dived twice a month and must be timed completely to the tides and moon cycles. The power of the currents at these occasions permit these stunning white corals to bloom and open fully and also you’re left with an enormous wall of gorgeous white corals.
The important thing issue that dictates the timing of dives on the Nice White Wall is the section of the moon. Particularly, the positioning is finest explored throughout the interval surrounding the total moon. That is because of the phenomenon generally known as “muck diving,” which happens because of the lunar cycle’s affect on the corals’ reproductive behaviors.
In the course of the nights main as much as the total moon, the corals launch their eggs and sperm into the water. This synchronized mass spawning occasion is a marvel of nature, contributing to the replica and genetic variety of the coral inhabitants. Nonetheless, it additionally creates distinctive diving situations. The launched eggs and sperm appeal to a large number of marine life, together with filter-feeding organisms and nocturnal predators which might be drawn to the abundance of meals.
Diving throughout this era affords a uncommon alternative to witness the underwater ecosystem in a state of heightened exercise. The coral reefs come alive with a flurry of motion as creatures seize the chance to feed and reproduce. This occasion additionally offers a unprecedented likelihood to look at marine life interactions that aren’t usually seen throughout different occasions of the month.
The particular timing of the dives is rigorously deliberate across the lunar cycle. Divers usually must coordinate their journeys to align with the total moon section. This provides a component of planning and pleasure, as divers eagerly anticipate the possibility to witness this pure spectacle.
The Nice White Wall is a deeper dive
These corals begin at about 20 meters and fully cowl the wall right down to 50 meters so put together accordingly by conserving your air and backside occasions! Above 20 meters, you’ll discover immensely colourful smooth and arduous corals which might be in immaculate situations. Large coral balmys may be discovered in all places with my favourite purple coloured smooth corals the star of the present. Critically, I’ve by no means seen such stunning purple coloured corals in my dive profession and so they actually make these reefs stand out versus anyplace else I’ve been.
If this dive web site sounds fascinating to you, be certain that to plan your journey across the dates that the dives occur. Usually occasions, the window to dive that is simply 1 day however typically, you’ll have a 1-3 day window the place the corals are nonetheless blooming. When you go to the dive web site exterior of as of late, you’ll see nothing however a wall of rocks. Nature is unimaginable!
Diving within the Rainbow Reef
Now on to the great things, the precise diving of the Rainbow Reef. Like I’ve already talked about quite a few occasions on this submit, the diving on this a part of Fiji is among the many finest on this planet. Each dive that I did had various things to supply. Large faculties of fish, extremely vibrant corals, moray eels, sea snakes, backyard eels, numerous nudibranch species, reef sharks, and extra have been on provide.
The currents that swept by means of Rainbow Reef introduced with them a wealth of vitamins that nourished the marine life. This abundance was evident within the well being and variety of the reef inhabitants. The visibility was usually distinctive, permitting me to soak up the intricate particulars of the coral formations and the colourful marine life that known as this reef house.
As I descended beneath the waves, the underwater world unfurled earlier than my eyes. Mushy and arduous corals painted the panorama in a mesmerizing palette – pinks, purples, reds, and oranges – protecting each nook and cranny. The corals had crafted intricate constructions resembling underwater gardens, making it really feel like I used to be exploring an enchanted realm.
Navigating by means of the crystal-clear waters, I encountered a bustling neighborhood of marine creatures. Colleges of anthias and butterflyfish painted the scene with their vibrant hues. Barracudas and trevallies cruised by with an air of authority, whereas the occasional reef shark glided gracefully within the distance, a reminder of the ocean’s wild magnificence.
Whereas I don’t keep in mind the title of each dive web site I visited, the one which did stick out to me was the cabbage patch. This was a ravishing dive that noticed us float throughout an enormous backyard of flower corals. This was by far the most important congregation of those coral species I’ve seen and made for some nice photographs.
In the long run, photographs and movies are crucial issues so it will hopefully do a greater job of reflecting the great thing about Fiji diving than my writing!
The place to remain in Taveuni?
Taveuni is a large island that’s 50km from north to south. For such a giant island, it’s surprisingly undeveloped and there aren’t many choices for lodging. Virtually all of the choices for lodging are situated within the northwest of the island. The airport is situated on the northern tip within the city of Matei and lots of the lodges, resorts, and guesthouses are situated inside a ten minute drive of the airport. By airport, I imply a singular touchdown strip with a handful of flights a day and no safety screenings!
As with the remainder of Fiji, lodging choices in Taveuni are on the costly facet. Throughout my search, I couldn’t discover many choices in any respect with those I did discover being very price range, or very luxurious in pricing. After visiting the island, I can verify there are a number of extra possibility than I had beforehand assumed.
We determined to splurge a bit and deal with ourselves to the tremendous fancy Taveuni Island Lodge and Spa. This property was completely beautiful. It’s situated close to to the airport on the highest of a hill which affords it completely beautiful views of the Sumosomo strait and neighboring Vanua Levu island.
The rooms have been spacious and fantastically adorned in a conventional island model. The meals are additionally included as is the case with lots of the resorts on the island as there are little to no exterior eating places. On your entire island, I may solely combat one café and one restaurant.
When you’re on a price range, everybody that didn’t keep at a nicer resort stayed on the Maravu Lodge which is throughout the road from the Taveuni island lodge. It’s a extra fundamental eco lodge that gives lodging at a a lot decrease charge than the opposite choices I discovered on the island.
What to do in Taveuni?
