Dive Review of
Dive Kiribati/Captain Cooks in
Kiribati (Christmas Island)

 palau, cozumel, red sea, chuuk, hawaii, galapagos etc. 

Dive Conditions

only you abilities  

[None]  

Overall Rating

Christmas Island (Kiribati)10-17 thru 10-18-05
 

I spent the week diving with Kim Anderson the owner of Dive Kiribati he
and his staff were great! Talk about the Royal treatment I was the only
diver there! How Kim can remember all hose great dive sites is beyond me as
there are no moorings. The diving at Kiribati (Kitty-buss) was very good
and I compare everything to Palau.

The numbers of small to medium tropical fish abound in Kiribati. On many
or the reefs I saw two to three times the number of tropical fish than I
have seen in Palau. You will see Sturgeonfish, Peacock Flounders,
Nudibranches, Giant Barracudas, Spotted eagle rays, Snappers (many to
choose from), Moorish idols, Trevally’s, Mantas, Octopus, Dolphins,
Occasional sharks etc. etc. I did not get to see the all the big
stuff….They were out in the Poland area or Bay of Wrecks. That is where the
Big Wrasse and the Groupers are. I get sea sick and we had a few windy days
come up while I was there….got to the sites twice….and we turned around
twice.

Unfortunately the Pelagic population has been decimated due to Shark
fining and Spear fishing for sport… which is legal in Kiribati. The
government should do something to stop this by imposing stiff fines and
jail time. Being it is a socialist government, they do not care. What a
shame! I believe ten years ago this diving would of exceeded Palau!

This is a worthwhile diving destination. Easy access from the US, only
three hours from Honolulu. But…and this is a Big But….be prepared this is
the 4th world! If you want contact with the outside world, make sure you
bring a satellite phone. Accommodations are less than basic; I stayed at
Captain Cooks the nicest motel on the Island. The food was great but the
rooms….leave a little bit to be desired for a basic room. Also when you get
travel insurance for this destination make sure your Med Vac service
includes the Coast Guard as they are the only ones who will respond…within
a few hours.

With the new Air Pacific flight out of Honolulu, Christmas Island again
has reliable Air service. I will be there again next year!

Kim thanks for everything….I’ll be back.
 

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