Dive Site: Breath Taker

About Breath Taker

Breath Taker is a captivating reef wall dive located in Fiji's Bligh Waters, specifically on the Rakiraki side of Viti Levu. It forms part of a larger reef system that includes other notable sites like Golden Dream, offering a comprehensive diving experience in this rich marine area. This site is particularly famous for its consistent shark sightings, making it a thrilling destination for divers seeking encounters with larger marine life. The topography of Breath Taker features a dramatic reef wall adorned with healthy coral formations and accessible swim-throughs, adding an element of exploration to the dive. While specific depths are not detailed for the entire wall, it is characterized as a boat-accessed reef wall that demands attention to strong currents typical of the Bligh Waters, which can influence dive planning and execution. Visibility at the site is generally good, enhancing the appreciation of its vibrant underwater scenery. The Bligh Waters region, where Breath Taker is situated, is globally recognized for its spectacular soft corals, which paint the reefs in hues of pink, purple, and orange. This area is teeming with fish life, including numerous anthias, fusiliers, and various reef fish that contribute to the lively ecosystem. The presence of these abundant prey species likely contributes to the frequent shark visits, a key highlight of diving here. Diving Breath Taker typically involves a boat entry due to its location. Divers should be prepared for potentially strong currents, which often bring out the best in the reef's activity but require good buoyancy control and drift diving techniques. The site is suitable for divers looking for dynamic conditions and opportunities to photograph abundant reef life alongside notable shark species.

Dive site facts: Breath Taker

Depth

3–36 m

Current

Strong

Visibility

15 m

Water temperature

25-29°C

Entry

Boat

Level

Intermediate

Dive type

Reef wall, drift, big animals

Region / port

Bligh Waters, Fiji

Coordinates

17.4358° S, 115.7350° E

Conditions & Currents

Breath Taker is known for experiencing strong currents, a common characteristic of dive sites in the Bligh Waters. These currents can be significant, influencing the movement and behavior of marine life, often bringing out more activity on the reef. Divers must be prepared for drift diving conditions, where buoyancy control and an awareness of the current's direction are crucial for a safe and enjoyable experience. The site is boat-accessed, requiring careful entry and exit procedures coordinated with the dive operator. While currents can reduce visibility due to suspended particles, the Bligh Waters generally maintain good clarity, but divers should anticipate some variability based on tidal flows.

Marine life & sighting chances

Sharks

common

Anthias

common

Fusiliers

common

Soft corals

common

Turtles

occasional

Pygmy seahorses

rare

Octopus

occasional

Nudibranch

occasional

Whale shark

rare

Dolphins

occasional

Dive profile & how the dive runs

Diving at Breath Taker typically involves a boat entry directly into the reef wall system in Fiji's Bligh Waters. Due to potentially strong currents, a negative entry may be employed to quickly reach the protection of the reef. The dive follows the contours of the reef wall, exploring various coral formations and swim-throughs. Divers generally drift along the wall, allowing the current to assist with navigation while observing the abundant marine life. The profile is dynamic, with divers managing buoyancy to navigate the reef while keeping an eye out for sharks and schooling fish in the blue. The turn point is often determined by gas consumption or the natural progression of the drift, with the safety stop conducted in a shallower, sheltered section of the reef or as a controlled ascent in the blue, depending on conditions and operator guidance.

Underwater photography

Breath Taker offers excellent opportunities for wide-angle photography, particularly given its reef wall topography and potential for shark sightings. A wide-angle lens is ideal for capturing the expansive coral formations, the dramatic wall, and the silhouettes of divers against the surface or the deep. For close-focus wide-angle shots, utilize external strobes to bring out the vibrant colors of the healthy soft corals and schooling fish. Given the strong currents, maintaining good buoyancy is crucial for stable shots and avoiding contact with the reef. If macro subjects like nudibranchs or pygmy seahorses are found in quieter sections, a macro lens would be required, but the primary draw here is often the larger scale. Be mindful of subject etiquette, especially with sharks, maintaining a respectful distance and avoiding intrusive behavior.

Combine with nearby dive sites

• Golden Dream

  Part of a larger site combined with Breath Taker.

• Black Magic Mountain

  A highly-rated pinnacle dive also in the Bligh Waters.

• Mellow Yellow

  Another world-class pinnacle dive known for soft corals.

• Dream Maker

  Features crevices and swim-throughs with both soft and hard corals.

• Three Brothers

  Reef line with a swim-through in the Bligh Waters.

Getting there & logistics

Access to Breath Taker is primarily via liveaboard or day boat charters departing from various points in Fiji, including those operating out of Volivoli Beach Resort on the northern tip of Viti Levu. The closest international airport is Nadi (NAN). Liveaboard trips in Fiji, particularly those exploring the Bligh Waters, often range from 7 to 10 days, allowing for comprehensive coverage of multiple dive sites in the region. Day trips may also be available from resorts in Rakiraki. There are typically no specific dive permits or fees beyond what is included in the liveaboard or resort package, but divers should confirm this with their operator. The site is commonly integrated into itineraries that showcase Fiji's diverse reef systems, including its famous soft coral pinnacles and shark diving locations.

Safety & environment

Divers should ensure they have comprehensive dive insurance covering emergency medical treatment and evacuation, as remote diving locations in Fiji mean that advanced medical facilities, including recompression chambers, are not immediately accessible. The nearest recompression chamber for Fiji is in Suva on Viti Levu, or potentially further afield in Australia or New Zealand, necessitating significant travel time in an emergency. Site-specific hazards at Breath Taker include strong currents, which demand excellent buoyancy control and awareness of dive group separation. Adherence to your dive guide's briefing is paramount, especially regarding current mitigation strategies and swim-through navigation. Always dive within your training and experience levels, particularly for intermediate-level dives with overhead environments like swim-throughs, ensuring adequate gas planning and buddy checks.

Who it suits — and who it doesn't

FAQ

Breath Taker FAQ

Liveaboards diving Breath Taker

These liveaboards may visit Breath Taker on selected itineraries — the exact dive sites depend on departure, weather and conditions.

Nai'a

Fiji

16 guests36.576 m

$547/day