Fiji Trip Report – October 9-19, 2024
With trip leaders Nirupam Nigam and Todd Kortte
Nirupam’s Photo Gear: Sony A6700 in an Ikelite A6700 housing with dual Ikelite DS 230 strobes, a Fantasea UWL-09F wide angle lens, and the Sony 16-50mm PZ kit lens. Sony A7C II in an Ikelite A7C II housing with dual Ikelite DS230 strobes, the Canon 8-15mm fisheye lens and Sigma MC-11 Adapter
Nirupam’s Dive Gear: Mares Bolt BCD, Mares Avanti Quattro Fins, Bare 5mm wetsuit
The waters of Fiji are nothing short of prismatic. Nowhere else on this planet can you find such a kaleidoscope of color when sunlight passes through the South Pacific. The rainbow of hues is not an optical illusion but a vibrant reefscape, full of soft corals and sweeping schools of fish.
A Fijian reefscene by Young Feng
In Fiji, a confluence of currents brings life-sustaining nutrients, resulting in some of the most mesmerizing reefs we have encountered in our years of leading Travel with Bluewater trips. And with the healthy reefs come large predators of the deep – sharks! Most importantly, the currents bring incredible underwater experiences.
A Kaleidoscope of Life by Milada Copeland
This October, 25 intrepid divers, photographers, and videographers joined me and GoPro expert Todd Kortte for our Bligh Waters and Beqa Lagoon photo and GoPro workshop. We traveled the full circumference of Viti Levu, Fiji’s largest island, and explored everything the destination had to offer.
The full Bluewater Travel Photo & GoPro Workshop Group
The Shark Capital of the South Pacific at Waidroka Bay Resort and Beqa Lagoon
We began our journey at the unassuming yet charming Waidroka Bay Resort on the southern edge of Viti Levu. The staff greeted us with genuine warmth, which continued throughout the trip. After settling into the rhythm of island life, we prepared for our first dive and were ready to enter the 79°F water.
A bull shark swims in Beqa Lagoon by Lisa Perla
Visiting the Reefs
Our first immersion in the South Pacific was a mix of reef exploration and a dive at Seven Sisters—a series of pinnacles surrounding a beautiful shipwreck. The wreck, cloaked in anthias and hard corals, captivated macro photographers who focused on minuscule nudibranchs while wide-angle photographers captured the formidable silhouettes of the wreck's structure against the deep blue.
For another great macro diving destination, check out diving in Anilao!
Corals on the shipwreck at Seven Sisters by Carol Strachan
Shark “infested” Waters
The real pulse of Beqa Lagoon is the formidable population of sharks that inhabit its waters. The sharks are attracted by bait, so dives are tightly controlled by guides who ensure safety with large sticks to keep curious critters at bay. For two days (four dives), our group had the privilege of witnessing the power and grace of bull sharks, along with the comical overtones of nurse sharks. Occasionally, lemon sharks would pass by, their snouts adorned with yellow pilot fish. At the end of each dive, we ascended toward a shipwreck painted in the orange and pink hues of anthias—a visual treat before resurfacing.
A bull shark in Beqa Lagoon swims by photographer Robert French
Between dives, we lounged on a pristine beach, with azure waters gently lapping at the shore.
A picturesque surface interval at the beach by Nirupam Nigam
Upon our final day of shark diving, we packed our bags and embarked on a scenic (and bumpy) ride north to the colorful Bligh Waters near VoliVoli Beach Resort.
Sharks Galore by Daniel Guerrero
The Legendary Bligh Waters at VoliVoli Beach Resort
Perched on the northern coast of Viti Levu, VoliVoli Beach Resort is a luxurious anomaly in a rather rustic country. The resort ranks among the higher-end accommodations in Fiji, with excellent culinary options and ample space.
Incredible soft coral colors captured by a GoPro by Jose Bernardo Lim
But the highlight of the area is undoubtedly the Bligh Waters—a diver’s playground where soft corals flourish, opening and swaying in vibrant waves of yellow, purple, and orange. These colors are enhanced by the strong currents of the narrow channels and shallow reefs, intensified further by the moon.
An incredibly colorful wall and trevally photographed by Eliel Alfon
Color Beyond Color
The check-out dives at VoliVoli helped us acclimate to the complex maze of corals and colors. However, the true glory lay beyond, in the Bligh Waters—often gated by strong winds and waves. Fortunately, we were able to dive in the Bligh Waters almost every day. Each day was packed with highlights at famous dive sites like Yellow Mellow, Black Magic Mountain, Mount Mutiny, and E-6. These sites, with their deep pinnacles and drop-offs, tested even seasoned divers. After a lecture on diving in currents, many found resting spots amid bursts of fin kicks, capturing stunning photos of anthias that filled the water like a living rainbow. Soft corals, nourished by nutrient-rich currents, glowed under strobe light in colors that are impossible to fully convey in photos.