Taveuni is named Fiji’s backyard island on account of its lush inexperienced landscapes and its enigmatically wealthy soil the place you’ll be able to throw absolutely anything into the bottom and it’ll develop. Whereas I personally wouldn’t come right here if I didn’t dive, loads of individuals do as there are such a lot of actions to maintain you busy.
Taveuni doesn’t have many idyllic seashores to talk of; you’ll should go to the Yasawa islands for that. Nonetheless, there are numerous hikes, waterfalls, jungle treks, and extra. I extremely suggest visiting Taveuni together with the Western islands of the Yasawas or Mamanucas to offer you a contrasting taste of simply how various Fiji is.
Bouma Waterfalls of Taveuni
The most effective issues to do in Taveuni is a go to to the well-known waterfalls. Positioned half method down the island on the East facet are three magnificent waterfalls that may be mixed into one hike (roughly 3 hours Roundtrip).
Getting There:
Reaching the Bouma Waterfalls is an journey in itself. You’ll want your individual automobile or a taxi on the island to take you there. Many of the highway is unpaved so it takes toughly 45 minutes to succeed in from Matei. Ask your resort to rearrange a taxi for you or just ask round for cheaper charges as everybody is aware of somebody. For instance, my resort needed to cost us 180 FJD for this taxi journey however I merely requested my dive store for a driver advice and so they did it for 120 FJD.
The Hike and the Path:
The path resulting in the Bouma Waterfalls is a deal with for the senses. As you set off, a symphony of birdsong serenades your journey by means of a thriving rainforest. The well-maintained path is a canvas of inexperienced, punctuated by the occasional burst of coloration from tropical blooms.
Decrease Bouma Falls:
Your first reward on this journey is the Decrease Bouma Falls. Right here, water cascades gently over rocks, forming a tranquil pool that invitations you to take a second of reflection amidst nature’s soothing embrace. The fragile mist within the air provides to the ambiance, refreshing your senses.
Higher Bouma Falls:
Persevering with your trek, you’ll come throughout the Higher Bouma Falls. With a extra dramatic drop, this waterfall affords a surprising spectacle. The pool under is an irresistible invitation, and a dip in its cool waters is a must-do to reinvigorate each physique and soul.
Tavoro Falls – The Crown Jewel:
The pièce de résistance of the Bouma Waterfalls expertise is Tavoro Falls. This multi-tiered masterpiece is a testomony to nature’s artistry. As you stand in awe of its magnificence, you’re reminded of the uncooked energy and beauty that water possesses. You may select to admire it from a viewing platform or get nearer for an immersive expertise that can go away you mesmerized.
What to Pack:
For this journey, pack necessities that’ll improve your expertise:
- Sturdy footwear for the path
- Comfy clothes appropriate for climbing
- Swimwear for the waterfall swimming pools
- Solar safety necessities
- Insect repellent
- Reusable water bottle and snacks
- Digital camera to seize the magic
A Lasting Impression:
Finishing the hike leaves you with a way of accomplishment and gratitude for the island’s pure magnificence. The Bouma Waterfalls expertise transcends the visible – it’s about connecting with nature, discovering solace in its embrace, and making reminiscences that resonate deeply.
Lovena Coastal Stroll in Taveuni
Amidst its many treasures, the Lavena Coastal Stroll stands out as a fascinating journey that permits guests to immerse themselves within the island’s pristine rainforests, beautiful ocean views, and secluded seashores. Let’s delve into the enchanting expertise of the Lavena Coastal Stroll and uncover why it’s a must-do exercise for anybody looking for to attach with nature and discover the center of Taveuni.
Introduction to Lavena Coastal Stroll
The Lavena Coastal Stroll is a picturesque path that stretches alongside the northeastern coast of Taveuni. This guided or self-guided hike introduces guests to the island’s beautiful pure wonders whereas offering a deeper understanding of its ecosystem, tradition, and historical past. The stroll is a moderate-level trek that caters to a variety of health ranges, making it accessible to each seasoned hikers and leisurely explorers.
The Lovena coastal stroll will take roughly 6 hours. It’s a 1.5h drive from the city of Matei and also you’ll want three hour to complete the hike and benefit from the surroundings.
You may both set up a tour along with your resort or just rent a driver for the day who will drive you to the hike and wait so that you can end. This may doubtless be cheaper. As of 2023/2024, this was roughly 160 FJD for the day.
Lush Rainforests and Breathtaking Surroundings
The journey begins on the entrance of the Bouma Nationwide Heritage Park, a protected space that encompasses various ecosystems, together with lush rainforests and coastal landscapes. As you enterprise deeper into the path, you’ll end up surrounded by towering bushes, vibrant flora, and the harmonious symphony of native birds.
The trail steadily meanders by means of the rainforest, ultimately revealing breathtaking vistas of the Pacific Ocean. The juxtaposition of verdant forests and azure waters creates a mesmerizing panorama that evokes a way of marvel and serenity.
Secluded Seashores and Refreshing Swimming pools
One of many highlights of the Lavena Coastal Stroll is the chance to go to secluded and pristine seashores. Alongside the path, you’ll encounter white sandy shores gently kissed by turquoise waves. Take a second to pause, let the ocean breeze caress your pores and skin, and really feel the smooth sand beneath your toes. These tranquil seashores provide the proper spots for contemplation, rest, and even a refreshing dip within the ocean.
As you proceed your journey, you’ll come throughout pure freshwater swimming pools fed by cascading waterfalls. The Waiqele Waterfall, specifically, is a mesmerizing sight with its crystal-clear waters tumbling down from the rainforest above. These swimming pools invite you to chill off and rejuvenate amidst the plush environment, making for a really immersive expertise.
Proceed Studying:
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