Dive Site: Cat's Meow

About Cat's Meow

Cat's Meow is a renowned dive site nestled within the Bligh Water region of Fiji, an area frequently explored by liveaboards. It stands out for its vibrant soft coral gardens and the abundance of unique critters that hide within its intricate reef structure. This site forms part of the Vatu-i-Ra Passage, an ecologically rich zone between Fiji's two largest islands, Viti Levu and Vanua Levu. The topography features a diverse underwater landscape, including caves at its base where specialized macro life, such as the elusive Pontoh's pygmy seahorse, can be discovered. The site's diverse habitats support an impressive array of marine species, from tiny scorpionfish camouflaged on the reef to schools of pelagic fish. Divers can anticipate a lively marine environment year-round, with warmer months (November to April) bringing increased critter activity and cooler, drier months (May to October) offering superior visibility for wide-angle views of the flourishing corals. The consistent currents in this area contribute to the health and vibrancy of the soft corals, making it a spectacular experience. Access to Cat's Meow is primarily via liveaboard, which typically includes it in itineraries exploring the Bligh Water and surrounding areas like the Vuya reef complex. Divers often split into smaller groups, allowing for a more intimate experience and dedicated searching for the site's hidden treasures, guided by experienced dive leaders.

Dive site facts: Cat's Meow

Depth

8–25 m

Current

Moderate to strong

Visibility

20–40 m

Water temperature

23–29°C

Entry

Tender / back-roll

Level

Advanced Open Water Diver recommended, current experience beneficial

Dive type

Wall, drift, macro, soft coral

Region / port

Bligh Water

Coordinates

-17.3333, 178.15

Conditions & Currents

Cat's Meow experiences brisk currents that are essential for nourishing its dense soft coral growth and attracting schooling fish. These currents can vary in strength, occasionally being quite strong, which divers should be prepared for. When currents are ripping, the soft corals are fully open, and reef residents are actively feeding in mid-water, creating a dynamic scene. Entry is typically via tender with a back-roll, and divers should be proficient in drift diving techniques. The dive guides on liveaboards are adept at timing dives to maximize enjoyment and ensure safety, often splitting groups to manage space. Visibility is generally good but can be exceptional during the dry season.

Marine life & sighting chances

Pontoh's pygmy seahorse

rare

Fiji clown blenny

occasional

Blackspotted angelfish

occasional

Fuchsia flatworm

occasional

Fire dart goby

occasional

Symbiotic goby/shrimp

common

Scorpionfish

occasional

Orange and purple fairy basslet

common

Jack

occasional

Dogtooth tuna

occasional

Fusilier

common

Tawny nurse shark

rare

Common dolphin

occasional

Dive profile & how the dive runs

Divers typically enter Cat's Meow via a back-roll from a tender, often experiencing a brisk current immediately upon descent. The dive usually begins along a vibrant wall or slope adorned with soft corals, where you can observe schools of anthias and pelagic fish. Guides often lead groups to specific nooks and crannies to search for macro critters like pygmy seahorses and various blennies. The dive progresses with the current, allowing for an effortless drift along the reef. A notable feature is a cave at the base of the site, known for hiding unique marine life. The turn point is determined by air consumption and current, often culminating in a safety stop within a more sheltered area or shallower section of the reef, allowing for prolonged observation of colorful soft corals.

Underwater photography

Cat's Meow offers excellent opportunities for both macro and wide-angle photography, depending on the diver's focus. For wide-angle shots, the vibrant soft coral walls and schooling fish demand a wide lens, especially during the dry season when visibility is at its peak and strong sunlight enhances colors. Using strobes is crucial to bring out the true hues and contrast of the corals. For macro enthusiasts, a 105mm macro lens is ideal for capturing the tiny inhabitants, such as the elusive Pontoh's pygmy seahorse or symbiotic goby-shrimp pairs. Buoyancy control is paramount to avoid disturbing delicate reef structures and to allow for stable shots in potentially strong currents. Patience is key when waiting for macro subjects to emerge or for pelagic action to unfold.

Combine with nearby dive sites

• Mellow Yellow Reef

  Known for its glowing gold, red, and green soft corals and abundant schooling fish.

• Humann Nature

  Adjacent to Cat's Meow, it's known for 'high-quality rubble' and macro treasures.

• Coral Corner

  Features a profusion of gorgeous corals, especially on a pinnacle at 90 feet, with colorful coral and strong currents.

• Maytag

  Famous for schooling fish and often experiencing tempestuous currents with baitball action.

• UndeNAIA-ble

  A pinnacle dive site that divers visit to find specific fish species like Luzon's anthias and red-margin wrasse.

Getting there & logistics

Access to Cat's Meow is primarily achieved through liveaboard expeditions that depart from Lautoka, Fiji's main port on Viti Levu, near Nadi International Airport (NAN). Liveaboards, such as the Nai'a, typically offer itineraries lasting 7 to 10 days, concentrating on the untouched reefs of Bligh Water, Namena, and the Lomaiviti Group. These trips usually include multiple dives daily, visiting sites like Cat's Meow as part of a broader exploration of the region's diverse underwater ecosystems. No specific permits beyond standard marine park fees, often handled by the liveaboard operator, are usually required for this site. The overall journey involves flying into Nadi, transferring to Lautoka, and boarding the liveaboard vessel.

Safety & environment

Diving at Cat's Meow, like many sites in Bligh Water, often involves currents, necessitating good buoyancy control and comfort with drift diving techniques. Divers should ensure they have comprehensive dive accident insurance, as recompression chambers in Fiji are limited, with the primary one located in Suva, Viti Levu. Evacuation from remote dive sites can be challenging and time-consuming. Liveaboard operations typically provide thorough briefings on site-specific hazards and emergency procedures. Adherence to dive guide instructions is crucial, particularly regarding current management and marine life interaction, such as avoiding contact with camouflaged species like scorpionfish, whose sting can be painful. Divers should carry personal signaling devices like an SMB for safety.

Who it suits — and who it doesn't

FAQ

Cat's Meow FAQ

Liveaboards diving Cat's Meow

These liveaboards may visit Cat's Meow on selected itineraries — the exact dive sites depend on departure, weather and conditions.

Nai'a

Fiji

16 guests36.576 m

$547/day