Dive Site: Whole Shebang

About Whole Shebang

The Whole Shebang is a vibrant dive site located in Fiji's Bligh Waters, renowned for its colorful marine life and dynamic underwater topography. This site is especially celebrated for its stunning Chironephthya corals, which display a dazzling array of yellow, orange, pink, and purple hues, often growing side-by-side. The topography includes extensive coral formations and is home to a rich variety of tropical fish, alongside impressive soft coral trees. It forms part of the region known for its healthy reefs and abundant marine life. Diving at The Whole Shebang offers encounters with a diverse ecosystem. While the focus is heavily on the spectacular soft corals, the site thrives with countless anthias and fusiliers that form the heartbeat of the reef. Given the dynamic waters of the Bligh region, strong currents are common, positively affecting visibility by bringing in clear, nutrient-rich water. These currents also facilitate the growth of the spectacular soft corals, making for an exhilarating drift dive experience. This site is best explored by intermediate to advanced divers comfortable with currents, typically as part of a liveaboard itinerary. Dives are generally conducted from skiffs, allowing easy access to the dive site shortly after suiting up. The currents contribute to excellent visibility, allowing divers to fully appreciate the vivid colors and diverse inhabitants of this spectacular coral garden, including potential encounters with larger pelagic species or interesting macro life, although the corals themselves are the main draw.

Dive site facts: Whole Shebang

Depth

5–30 m

Current

Variable, can be vigorous

Visibility

20–40 m, best in dry season

Water temperature

25–29°C

Entry

Tender boat

Level

Intermediate recommended, current experience helpful

Dive type

Reef, drift, coral gardens

Region / port

Bligh Waters, Viti Levu

Coordinates

-17.105, 179.095

Conditions & Currents

Currents at Whole Shebang can be variable, ranging from gentle to occasionally vigorous, which is characteristic of the Bligh Water region. These currents are crucial for the health and vibrancy of the soft coral ecosystems, delivering nutrients that sustain the abundant marine life. Divers should be prepared for potential drift diving conditions, where understanding the current direction and exit plans is essential. Entry is typically via tender boat, with divers often dropping in upstream to drift along the reef. Visibility can be excellent, though it may fluctuate with plankton blooms, which in turn attract filter feeders. Staying streamlined and managing air consumption are important considerations due to the dynamic water movement.

Marine life & sighting chances

Hard corals

common

Soft corals

common

Reef fish (general)

common

Barracuda

occasional

Sharks (various species)

occasional

Anemonefish

common

Nudibranchs

occasional

Wrasse (slingjaw)

occasional

Damselfish (golden)

common

Moorish idol

occasional

Angelfish (regal)

occasional

Dive profile & how the dive runs

Diving at Whole Shebang typically begins with a tender drop, often upstream, to allow divers to drift along the reef with the prevailing currents. The initial descent leads to diverse reef structures, where hard coral gardens and intricate swim-throughs are prominent. Divers will navigate these coral formations, observing the vibrant reef life within. The depth profile usually ranges, allowing exploration of both deeper soft coral sections and shallower, sunlit hard coral zones. As the dive progresses, the current assists in covering a significant portion of the site. Turnaround is often dictated by air consumption or bottom time, with the safety stop conducted in the vibrant shallows, providing an opportunity for extended viewing of reef fish. Exit is usually via tender pick-up, following the drift.

Underwater photography

Whole Shebang offers excellent opportunities for both wide-angle and macro photography due to its diverse coral landscapes and rich critter life. For wide-angle shots, consider using a dome port to capture the expansive hard coral gardens and impressive soft coral formations, especially when currents are active and corals are fully extended. Utilizing strobes is essential to bring out the true colors of the corals and reef fish, particularly in deeper sections or during overcast conditions. For macro enthusiasts, a dedicated macro lens will allow you to focus on the intricate details of nudibranchs and smaller reef inhabitants found within the coral structures. Maintaining excellent buoyancy is crucial when navigating the delicate swim-throughs and coral formations, ensuring no damage to the reef or disturbance to marine life. Be mindful of subject etiquette, approaching marine life slowly and avoiding aggressive pursuit.

Combine with nearby dive sites

• Mellow Yellow

  Known for its stunning yellow soft coral and abundant golden damselfish.

• Coral Corner

  Features walls covered in vibrant soft corals and occasional pelagic sightings.

• E6

  A seamount with dramatic walls, the Cathedral swim-through, and diverse coral growth.

• Mount Mutiny

  A pinnacle known for its Rainbow Wall adorned with colorful Chironepthya corals.

• Alacrity Shoal

  Characterized by thriving hard corals and excellent fish diversity.

Getting there & logistics

Access to Whole Shebang is primarily via liveaboard trips operating out of Fiji, typically from ports on Viti Levu. Nadi International Airport (NAN) is the main point of entry into Fiji, followed by a transfer to the liveaboard departure point. Liveaboard itineraries exploring the Bligh Water region often last 7 to 10 days, allowing for multiple dives at this site and its renowned neighbors. While specific park fees for Whole Shebang may be covered by your liveaboard operator, it's wise to inquire about any additional conservation fees, as some protected areas in Fiji require them. The site is usually integrated into a broader itinerary that includes other premier Bligh Water and Vatu-i-Ra Marine Reserve dive locations.

Safety & environment

Diving at Whole Shebang requires careful attention to safety due to variable currents, making a thorough dive briefing essential. Divers should always carry a surface marker buoy (SMB) for drift dives and be proficient in deploying it. It is strongly recommended to have dive accident insurance that covers emergency evacuation and recompression, as the nearest recompression chamber is located in Suva, Viti Levu. Evacuation from remote Bligh Water sites can be time-consuming, involving tender boats and potentially longer transfers to medical facilities. Adhere to all dive guide instructions, maintain buddy contact, and respect depth and no-decompression limits. Avoid touching corals or marine life to preserve the delicate ecosystem.

Who it suits — and who it doesn't

FAQ

Whole Shebang FAQ

Liveaboards diving Whole Shebang

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

Nai'a

Fiji

16 guests36.576 m

$547/day