Dive Site: Rainbow's End

About Rainbow's End

Rainbow's End is a top dive site located in the Somosomo Strait, a channel separating Taveuni and Vanua Levu islands, known as the 'Soft Coral Capital of the World'. The site is celebrated for its extensive and colorful coral gardens, thriving due to the nutrient-rich currents flowing through the strait. Depths at Rainbow's End range from 10 to 30 meters, accommodating various diving experiences. The topography is characterized by stunning coral formations and potential for diverse marine encounters throughout the dive. This location is particularly famous for its spectacular coral ecosystems, making it a focal point for divers visiting Taveuni Island. While vibrant soft corals are a year-round attraction, the site also hosts schools of barracuda and frequent sightings of Napoleon wrasse, especially during morning dives. The constant tidal flow in the Somosomo Strait ensures a continuous supply of food for the thriving marine ecosystem, leading to remarkable biodiversity. Divers typically visit Rainbow's End during morning dives, especially on an incoming tide, to experience optimal conditions and the most vivid coral displays. It is a favored spot for capturing the quintessential beauty of Fijian reefs.

Dive site facts: Rainbow's End

Depth

10–30 m

Current

Moderate to strong (tidal dependent)

Visibility

15–30 m

Water temperature

24–30°C

Entry

Boat

Level

Intermediate

Dive type

Reef, coral garden, drift

Region / port

Taveuni Island, Somosomo Strait

Coordinates

-17.3888, 115.711

Conditions & Currents

Currents at Rainbow's End are influenced by the Somosomo Strait's tidal flows, which funnel water between Vanua Levu and Taveuni. An incoming tide is considered ideal for experiencing the most vibrant soft coral displays as corals expand to feed. While these currents supply vital nutrients and create stunning visual effects, divers should be prepared for moderate to potentially strong flows, particularly during peak tidal changes. This means proficient buoyancy control and potentially drift diving techniques may be employed. Visibility can range from 15 to 30 meters, with the clearest conditions typically observed in cooler, drier months. Water temperatures vary, usually between 24-26°C in winter and 27-30°C in summer, so wetsuit choice should be appropriate for warmth and comfort given potential currents.

Marine life & sighting chances

Soft Corals

Year-round · common

Barracuda schools

Year-round · occasional

Napoleon wrasse

Year-round (mornings) · occasional

Reef sharks

Year-round · occasional

Hard corals

Year-round · common

Anemonefish

Year-round · common

Manta rays

May-October · occasional

Whitetip reef sharks

Year-round · occasional

Grey reef sharks

Year-round · occasional

Tuna

Year-round · occasional

Dive profile & how the dive runs

Dives at Rainbow's End typically commence with a boat descent to explore the vibrant coral gardens, starting around 10-15 meters. The dive profile follows the reef's contours, gradually descending to depths of up to 30 meters to observe the broader coral structures and potential pelagic encounters. Divers navigate through fields of soft corals that bloom with incoming tides, looking for schools of barracuda and Napoleon wrasse. The turn point is determined by air consumption and bottom time, with a gradual ascent along the reef. Safety stops are often conducted on shallower coral shelves or pinnacles, where reef fish are abundant, allowing for a relaxed three-minute stop while observing the final reef activity.

Underwater photography

Rainbow's End offers exceptional opportunities for wide-angle photography, capturing the expansive, colorful coral gardens and the dramatic reef topography. A wide-angle lens is essential to encompass the vast soft coral displays, especially during an incoming tide when they are fully extended. For macro subjects, the hard coral patches and crevices may yield interesting small critters, requiring a dedicated macro lens or a wet macro converter. Good buoyancy control is paramount to avoid damaging the delicate corals and to hold position in potential currents. Natural light is often sufficient for the shallower sections due to excellent visibility, but strobes will enhance color saturation, especially for deeper coral walls and to fill in shadows.

Combine with nearby dive sites

• Great White Wall

  Iconic vertical wall of white soft corals

• Purple Wall

  Known for its extensive purple soft coral displays

• Rainbow Reef

  A broader area encompassing many vibrant sites in Somosomo Strait

• The Zoo

  Highlighting reef fish abundance

• Annie’s Bommie

  Known for pelagic encounters

Getting there & logistics

Access to Rainbow's End is primarily from Taveuni Island, often requiring a boat trip of around 40 minutes to the dive site. Most dive resorts on Taveuni offer daily trips to the Somosomo Strait, which includes this site. The nearest international airport is Nadi (NAN) on Viti Levu, followed by a domestic flight to Matei Airport (TVU) on Taveuni. Liveaboards operating in the Somosomo Strait also feature Rainbow's End in their itineraries, often combining it with other famous sites like the Great White Wall. There are no specific park fees mentioned for this site, but dive operations will include costs for boat travel and guiding. Trip lengths typically range from 7 to 10 days for a comprehensive Fijian dive experience.

Safety & environment

Dive safety in Fiji, including at Rainbow's End, adheres to international standards. Divers should always carry dive accident insurance, with organizations like DAN offering comprehensive coverage that includes emergency evacuations. The nearest recompression chamber is located in Suva on Viti Levu, necessitating a potentially lengthy medical evacuation in case of a serious dive incident. Site-specific hazards at Rainbow's End primarily involve managing currents, which can vary from mild to strong depending on tidal phases; always follow your dive guide's instructions regarding entry, route, and exit strategies. Be mindful of boat traffic, especially during surface intervals. Divers should be proficient in buoyancy control to avoid damaging the pristine coral ecosystems.

Who it suits — and who it doesn't

FAQ

Rainbow's End FAQ

Liveaboards diving Rainbow's End

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

Nai'a

Fiji

16 guests36.576 m

$547/day