Dive Site: Side Streets

About Side Streets

Side Streets offers a captivating dive experience within the southern lagoon off Viti Levu, distinguished by its complex topography of coral bommies, overhangs, tunnels, and caves. This site is a visual feast, boasting an abundance of massive sea fans and delicate feather stars. Divers can expect to encounter a vibrant array of marine life, from graceful lionfish and curious batfish to impressive schools of jacks navigating the intricate passageways. The unique geological features provide a dynamic environment for exploration, making every dive an adventure into a hidden underwater world. While Fiji's waters maintain warm temperatures year-round, ranging from 25 to 29°C, currents can be significant, influencing visibility and the overall dive experience. The dry season, from May to October, typically offers the best visibility and more predictable currents, ideal for appreciating the site's detailed architecture and diverse coral growth. The wet season, November to April, brings warmer waters and potential for reduced visibility, though it can also attract plankton feeders and macro life. The dive site's intricate layout encourages careful navigation and an appreciation for its rich biodiversity. The presence of large pelagics alongside the macro life and coral formations creates a comprehensive diving experience suitable for those who enjoy exploration and discovery. Its location within a broader region known for world-class diving means it's often part of itineraries that combine various reef types and marine encounters.

Dive site facts: Side Streets

Depth

8–22 m

Current

Can be strong

Visibility

20–40 m, best in dry season

Water temperature

25–29°C

Entry

Boat

Level

Intermediate

Dive type

Reef, cavern, drift

Region / port

Viti Levu, Southern Lagoon

Coordinates

-18.26, 177.94

Conditions & Currents

Side Streets, like many sites in Fiji, can experience significant currents and serious tidal changes, necessitating careful dive planning. While specific current details for this site are not extensively documented, Fiji's major-league currents often provide a steady flow of nutrient-rich water, which in turn supports vibrant coral growth and diverse marine life. Divers should be prepared for varying current strengths, which can influence entry and exit strategies, gas consumption, and the overall dive profile. Visibility can also be affected by these currents and tidal movements, especially around river mouths during the wet season.

Marine life & sighting chances

Sea fan

common

Feather star

common

Lionfish

occasional

Batfish

occasional

Jacks

common

Blue ribbon eel

occasional

Nudibranch

November-April · occasional

Mantis shrimp

November-April · occasional

Green turtle

occasional

White-tip reef shark

occasional

Dive profile & how the dive runs

A typical dive at Side Streets begins with a descent into the southern lagoon, navigating the intricate coral bommies and overhangs that define the site. The route often involves exploring a series of tunnels and small caves, requiring good buoyancy control to avoid damaging the delicate hard and soft corals. Divers typically follow the natural contours of the reef, moving through the 'streets' formed by the coral structures. Depths can vary significantly as you traverse the bommies and overhangs, ranging from shallower coral gardens to deeper sections along the walls. The dive progresses as you encounter large sea fans and feather stars, with guides often pointing out camouflaged lionfish or schools of jacks. The turn point is usually dictated by air consumption and current, with the ascent often made along a coral wall, allowing for a safety stop amidst colorful reef fish.

Underwater photography

Side Streets offers excellent opportunities for both wide-angle and macro photography due to its diverse topography and marine life. For capturing the expansive coral bommies, overhangs, and schooling fish, a wide-angle lens is ideal. Use external strobes to illuminate the vibrant soft corals and bring out their true colors, especially within the shaded tunnels and caves. For smaller subjects like nudibranchs or the intricate details of sea fans and feather stars, a macro lens is essential. Buoyancy control is paramount when navigating the tight spaces and delicate coral formations to avoid accidental contact. Patience and a keen eye are rewarded, as many creatures are well-camouflaged within the reef's complex structure.

Combine with nearby dive sites

• Beqa Lagoon

  Famous for shark diving, accessible from Viti Levu

• Nigali Passage

  Known for sharks, barracuda, and bumphead wrasse; best dived at low tide

• Kansas

  A bommie covered in Sinularia coral resembling wheat fields

• E6

  A pinnacle with a horseshoe-shaped coral cavern, known for colorful reefs and possible hammerhead sightings

• Maytag

  Characterized by potentially turbulent currents, vibrant soft corals, and gray reef sharks

Getting there & logistics

Access to Side Streets is typically arranged through dive operators based in Pacific Harbour on the southern coast of Viti Levu. Most international flights arrive at Nadi International Airport (NAN), from where transfers to Pacific Harbour can be arranged, usually involving a scenic drive. Dive trips often consist of daily two or three-tank excursions. Liveaboards exploring the Bligh Water and Lomaiviti group might also include dives in the Viti Levu area, offering a broader experience of Fiji's diverse dive sites over a multi-day itinerary. Booking in advance, especially during the dry season, is highly recommended.

Safety & environment

Diving at Side Streets requires adherence to standard dive safety protocols, including maintaining excellent buoyancy control due to the intricate coral formations and potential for currents. Divers should always carry a safety sausage, particularly given Fiji's significant currents and tidal changes. The nearest recompression chamber is located in Suva, on Viti Levu. Evacuation in case of a serious medical emergency would involve transportation to Suva, followed by potential international medical evacuation, underscoring the importance of comprehensive dive insurance. Divers should listen carefully to guide briefings regarding current conditions and site-specific hazards.

Who it suits — and who it doesn't

FAQ

Side Streets FAQ

Liveaboards diving Side Streets

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

Nai'a

Fiji

16 guests36.576 m

$547/day