Dive Site: Lion’s Den

About Lion’s Den

Lion's Den is a prominent dive site located on the outer edge of Wakaya Channel, making it a highly requested spot within the Lomaiviti Group of Islands. This area, nestled in the Koro Sea, is known for its remote beauty and diverse marine ecosystems, typically accessed via liveaboard or resort airplane. The site features dramatic steep walls that descend into the deep channel, offering a dynamic topography. These walls are richly covered with a vibrant tapestry of both hard and soft corals, providing a colorful backdrop for an array of marine life. The depths here cater to experienced divers, allowing for exploration along the coral-encrusted formations. Divers frequently encounter schools of barracuda and various reef sharks navigating the currents near the walls. A significant highlight at Lion's Den is the occasional presence of great hammerheads, known to patrol the deeper sections of the barrier reef walls. The consistent currents in this channel bring nutrients that sustain the dense coral growth and attract pelagic species. Lion's Den offers an engaging dive experience characterized by its pelagic encounters and rich coral architecture. The strong currents can make for exciting drift dives, while the possibility of spotting larger shark species adds an element of thrill to every descent. It's a site that rewards attentive and experienced divers with spectacular underwater vistas.

Dive site facts: Lion’s Den

Depth

14 m

Current

Moderate to strong

Water temperature

24-28°C

Entry

Liveaboard

Level

Advanced

Dive type

Wall, drift, big_animals, shark, coral_garden

Region / port

Lomaiviti Group, Koro Sea

Coordinates

-17.5298, 115.577

Conditions & Currents

Lion's Den, situated on the outer edge of Wakaya Channel, often experiences medium to strong currents due to its location in the Koro Sea. These currents are a key factor in the site's rich biodiversity, delivering nutrients to the abundant hard and soft corals and attracting larger pelagic species. Divers should anticipate drift diving conditions, which can be exhilarating but require good buoyancy control and comfort in moving water. Visibility here is generally very good, particularly during the colder months from May to December when plankton levels are lower. Water temperatures range from 24-26°C in winter to 27-28°C in summer. Entry is typically from a liveaboard, and divers need to be proficient in current management and group adherence. The presence of strong currents means that divers, especially those seeking specific animal encounters like hammerheads, should have advanced op

Marine life & sighting chances

Barracuda

common

Reef Sharks

common

Great Hammerheads

occasional

Humpback Whales

September and October · occasional

Sperm Whales

occasional

Pilot Whales

occasional

Manta Rays

occasional

Moray Eels

occasional

Dive profile & how the dive runs

Lion's Den is typically explored as a drift dive along the outer edge of Wakaya Channel. Divers usually enter the water directly from a liveaboard, beginning their descent along the steep, coral-covered walls. The dive profile involves following the natural contours of the wall, allowing the current to gently carry you while observing the rich marine life. Depths can vary significantly, often starting shallower and progressing deeper along the wall, with opportunities to explore various ledges and overhangs. The focus is on observing schooling barracuda, various reef sharks, and keeping an eye out for patrolling great hammerheads in the blue. The dive typically concludes with a safety stop in shallower, sheltered areas or a controlled ascent into the blue, depending on the current, before surfacing for boat pick-up. Given the potential for strong currents, maintaining good buoyancy and situational awareness is crucial throughout the dive.

Underwater photography

Capturing the expansive beauty of Lion's Den calls for a wide-angle lens, ideal for showcasing the impressive steep walls, vast coral formations, and schools of barracuda. When great hammerheads or other pelagic sharks make an appearance, a wide lens is essential to fit them into the frame. For soft coral close-ups on the wall, a fisheye or dome port will enhance the vibrant colors and intricate textures. External strobes are highly recommended to bring out the true hues of the corals and illuminate subjects against the often deep blue background. Practice excellent buoyancy control to avoid damaging the delicate hard and soft corals, especially in currents. When encountering larger marine life like hammerheads, maintain a respectful distance and avoid aggressive pursuit; patience often yields the best photographic opportunities. Focus on capturing the interaction of marine life with the dramatic topography for compelling images.

Combine with nearby dive sites

• Wakaya Island

  A broader area in the Koro Sea with multiple dive sites, known for manta rays and sharks.

• Jim's Alley

  A soft coral garden with rich fish life and occasional manta sightings, off Gau Island.

• Koro Gardens

  Koro Gardens is a vibrant dive site located off Gau Island, Fiji's fifth-largest island, situated approximately 90 kilometers east of Viti…

Getting there & logistics

Accessing Lion's Den typically requires a liveaboard experience, as it's part of the Lomaiviti Group of Islands in the Koro Sea, remote from the main island. Trips usually depart from Nadi International Airport (NAN), with liveaboard staff arranging transfers to the harbor for embarkation. Common liveaboard itineraries for this region, including Bligh Water and Namena Marine Reserve, often last around 7 nights. No specific permits or park fees are mentioned for Lion's Den itself, but they may be included in the liveaboard package for the broader marine protected areas like Namena. These trips are designed to explore a range of diverse sites, offering a comprehensive Fiji diving adventure.

Safety & environment

For diving in remote locations like Lion's Den, comprehensive dive accident insurance, such as that provided by DAN, is strongly advised. The nearest recompression chamber would likely be in Suva, on Viti Levu, implying that evacuation in a dive emergency could be complex and time-consuming. Divers should be self-sufficient and highly experienced, especially given the potential for medium to strong currents. Adherence to dive guide instructions is paramount, particularly for entry, exit, and group management in drift conditions. Always dive within your training and comfort limits, and ensure all gear is properly maintained. Awareness of surrounding boat traffic, though less frequent in this remote area, is also important during surfacing.

Who it suits — and who it doesn't

FAQ

Lion’s Den FAQ

Liveaboards diving Lion’s Den

These liveaboards may visit Lion’s Den on selected itineraries — the exact dive sites depend on departure, weather and conditions.

Nai'a

Fiji

16 guests36.576 m

$547/day