Plongée à Sau Bay Fiji Retreat

Sau Bay Resort & Spa is a secluded dive retreat situated on Taveuni, Fiji. Positioned as the closest luxury base to the Rainbow Reef, the centre is accessible only by boat, ensuring a level of privacy and tranquillity that is rare in the region.

Since its establishment in 2012, the centre has operated with a deep commitment to marine conservation. As the first PADI Eco Center in Fiji and a partner in the Adopt-A-Dive-Site initiative, the resort focuses on low-impact, high-quality diving experiences in one of the most nutrient-rich marine environments in the South Pacific.

The centre is led by owners Leo, an oceanographer and PADI Divemaster, and Jeanne, who focus on sustainable tourism and marine preservation. The team is primarily composed of local staff, providing an authentic Fijian welcome to every guest.

The operation is designed for small, intimate groups, ensuring that divers receive focused attention. This approach is particularly beneficial for photographers and those pursuing specialised training in a controlled environment.

The training programme covers the full spectrum of PADI certifications. You can begin with the Open Water Diver course and progress through to Advanced Open Water Diver, as well as specialised training such as the PADI Deep Diver and Wreck Diver courses.

For those looking to professionalise their skills, the centre offers Divemaster training. There is also a strong emphasis on marine science and conservation through PADI AWARE certifications, including Coral Reef Conservation and Shark Conservation, alongside practical skills like Peak Performance Buoyancy and underwater photography.

The centre operates two custom dive boats, each with a maximum capacity of six divers. These vessels allow for small-group excursions to the surrounding reefs and walls, maintaining a quiet and professional atmosphere on the water.

Nitrox is available on board for all boat-based excursions. The boats serve as the primary transport to the Rainbow Reef and The Great White Wall, which are located a short distance from the resort.

The centre is equipped with a modern Nitrox installation, allowing divers to extend their bottom times on the colourful reefs. For those preferring to stay closer to the resort, the healthy house reef is easily accessible for shore dives.

Full equipment hire is available on-site for divers who do not wish to travel with their own kit. This includes regulators, BCDs, and exposure suits, alongside torches for night dives and Blackwater excursions.

The reefs are a riot of colour, dominated by healthy hard corals (Scleractinia) and soft corals (Alcyonacea), including various sea whips and gorgonian fans. You will find a vast array of reef fish, such as angelfish (Pomacanthidae), butterflyfish (Chaetodon), and various species of damselfish (Pomacentridae), alongside large schools of fusiliers (Caesio).

Larger pelagics are a regular feature in the Somosomo Strait, including various sharks (Selachimorpha), whitetip reef sharks (Triaenodon obesus), and manta rays (Mobula alfredi). You may also encounter eagle rays (Aetobatus), trevallies, and Napoleon wrasse (Cheilinus undulatus).

For macro enthusiasts, the area is exceptionally rich. Look for nudibranchs (Chromodoris willani), various species of shrimp (Caridea), cleaner shrimp (Lysmata), and Ornate ghost pipefish (Solenostomus paradoxus). The seabed and reef structures also host moray eels (Muraenidae), octopuses, and various species of scorpionfish (Scorpaenidae).

Humpback whales can be observed in the area from July to September, while spinner dolphins are present throughout the year.

The Somosomo Strait is a high-energy marine environment, and currents can be strong, particularly at sites like The Great White Wall. However, the protected nature of Sau Bay provides calm, zero-current conditions for shore diving and night dives.

Seasonal variations affect the marine environment, with the months from May to November representing the cooler season, while December to April brings warmer water temperatures.