Taveuni Scuba Diving
Coral Gardens
The coastline around Paradise Taveuni Resort has several dive sites on offer at Vuna Reef that are sheltered from the prevailing island winds. After only 10 minutes scenic boat ride from the resort, you will arrive at one of the best sites in the region, Coral Gardens.
This aptly named dive site is formed by 3 streams, or 'fingers', of lava that once flowed into the ocean at this spot. You will start the dive in the shallow shelter at the top of the first finger and, once settled, begin your drift onwards. This is a site that can be dived at any depth and during the descent the first glimpses of the many soft corals can be seen.
This is a popular feeding station for the larger reef fish and parrotfish. Triggerfish and surgeonfish can be seen in abundant numbers. The first finger also provides a home for the reef's smaller residents, with squirrelfish hiding beneath the overhangs and anemonefish guarding their offspring.
In between the lava fingers are large sandy areas, the first of which is dominated by colonies of garden eels swaying in the current. Coming to rest on the sand in front of the second finger, you will have the chance to pause and appreciate the throngs of fish. Anthias are present in their hundreds, schooling bannerfish swim past and boxfish dart in and out of the hard corals. Hovering above the lava finger also allows you to watch the schools of pelagic fish that gather here - barracuda, snapper and yellowfin tuna are common visitors.
Hammerhead sharks and manta rays have also been spotted although you will need to have luck on your side.
Heading up the third and final lava finger, keep an eye out for juvenile blue ribbon eels bobbing in the entrance of their homes, or triggerfish swimming past. As you reach the top of the finger and the 5 metre mark, you will enter a labyrinth of swim-throughs. Perfect for whiling away a safety stop, this maze of corridors provides a fascinating end to the dive.
Coral Gardens Reef Basics: Reef dive, pinnacles
Depth: 5 - 30m
Visibility: 20 - 40m
Currents: Gentle
Surface Conditions: Calm
Water Temperature: 22 - 30°C
Experience Level: Beginner - advanced
Number of dive sites: 1
Diving Season: All year round
Distance: 1 km from Paradise Taveuni Resort
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