January 2010    Download the Entire Issue (PDF)

Vol. 25, No. 1   What's this?

Papoo Divers, Nananu-i-ra, Fiji

“boutique diving” away from the crowds

from the January, 2010 issue of Undercurrent  

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More than a decade ago, the American Dan Grenier opened a dive shop on Nananu-ira, a small isle on the north tip of Viti Levu, Fiji’s main island. While he served divers at the resort Wanavanu, on the main island, he also put together packages using the few private accommodations on the isle. Sadly, Dan and one of his charges disappeared while diving in 2005; he was so skilled a diver that no one else on the boat was concerned when he was late to return. By the time they started to search, it was too late and no trace of him was ever found.

At last, another operation is up and running on Nananu-i-ra, although it gets few visitors. Ten minutes by motorboat from Viti Levu, the isle is so tiny you can walk around it at low tide in an hour. Papoo Divers is the main shop there. Divers can stay at Papoo’s or at Betham’s Beach Cottages. You can get some terrific diving for under $1,000 a week, a bargain for the South Pacific. ...