Dive Site: Maytag

Dive site facts: Maytag

Depth

8–35 m

Current

Strong, potentially turbulent

Visibility

Crystal clear

Entry

Liveaboard or dayboat

Level

Advanced, current experience helpful

Dive type

Wall, drift, pelagic, macro

Region / port

Bligh Water, Viti Levu

Coordinates

-17.31, 178.06

Conditions & Currents

Maytag is well-known for its potentially strong and turbulent currents, which necessitates careful timing for the best diving conditions. These currents are crucial for feeding the vibrant soft coral growth characteristic of Fiji. While mild currents can make for pleasant drift dives, strong currents may require advanced diving techniques, such as negative entries or specific entry points to avoid being swept away. Visibility at Maytag is often crystal clear, particularly during periods of mild currents, allowing for excellent viewing of the expansive reef. Divers should be prepared for varying current strengths and plan their dives accordingly, ensuring good buoyancy control and communication with their dive guide.

Marine life & sighting chances

Gray reef shark

common

Big-eye jack

common

Spanish mackerel

occasional

Yellowtail fusilier

common

Lunar fusilier

common

Hawksbill turtle

occasional

NAI'A pipefish

occasional

Jorunna funebris

rare

Flabellina exoptata

occasional

Tambja morosa

occasional

Anthias

common

Chromis

common

Double-spotted queenfish

occasional

Giant trevally

occasional

Dive profile & how the dive runs

Diving Maytag typically involves a descent along a prominent ridge that connects to Coral Corner. The initial part of the dive often follows this ridge, which is carpeted with soft corals and various whip corals. Divers will progress to deeper sections along the edge of the drop-off, where large schools of big-eye jacks, fusiliers, and patrolling gray reef sharks are common. Mid-dive, attention shifts to exploring the richly decorated reef, including areas with open corallimorpharians and the search for unique macro life like NAI'A pipefish and various nudibranch species. The turn-around point is determined by air consumption and current conditions, often allowing for exploration back along the vibrant ridge. The safety stop is usually conducted in the shallower sections, amidst dense clouds of anthias and chromis, where additional nudibranchs can be spotted.

Underwater photography

Maytag is a fantastic site for both wide-angle and macro photography, demanding adaptability due to potential currents. For wide-angle shots, a fisheye or wide-angle lens is ideal to capture the expansive soft coral gardens, particularly the full spectrum of colors when the corallimorpharians are open. Be prepared for strong currents that can move corals and marine life, so faster shutter speeds and careful strobe placement are key. When switching to macro, a dedicated macro lens will highlight the intricate details of the numerous nudibranchs, NAI'A pipefish, and other small critters found on the reef. Snoots can be effective for isolating subjects against the colorful coral background. Given the crystal-clear visibility, natural light can be utilized effectively in shallower areas, but strobes are essential for bringing out the true colors at depth and in less illuminated sections.

Combine with nearby dive sites

• Coral Corner

  Connected by a ridge, featuring forests of pink, red, and yellow soft corals.

• Gomo

  Another Vatu-I-Ra site with spectacular soft corals and pelagic encounters.

• Mellow Yellow Reef

  Known for stunning yellow soft corals and an abundance of nudibranchs.

• Alacrity Shoal

  Features diverse hard corals and is a good spot for pipefish sightings.

• E6

  A pinnacle dive known for its explosive coral colors and a horseshoe-shaped cavern.

• Mount Mutiny

  A deep pinnacle dive with an exceptionally colorful section known as Rainbow Wall.

Getting there & logistics

Diving Maytag primarily occurs via liveaboard charters operating in the Bligh Water region of Fiji. The nearest international airport is Nadi International Airport (NAN) on Viti Levu. From Nadi, divers typically transfer to a departure port, often along the northern coast near Rakiraki, to board their liveaboard. Trips to this area generally last 7 to 10 days, allowing for comprehensive exploration of multiple sites in Bligh Water, including Maytag, and sometimes extending to areas like Namena Marine Reserve or Wakaya. Liveaboards provide the best access to Maytag due to its offshore location and the need for experienced guides to navigate its currents. While specific permits may not be required for individual dives at Maytag, dive operations adhere to general Fijian marine park regulations.

Safety & environment

Diving at Maytag, with its strong potential currents, requires adherence to strict safety protocols. Always dive with a reputable operator, follow your guide's instructions precisely, and carry a safety sausage (DSMB) for surface signaling. Dive insurance covering emergency evacuation and hyperbaric treatment is strongly recommended, as the nearest recompression chamber is located in Suva, Viti Levu. Evacuation from the Bligh Water area can involve boat transfers followed by road or air travel, which can be time-consuming. Divers should possess good buoyancy control and be comfortable in current, and those with limited experience in strong currents should discuss their skill level with their dive operator. Be mindful of potential boat traffic when surfacing and always perform a safety stop.

Who it suits, and who it doesn't

FAQ

Maytag FAQ

Liveaboards diving Maytag

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

Nai'a

Fiji

16 guests37 m