The Chimney

The Chimney is a reef dive in the Namena Marine Reserve off Vanua Levu in Fiji. It runs from about 27 metres up to 5 metres, with soft-coral covered vertical chimneys densely packed with gorgonian fans and soft corals in every colour. The topography is dramatic and good for photographers.

You move through the chimneys in clouds of anthias in pink, orange and purple. Sharks, turtles, schools of unicornfish and snapper turn up, and trevally dart in and out hunting small fish.

Namena has relatively strong currents, which is why the reefs are healthy, so be comfortable with drift dives and surface swell. Resorts on Vanua Levu run day trips when weather lets the boats reach the reserve, and the best months are November to May.