Clown fish city - Vava'u Group

Green Turtle, a quick 20-minute boat ride from the dive centre, often gets overlooked for some of the flashier sites further afield. But that’s a mistake, in our opinion. This spot, with a maximum depth of 22m, is a fantastic, chilled-out dive that we think suits divers who appreciate the smaller details. We love dropping down here, settling onto the sandy patches between the corals, and just observing. You’ll see plenty of butterflyfish flitting about – the Citron and Saddleback are particularly common – but our favourite finds are often nestled a little deeper. Keep an eye out for the Red-streaked Blenny poking its head from sandy holes, or the more reclusive Barred Blenny. We’ve had great luck spotting curious Snakehead Cowries inching their way across the stony coral. Visibility averages around 17m, which is decent enough for macro photography, and we'd suggest bringing a good torch to really bring out the colours of the gorgonians and hydroids. It’s a gentle drift, usually, making it a relaxing dive where you can truly focus on the smaller, often overlooked inhabitants.

Location
Vava'u Group, Tonga, Central & South Pacific
Coordinates
-18.658900, -174.057600

Marine Protected Area: 'Utungake SMA

Best Time to Dive in Vava'u Group

The warmest water temperatures in Vava'u Group occur in January, averaging 27.8°C. The coolest conditions are in December at 27.8°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

  • January: 27.8°C (air: 27.0°C)
  • February: 27.8°C (air: 26.9°C)
  • March: 27.8°C (air: 27.1°C)
  • April: 27.8°C (air: 26.8°C)
  • May: 27.8°C (air: 26.1°C)
  • June: 27.8°C (air: 25.1°C)
  • July: 27.8°C (air: 24.6°C)
  • August: 27.8°C (air: 24.0°C)
  • September: 27.8°C (air: 24.5°C)
  • October: 27.8°C (air: 24.9°C)
  • November: 27.8°C (air: 25.7°C)
  • December: 27.8°C (air: 26.5°C)

Nearby Dive Sites in Vava'u Group

Nearest Dive Centres to Clown fish city

Marine Life in Vava'u Group

Home to 322 recorded species including 300 reef fish, 9 sea cucumbers, 4 sea snails & nudibranchs, 2 sharks & rays, 2 whales & dolphins, 2 hard corals.

Notable Species

Recommended Packing List for Clown fish city

Based on average water temperature of 27.8°C.

  • Shorty or Rashguard - warm 28°C water needs minimal exposure protection
  • Mask - essential for every dive
  • Fins
  • BCD - buoyancy compensator
  • Regulator - your most safety-critical piece of gear
  • Dive Computer - tracks depth, time, and NDL
  • Surface Marker Buoy (SMB) - essential for boat pickups
  • Dive Torch - useful for crevices and colour at depth
  • Underwater Camera - capture your diving memories

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the typical diving depth at Clownfish City?
The maximum diving depth at Clown fish city is 20 meters. While the bay is sheltered, it is surrounded by a deep drop-off, which is great for spotting pelagics. This makes it suitable for divers with various experience levels within recreational limits.
What specific marine life, besides clownfish, can divers expect to see at Clownfish City?
Beyond the "entire circus of clownfish" and their anemone homes, divers at Clown fish city can expect to encounter a diverse array of marine life. You'll find trigger fish, large amounts of coral life, and an abundance of juvenile reef fish. Keep an eye out for macros and nudies, and occasionally, Trevalley and other pelagics following the deep drop-off wall.
How challenging is the 'Clownfish City' dive site for divers of different experience levels?
Clown fish city is classified as an intermediate dive site. Its maximum depth of 20 meters and generally good visibility make it accessible for certified divers. While offering a sheltered bay, the presence of a deep drop-off for pelagics adds to the experience, making it rewarding for those with some prior diving experience.
What is the best time of year to dive 'Clownfish City' for optimal conditions and marine life sightings?
The provided data does not specify the best time of year to dive Clown fish city for optimal conditions or marine life sightings. However, you can generally research the best diving seasons for Tonga to plan your trip. For more general information on dive planning, visit our When to Dive section.
What scuba diving certifications are required or recommended to dive at Clownfish City?
Given that Clown fish city is an intermediate dive site with a maximum depth of 20 meters, a PADI Open Water Diver or equivalent certification is generally required. This certification allows you to dive to 18 meters, which is sufficient for most of the site. For those looking to explore deeper or enhance their skills, an Advanced Open Water certification is always recommended.
What are the typical current and visibility conditions at the Clownfish City dive site?
Divers at Clown fish city can typically expect excellent visibility, averaging around 20 meters. The site features a sheltered bay, which usually implies calmer conditions. However, as it's surrounded by a deep drop-off, there might be varying currents along the wall where pelagics are often found.