Dive Site: Dreadlocks

About Dreadlocks

Dreadlocks is a captivating dive site situated near Savusavu, on Fiji's second-largest island, Vanua Levu. Jacques Cousteau famously dubbed Fiji the "Soft Coral Capital of the World," and Dreadlocks lives up to this reputation with its stunning displays. The site features intricate wall formations, caves, and overhangs, all densely covered in a spectacular array of hard and soft corals. This vibrant underwater landscape supports an abundance of reef fish and provides opportunities for encounters with larger pelagic species. Unlike some of Fiji's more exposed sites, Dreadlocks offers a varied diving experience suitable for different skill levels, balancing accessible areas with more challenging sections influenced by currents. The combination of nutrient-rich waters and diverse topography fosters an ecosystem where soft corals thrive, showcasing extraordinary size and intense coloration. Diving here allows you to immerse yourself in an underwater world bursting with life. From colorful nudibranchs and flatworms among the corals to schools of fusiliers and occasional pelagic visitors, the site offers a comprehensive glimpse into Fiji's rich marine biodiversity. The typically warm water temperatures and good visibility further enhance the diving experience, making it a memorable location for both macro enthusiasts and those seeking vibrant reefscapes.

Dive site facts: Dreadlocks

Depth

5–30 m

Typical dive

12–25 m

Current

Mild to strong, drift dependent

Visibility

20–40 m

Water temperature

25–29°C

Entry

Boat / Drift

Level

All levels, current experience beneficial

Dive type

Wall, drift, coral garden, macro

Night dive

Possible

Region / port

Vanua Levu / Savusavu

Coordinates

-16.845, -179.875

Conditions & Currents

Dreadlocks, located near Savusavu, can experience varying current conditions depending on its specific location within Savusavu Bay and its proximity to the Somosomo Strait. While sites within the relatively sheltered bay are generally less demanding, areas beyond can be influenced by stronger currents, especially those sweeping through the Strait. These currents are crucial for the health of the soft corals, bringing nutrients and enhancing their vibrant bloom. Divers should anticipate drift diving in certain sections and be prepared for potential strong surges, particularly during tidal changes. Entry and exit strategies will depend on the prevailing current, with negative entries sometimes necessary. Visibility is typically good, but can fluctuate with plankton blooms, especially in warmer months, which also attract filter feeders.

Marine life & sighting chances

Soft Corals (Dendronephthya spp.)

Dry season · common

Hard Corals

common

Chevron Barracuda

occasional

Hammerhead Shark

Winter months · rare

Batfish

occasional

Staghorn Corals

common

Gorgonian Sea Fans

common

Nudibranch

Wet season · occasional

Flatworm

Wet season · occasional

Shrimps

Wet season · occasional

Fusiliers

common

Dive profile & how the dive runs

Your dive at Dreadlocks typically begins with a boat drop close to the shoreline near Savusavu. Upon descent, you will follow a vibrant wall that drops to approximately 18 meters, before sloping outwards to a point reaching about 25 meters. This point is often where large schools of chevron barracuda can be found hovering in the current. You will drift along the wall, observing the dense coverage of staghorn corals and gorgonian sea fans, which thrive on the nutrient-rich currents. The dive continues, allowing exploration of small overhangs and coral formations, before turning back to a shallower depth for your safety stop. The safety stop is generally conducted along the reef top or a sheltered bommie at around 5 meters, before resurfacing for boat pickup.

Underwater photography

Dreadlocks offers fantastic opportunities for both wide-angle and macro photography, depending on the season and your focus. During the dry season, wide-angle lenses are ideal for capturing the expansive, colorful soft coral walls and gorgonian sea fans that thrive in the clear water and currents. Utilize strobes to bring out the vibrant pinks, yellows, and purples of the Dendronephthya corals, especially when shooting into the blue. In the warmer, wetter months, consider a macro lens to capture the intricate details of the numerous nudibranchs, flatworms, and small crustaceans found among the coral formations. Be mindful of your buoyancy to avoid damaging the delicate corals, and allow schooling fish, like barracuda, to approach you rather than chasing them, for more natural shots.

Combine with nearby dive sites

• Barracuda Point

  Known for large schools of barracuda and potential hammerhead sightings.

• E6

  A pinnacle in Bligh Water known for pelagics and dramatic topography.

• Rainbow Reef

  Famous for its vibrant soft corals, including the Great White Wall.

• Black Magic

  Offers colorful coral walls suitable for wide-angle photography.

• Purple Wall

  Features stunning purple soft corals, best viewed with strobes.

Getting there & logistics

Access to Dreadlocks is typically via dive operators based in Savusavu, on Vanua Levu, which can be reached by short domestic flights from Nadi (NAN) or Suva. Liveaboards operating in the region may also include this site in their itineraries. Trips typically range from daily excursions for resort guests to multi-day liveaboard journeys that combine various sites in the Somosomo Strait and Bligh Water. No specific permits beyond standard marine park fees, usually handled by your dive operator, are required for Dreadlocks. Bringing your own dive gear is recommended, though rental equipment is available at local resorts.

Safety & environment

Diving at Dreadlocks requires adherence to standard dive safety protocols. Ensure your dive insurance covers emergency evacuation and hyperbaric treatment, as the nearest recompression chamber is located in Suva, requiring potentially lengthy transfers. Be aware of currents, which can vary from mild to strong, and communicate frequently with your dive guide about conditions and dive plans. Maintain excellent buoyancy control to protect the fragile corals and avoid contact with marine life. Always dive within your certified limits and be prepared for potential boat traffic, especially in busy areas. A well-maintained first aid kit and emergency oxygen should always be accessible on the dive boat.

Who it suits — and who it doesn't

FAQ

Dreadlocks FAQ

Liveaboards diving Dreadlocks

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

Nai'a

Fiji

16 guests36.576 m

$547/day