Annies Bommie – Taveuni and Somosomo Strait

Site Overview

Annies Bommie is a stunning coral-covered bommie in the Somosomo Strait that rises from the sandy floor to within 5 metres of the surface, its entire surface draped in soft corals and massive gorgonian sea fans that create one of the most photogenic reef structures in the Taveuni area. The bommie is a single large coral head approximately 15 metres in diameter, its vertical walls and summit covered in a thick carpet of soft corals in shades of orange, pink, purple, and yellow that pulse rhythmically with the moderate current. Massive gorgonian sea fans extend from the bommie walls like delicate fans, some exceeding one metre in diameter, their intricate lattice patterns creating dramatic silhouettes against the blue water. Dense clouds of anthias in brilliant orange and yellow surround the bommie, their constant movement creating a shimmering veil of colour that parts as divers approach. Clownfish tend their anemone homes on the summit of the bommie, their bright orange and white patterns standing out against the green and brown coral backdrop. Ribbon eels are a special feature of the site, their vivid blue and yellow colouration and distinctive flared nostrils making them prized subjects for macro photography. Multiple ribbon eels occupy crevices throughout the bommie, their heads extended to monitor passing prey. The bommie sits on a sandy floor that provides a clear vantage point for wide-angle photography, allowing photographers to capture the entire structure with its coral covering and surrounding fish clouds. The current flows around the bommie, creating upwellings on the upstream side that concentrate plankton and attract the anthias and other planktivorous fish.