Dive Site: Sailstone

About Sailstone

Sailstone Reef, located in Fiji's Bligh Water region, offers an exceptional dive experience characterized by its stunning coral diversity and abundant marine life. This area is celebrated for some of the South Pacific's richest and most colourful reefs, a stark contrast to Lieutenant William Bligh's hurried passage in 1789. The reef is easily accessible from Rakiraki, serving as a primary dive destination for local resorts. Diving at Sailstone reveals a topography of large coral heads that ascend from depths of 25 meters to as shallow as 6 meters. These structures are adorned with a breathtaking array of gorgonians, spiky soft corals, sponges, ascidians, whip corals, and black coral trees, creating an intense spectacle of color. Channels within the reef system can introduce varying current strengths, adding an element of dynamic drift to some sections of the dive. While the Bligh Water is generally known for its strong, unpredictable currents, areas closer to shore, like Sailstone Reef, typically experience more benign surface conditions and minimal current, making them suitable for a broader range of divers. Visibility can fluctuate, sometimes affected by heavy rains, but generally offers clear viewing of the vibrant coral gardens and the myriad species inhabiting them. The dry season, from May to October, usually brings the best visibility and more predictable currents. The marine ecosystem here is thriving, featuring dense schools of basslets, damsels, and fusiliers, alongside an impressive array of macro subjects such as nudibranchs, gobies, and commensal shrimps. Unique sightings like ghost pipefish further enrich the dive experience. Sailstone Reef truly encapsulates the vibrant essence of Fijian diving, combining healthy coral ecosystems with plentiful and diverse marine inhabitants.

Dive site facts: Sailstone

Depth

6–25 m

Typical dive

12–25 m, 50–60 min

Current

Mild to moderate, potentially strong in channels

Visibility

10–40 m

Water temperature

24–29°C (76–84°F)

Entry

Boat / tender

Level

Open Water Diver, current experience beneficial

Dive type

Reef, macro, wide-angle

Night dive

Possible

Region / port

Bligh Water, Rakiraki

Coordinates

-16.75, 177.4

Conditions & Currents

Currents at Sailstone Reef can vary significantly, ranging from minimal in sheltered areas closer to shore to potentially strong within the reef's channels. Dive guides typically plan routes to utilize or avoid stronger currents, often by initiating dives behind the main reef structures. Divers should be prepared for drift diving conditions and maintain good buoyancy control, especially when navigating through channels where currents can intensify rapidly. While the Bligh Water region is famous for chaotic water conditions and strong ocean currents, Sailstone Reef, being closer to the resort, often provides more benign conditions. Visibility can fluctuate, with heavy rains potentially reducing it to below 10 meters, though it frequently exceeds 30 meters during the dry season. Surface conditions are generally benevolent near the reef, but divers should be mindful of the potential for str

Marine life & sighting chances

Basslet

Year-round · common

Damsel (Damselfish)

Year-round · common

Fusilier

Year-round · common

Angelfish

Year-round · occasional

Anemonefish

Year-round · common

Anthias

Year-round · common

Frogfish

Year-round · occasional

Hawkfish

Year-round · occasional

Moray eel

Year-round · occasional

Ghost pipefish

Year-round · occasional

Nudibranch

Year-round · common

Goby

Year-round · common

Commensal shrimp

Year-round · occasional

Dive profile & how the dive runs

Dives at Sailstone Reef typically begin with a boat entry behind the main reef to avoid stronger surface currents. The route usually follows a series of large coral heads, descending to depths of 25 meters. Divers navigate through channels between these formations, observing the rich soft coral growth on the walls. Macro life such as nudibranchs and gobies can be found in abundance on the reef flats and slopes. The dive progresses along the colorful coral gardens, where schools of basslets and fusiliers are common. Turnaround is often dictated by air consumption or current direction, with a gradual ascent to shallower sections around 6 meters for a prolonged safety stop, allowing for observation of reef fish and continued enjoyment of the vibrant corals.

Underwater photography

Sailstone Reef is a photographer's dream, offering both wide-angle opportunities with its sprawling soft coral gardens and dramatic coral heads, as well as excellent macro subjects. For wide-angle shots, especially during the dry season (May to October) when visibility is at its peak and sunlight penetrates deeper, use strobes to bring out the fluorescent hues of the corals. Subjects like gorgonians, whip corals, and the dense schools of reef fish are perfect for capturing the reef's grandeur. When focusing on macro, switch to a dedicated macro lens to highlight the intricate details of nudibranchs, gobies, commensal shrimps, and the occasional ghost pipefish found within the coral formations. Buoyancy control is paramount to avoid disturbing delicate corals and to achieve clear, focused shots. Be mindful of currents when framing your shots, particularly in channels, and always respect marine life by maintaining a respectful distance.

Combine with nearby dive sites

• Golden Dream

  A series of large coral heads with diverse corals and macro subjects.

• Yellow Mellow Reef

  Known for vibrant soft corals and clear visibility during optimal conditions.

• E6

  A pinnacle in Bligh Water swarming with pelagic species.

• Instant Replay

  Offers dynamic currents and abundant reef fish action.

Getting there & logistics

Access to Sailstone Reef primarily involves flying into Nadi International Airport (NAN) on Viti Levu, Fiji's main island. From Nadi, Rakiraki, the nearest town to the dive sites in Bligh Water, is approximately a 2.5-hour drive, with resorts often providing airport shuttle services. Divers typically stay at land-based resorts in the Rakiraki area, such as Wananavu Beach Resort or Volivoli Beach Resort, which offer daily dive excursions to Sailstone and other Bligh Water sites. Liveaboards like the Nai'a also visit the Bligh Water region, offering longer itineraries of 7-10 days, though these are more geared towards experienced divers and underwater photographers. Dive packages generally include accommodations, meals, transfers, and multiple daily dives. Marine park fees are often handled by the dive operators.

Safety & environment

Diving at Sailstone Reef requires adherence to standard safety protocols and awareness of local conditions. The nearest recompression chamber is located in Suva, requiring potential evacuation from Rakiraki, which can be time-consuming depending on local transport availability. Therefore, comprehensive dive insurance covering medical emergencies and evacuation is strongly recommended. Site-specific hazards include potentially strong and unpredictable currents, especially in deeper channels. Divers should always follow their guide's instructions, maintain excellent buoyancy control, and stay within comfortable limits. Proper gas planning is essential, considering the potential for current-induced exertion. Ensure all gear is well-maintained and perform thorough buddy checks before each dive. While generally safe, the dynamic nature of Bligh Water necessitates a cautious and prepared approach to diving.

Who it suits — and who it doesn't

FAQ

Sailstone FAQ

Liveaboards diving Sailstone

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

Nai'a

Fiji

16 guests36.576 m

$547/day