Dive Site: Blue Ribbon Eel Reef

About Blue Ribbon Eel Reef

Blue Ribbon Eel Reef is a renowned dive site nestled within Fiji's Somosomo Strait, an area celebrated globally for its spectacular soft corals and diverse marine ecosystems. This strait, separating Taveuni and Vanua Levu islands, is frequently referred to as "good water" due to its swift tidal currents, which act as a vital conveyor belt for nutrients. These currents nourish an astonishing array of marine life, from vibrant soft corals to a multitude of fish species and elusive creatures like sea slugs and manta rays. The site exemplifies the rich biodiversity of the Rainbow Reef complex, an underwater wonderland Jacques Cousteau famously dubbed the "soft coral capital of the world." The reef's topography supports a rich variety of habitats, ranging from coral bommies and rubble areas to shallow reef tops. Depths typically range from 12 to 18 meters, making it accessible for various dive levels. While the entire Rainbow Reef is famous for its soft corals, Blue Ribbon Eel Reef particularly shines for its namesake inhabitants and other macro subjects. Diving here offers an exceptional opportunity to encounter specialized species. Beyond the striking blue ribbon eels, you can expect to find fascinating leaf scorpionfish in various color morphs and vibrant palette surgeonfish in the shallower areas. The currents, though dynamic, contribute significantly to the health and vibrancy of the reef, ensuring a constant supply of nutrients that sustain the dense coral gardens and the prolific fish life. Accessibility to Blue Ribbon Eel Reef is convenient, with many dive operators from Taveuni, particularly resorts like Garden Island Resort, offering short boat trips to the site. Dives are often planned in conjunction with nearby sites like Jerry's Jelly, allowing photographers and divers to experience both wide-angle soft coral spectacles and detailed macro opportunities within a single outing.

Dive site facts: Blue Ribbon Eel Reef

Depth

12–18 m

Typical dive

12–18 m, 50–60 min

Current

Mild to strong, tide-dependent

Visibility

20–40 m

Water temperature

25–29°C

Entry

Boat / drift

Level

Intermediate recommended, current experience helpful

Dive type

Reef, macro, drift

Night dive

Possible

Region / port

Somosomo Strait, Taveuni

Coordinates

-16.7833, 179.3333

Conditions & Currents

Currents in the Somosomo Strait, where Blue Ribbon Eel Reef is located, are a defining characteristic, often described as swift tidal flows. These currents play a crucial role in nourishing the extensive soft coral gardens and attracting diverse marine life. Dive operators carefully plan expeditions around these conditions, often aiming for specific tidal states to ensure safe and comfortable diving. While generally predictable, divers should be prepared for varying current strengths, which can range from mild drifts to stronger flows, necessitating good buoyancy control and experience in current diving. Visibility remains excellent during the dry season, despite the plankton-rich waters that feed the ecosystem.

Marine life & sighting chances

Blue ribbon eel

common

Leaf scorpionfish

occasional

Palette surgeonfish

common

Scalefin anthias

common

Snapper

common

Fusilier

common

Barracuda

occasional

Soft coral

common

Sea fan

common

Crinoid

common

Moray eel

occasional

Clownfish

common

Dive profile & how the dive runs

Diving at Blue Ribbon Eel Reef typically begins with a boat drop into the vibrant currents of the Somosomo Strait. The dive often starts by exploring the coral bombies and reef structures at depths around 12 to 18 meters, where the namesake blue ribbon eels can be found in the rubble and crevices. Divers will drift along the reef, observing the dense soft coral gardens and looking for macro life such as leaf scorpionfish camouflaged among cauliflower or staghorn corals. The route often progresses to shallower reef tops, where palette surgeonfish and other colorful reef fish are abundant. Safety stops are conducted in the calmer, shallower sections of the reef, allowing divers to enjoy the bustling ecosystem before surfacing.

Underwater photography

Blue Ribbon Eel Reef offers exceptional opportunities for both macro and wide-angle photography, often requiring divers to carry both rigs or combine their dive with a nearby site like Jerry's Jelly. For macro subjects, a 100mm lens is ideal for capturing portraits of the elusive blue ribbon eels and the intricate details of leaf scorpionfish. Utilize snoots or focused lighting to highlight these often-camouflaged creatures. For wide-angle shots, especially when combined with areas known for soft corals, a 15mm fisheye lens is recommended to capture the expansive, colorful reefscapes. Good buoyancy control is crucial given the currents, allowing photographers to stabilize and compose shots without disturbing the delicate coral or marine life.

Combine with nearby dive sites

• Jerry's Jelly

  Often combined with Blue Ribbon Eel Reef for a diverse two-tank dive, known for large coral mounds and soft corals.

• Great White Wall

  A world-renowned wall dive, famous for its dense white soft corals, accessible in the same strait.

• Rainbow Reef

  The broader reef system encompassing Blue Ribbon Eel Reef, offering numerous dive sites with vibrant soft corals.

• Annie's Bommie

  Another site within the Rainbow Reef, known for its coral bommies and fish life.

• Jack's Place

  Part of the Rainbow Reef, offering diverse coral formations and reef inhabitants.

• Cabbage Patch

  A shallow reef site known for extensive cabbage coral formations.

Getting there & logistics

Access to Blue Ribbon Eel Reef is typically from Taveuni Island. Divers usually fly into Nadi International Airport (NAN) on Viti Levu, then take a domestic flight to Matei Airport (TVU) on Taveuni. Many resorts on Taveuni, such as Garden Island Resort, offer daily boat trips to the Rainbow Reef complex, which includes Blue Ribbon Eel Reef. Dive packages often span 7 to 10 nights, including multiple two-tank boat dives. These trips frequently combine dives at Blue Ribbon Eel Reef with other nearby sites in the Somosomo Strait, such as Jerry's Jelly or the Great White Wall, depending on current and weather conditions. Local marine park fees are usually handled by dive operators.

Safety & environment

While diving in Fiji is generally safe, it is crucial to carry personal dive insurance covering emergency medical treatment and evacuation, as the nearest recompression chamber is in Auckland, New Zealand. Dive operations in the Somosomo Strait are highly dependent on currents, so always follow your guide's instructions regarding entry points, dive profiles, and safety procedures. Maintain excellent buoyancy control to avoid contact with delicate corals and marine life, particularly in areas with strong currents or when photographing macro subjects. Be aware of boat traffic when surfacing and deploy a surface marker buoy. Always conduct a thorough buddy check and ensure your equipment is in good working order before each dive.

Who it suits — and who it doesn't

FAQ

Blue Ribbon Eel Reef FAQ

Liveaboards diving Blue Ribbon Eel Reef

These liveaboards may visit Blue Ribbon Eel Reef on selected itineraries — the exact dive sites depend on departure, weather and conditions.

Nai'a

Fiji

16 guests36.576 m

$547/day