E-6 – Bligh Water and Vatu-i-Ra Passage

Site Overview

E-6 is a stunning coral bommie in Bligh Water that showcases an extraordinary mix of hard and soft corals, thousands of anthias, and regular visits from turtles and eagle rays in one of the most photogenic reef structures in the Vatu-i-Ra Passage. The bommie rises from a sandy floor at approximately 25 metres to within 5 metres of the surface, its entire surface covered in a dense carpet of mixed coral growth that creates a visually spectacular underwater landscape. Hard corals including table corals and staghorn thickets provide structural complexity, while soft corals in shades of orange, pink, and purple add vivid colour to the reef surface. Thousands of anthias in brilliant orange and yellow surround the bommie like a living cloud, their constant movement creating a shimmering veil of colour that shifts and reforms around the coral structure. The density of anthias is among the highest in Bligh Water, creating a photographic backdrop that is difficult to match. Green turtles are regular visitors, gliding through the coral formations to feed on algae growing on the substrate. Eagle rays occasionally pass the bommie, their broad wingspans casting shadows over the coral gardens below. The crevices and overhangs within the bommie structure shelter macro life including nudibranchs, shrimp, and small fish that reward careful observation. The moderate current brings nutrients that sustain the prolific coral growth while remaining manageable for comfortable exploration. E-6 is a highlight of liveaboard itineraries in Bligh Water and is often dived multiple times to appreciate its full diversity.