Yellow damselfish in the coral photographed by Lynn Gastia
The Workshop Experience: From Cameras to Creativity
A selection of GoPro Video footage from Bluewater Travel's GoPro Video Workshop by Todd Kortte & guests
Our evenings were filled with activity. Todd’s GoPro workshops attracted both beginners and seasoned pros, eager to maximize their small yet powerful cameras. Meanwhile, I led photography sessions focusing on macro techniques, mastering wide-angle shots in current-heavy environments, and reading light. Image reviews highlighted progress and showcased standout shots.
Eliel’s photo of a split-shot reef scene won this year’s post-workshop photo competition!
Beginning with GoPro – Tips, Tricks, and Workshop Perspectives by Todd Kortte
Fiji is a paradise for underwater video—shallow reefs, excellent visibility, and ideal ambient light make it perfect for capturing stunning footage. The abundance of anthias along the reef edges was a particular highlight. Many divers left with more video content than they expected, deleting clips they would normally keep to manage storage and editing time.
Robert French enjoys the colorful reefs of the Bligh Waters
One thing I really enjoyed on this trip was watching the progress everyone made from the first day of the trip to the last. The progress was incredible. Every day produced better results. Every diver improved in creating video content every day. It was incredible to watch. I hold an image review at night so we can see what kind of shots are working and what kind of shots are not working. We discuss the dive conditions, types of shots, weather conditions, ambient light, shadows, what life to shoot, what angles and camera movements are working, and what is producing the best results. Seeing video shots that work is an important part of these workshops. It helps us all find that shot underwater on the next dive, try to reproduce the results, and explore and discover new possibilities. Having the speed of seeing these results, propels the overall outcome that the entire group benefits from. You will learn more in one of these workshops then several trips on your own.
Wrasse are easy to photograph when you tap the sand with your finger! Photo by Nirupam Nigam
Watching everyone’s progress was a highlight for me. From day one to the final dive, improvement was remarkable, with better content produced each day. Each evening’s image reviews helped refine techniques, focusing on what worked and what didn’t based on dive conditions, ambient light, and subjects.
The fly-thru and aquarium shots were particularly impressive in Fiji. The sheer volume of anthias along the coral edges and clear waters created an unparalleled backdrop. Crystal-clear water and perfect ambient sunlight combined to produce mesmerizing video sequences.
Controlling underwater lighting with the Ikelite DS230 strobes.
I also emphasize the importance of understanding ambient light, which determines shot selection. Factors like sunlight direction and visibility guide choices, helping divers decide whether to use natural light or video lights. Effective use of video lighting enhances color accuracy and professionalism in underwater footage.
Don’t forget about the GoPro QR codes I created. The QR codes have all the underwater camera settings you need. Just point the camera at the QR code and you are all set. Concentrate on your dive, not your settings. Combine the shots list with the QR code and you are off and running.
Unimaginable levels of life
Challenges and Triumphs
There isn’t a trip that doesn’t have its challenges! Fiji’s currents may seem daunting – especially when driven by a full moon. But coral bommies were bursting with life and fish. A few divers admitted they craved even more current to capture colorful, dynamic shots.
Equipment issues became part of the narrative as well. Thankfully we had our “trip leader box” full of spare equipment at our disposal! A few missing strobes and strobe failures meant that divers needed to adapt and play with single strobe lighting. We even managed to salvage a camera from a minor housing flood, and a collective sigh of relief filled the room when it powered up again.
The landscape of Rakiraki
Culture Beyond the Reef: Rakiraki and More
Not every Fijiian moment is spent in fins and a wetsuit. Some of us took to land for a day to explore Rakiraki and its mix of historical sites including a cannibal’s grave and an abandoned sugar plantation. At Waidroka, we participated in hands-on cultural activities—learning to make coconut oil and weave baskets and experiencing a traditional kava ceremony. The kava’s numbing effects were a prelude to a restful sleep.
Vibrant coral reef teeming with life
Final Impressions of the Magnificent Waters of Fiji
Diving in Fiji deepened my love for the ocean and its breathtaking palette of colors. My biggest tip is to come prepared—both mentally and physically. The currents can be fierce, but they breathe life into the reef. Invest in powerful lighting and sturdy fins and embrace the unexpected.
Our trip ended with a communal beachside lovo dinner and an aroma of smoked meat mingling with salt air. As I looked around at the faces of friends, old and new, I knew we had experienced more than just a workshop. We had shared an adventure, one that would pull at us to return, to dive deeper, and to discover more.
A well-earned beer after a hard week of diving
Learn about our last trip to Fiji.
Recommended Scuba Gear
- 3mm wetsuit. Browse Wetsuits at Bluewater Photo
- SMB. The Mares Dive Marker Buoy is our choice!
- Skins. Check out these sharkskins.
- Snorkel gear. We recommend the Cressi ZS1 & Corsica Snorkeling Package
- Travel BCD. Read our Best Travel BCD Article
- Travel regulator. We suggest Mares Ultra 62X Dive Regulator
