Dive Review of
Nai'a in
Tonga/Ha'apai Islands

California; Micronesia; Solomons; PNG; Australia; Fiji; Caribbean; Red Sea;
Cocos Island; Tahiti; 

Dive Conditions

No restrictions  

Nai'a has a separate dry room for photographic equipment immediately
adjacent to the dive deck with 3 levels of shelves and large enough for 8
photographers at one time with more than adequate secure and dry electrical
connections for charging.  

Overall Rating

The Nai'a which usually operates in Fijian waters goes to Tonga for six
weeks each year for the Humpback Whale migration. This is the second time
we have done this whale trip (third trip on Nai'a) and it is outstanding. 
Mostly we snorkel with the whales although sometimes it is possible to see
them on scuba. Once the whales are spotted, the crew maneuvers the big boat
or the skiffs toward the whales where we are able to slip into the water to
observe and swim with them up close.  Lots of moms and calves as well as
large males.  We got some great video! When there  were no whale sightings,
we dove on various reefs and they were good dives but seemed so "ho
hum" after swimming with the whales! Night dives were offered each
night and were pretty good.  The crew of the Nai'a is absolutely
outstanding and incredibly attentive. The rooms are large and comfortable
and the food is gourmet--served meals with a choice of two entrees for
breakfast and lunch and three at dinner. Host Rob Barrel is very
knowledgeable and being on the Nai'a with him is a real learning
experience. All in all, a remarkable trip which can best be described as
"days of leisure, hours of ecstasy!" 

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