Always Cool is exactly that, reliably unruffled by conditions elsewhere in the Somosomo. We’ve found it’s a brilliant alternative when the current is ripping through the bigger passages. It’s a site built around ten distinct coral heads, a jumble of hard and soft corals. We’re talking big brain corals, some elegant staghorn, and those delicate fluorescence grass corals that really pop under a dive light.
Maxing out around 19m, we think the sweet spot is really above 18m. That’s where the light still penetrates well, showing off the vibrant blues of Ternate chromis and the subtle hues of honeycombs. The sea fans here are enormous, and a few small swim-throughs make for fun exploration. At night, it transforms. We’ve seen a lot of activity after dark, nudibranchs out in force, anemones alive with crustaceans, and if you sweep your light into the blue, sometimes a reef shark cruising by. It’s a great choice for divers looking for a more relaxed pace, an excellent night dive, or simply a calm, colorful reef with plenty to find in the cracks and crevices. Expect to see lots of pipefish, some scissortail sergeants, and maybe a small giant clam if you look closely.
Location
Taveuni & Somosomo Strait, Fiji, Central & South Pacific
What is the typical depth range for diving at the 'Always Cool' dive site in Fiji?
The 'Always Cool' dive site begins at 5m/15' and drops to approximately 21m/70'. However, it is best dived around 18m/60' and above, with a maximum depth of 19m. This makes it an ideal spot for divers comfortable with moderate depths in Fiji's Taveuni region.
What kind of marine life and coral formations can divers expect to see at 'Always Cool'?
Divers at 'Always Cool' can expect to explore a vibrant reef featuring 10 coral heads heavily covered with both soft and hard corals, along with sea fans and a few swim-throughs. The site is teeming with diverse marine life, including nudibranchs, anemones, crustaceans, reef sharks, moray eels, and schooling fish if you look out into the blue.
How challenging is the 'Always Cool' dive site, especially considering its swim-throughs and potential for night diving?
The 'Always Cool' dive site is rated as intermediate difficulty. While it features a few swim-throughs, which require good buoyancy control, it is also described as a "great night dive," suggesting it's manageable for experienced divers. Divers should be comfortable with navigating confined spaces and low-light conditions if attempting a night dive.
What is the best time of year or day to dive 'Always Cool' for optimal conditions and marine encounters?
The 'Always Cool' dive site can be dived at any time, offering great flexibility for divers. It is specifically highlighted as a "great night dive," providing unique opportunities to observe nocturnal marine life. For encounters with schooling fish, divers should look out into the blue during their dive, regardless of the time of day. For more general information, check our When to Dive guide.
Are there any specific diving certifications required or highly recommended for 'Always Cool' due to its characteristics?
Given its intermediate difficulty rating, 'Always Cool' is suitable for certified open water divers with some experience. For those interested in exploring the swim-throughs or experiencing the "great night dive," advanced certifications like Advanced Open Water or a Night Diver Specialty would be highly recommended to enhance safety and enjoyment. The maximum depth of 19m is well within standard recreational limits.
What are the typical current conditions and visibility like at the 'Always Cool' dive site?
The 'Always Cool' dive site typically offers an average visibility of 12 meters, providing good conditions for observing the rich coral formations and marine life. The provided data does not specify typical current conditions, so divers should consult local dive operators for real-time updates before their dive.