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Dive Review of NAI'A in
Fiji and Tuvalu

NAI'A, Feb, 2008,

by Henry Schwarzberg, AL, USA . Report 3895.

No photos available at this time

Ratings and Overall Comments 1 (worst) - 5 (best):

Accommodations 3 stars Food 3 stars
Service and Attitude 3 stars Environmental Sensitivity N/A
Dive Operation 3 stars Shore Diving 1 stars
Snorkeling N/A
Value for $$ N/A
Beginners 1 stars
Advanced 5 stars
Comments Good news:
1. The stateroom was above par with the best bathroom facility ever experienced. Flushing of toilet was like at home not a marine head.
2. Pick up and drop off were superior with a hired bus for all divers.
3. The Fijian crew was helpful and pretty awesome over all.
4. The reefs were the healthiest we have ever seen and the variety and profuseness of fish life exhilarating.
5. Kava parties and interaction with Fijian crew a big plus.
6. Nigali passage Shark dives without feeding were awesome.
Bad news:
1. This may be the most overrated boat operation of all. The scheduling was not predictable and overall management of affairs by the mistress of ceremonies left a bit to be desired. Apparantly the owner's spouse has a background in advertizing and uses those skills to the PR benefit of the operation. Boat is aging and needs a lot of work.
2. Food was spotty. Some meals excellent, some rather poor. Not what you expect from a premium priced boat.
3. There was no shade on the sun deck. The crew fashioned a few sheets into a small awning but the absence of sun cover made no sense.
4. The salon worked for dining but was extremely uncomfortable for anything else. Again, not up to expectations for a premium priced boat.
5. Center staircase accessing the staterooms and the salon a fairly treacherous affair, a clear design flaw.
6. Management of schedule not really conducive to night diving.
7. Available liquors did not even include Vodka or Scotch. Wine served was fairly poor, not up to premium priced expectations.
8. Current information suggests NAI'A is in the process of being sold and potential buyers are unlikely to retain the wonderful Fijian crew, they are all ready to leave.
CONCLUSION: Fiji is a magical place to dive. The NAI'A, in my opinion, was needlessly overpriced for the purpose.

Reporter and Travel

Dive Experience 501-1000 dives
Where else diving Bali, Manado, Red Sea, Thailand, Maldives, Caymans, Bahamas, Saba, Hawaii
Closest Airport Getting There

Dive Conditions

Weather sunny, rainy Seas calm, choppy
Water Temp 85-87°F / 29-31°C Wetsuit Thickness 2
Water Visibility 30-50 Ft/ 9-15 M

Dive Policy

Dive own profile yes
Enforced diving restrictions NONE
Liveaboard? yes Nitrox Available? N/A

What I Saw

Sharks Lots Mantas 1 or 2
Dolphins 1 or 2 Whale Sharks None
Turtles > 2 Whales None
Corals 5 stars Tropical Fish 5 stars
Small Critters 3 stars Large Fish 4 stars
Large Pelagics 5 stars

Underwater Photography 1 (worst) - 5 (best):

Subject Matter 5 stars Boat Facilities 3 stars
Overall rating for UWP's 4 stars Shore Facilities N/A
UW Photo Comments The entire operation does cater to photographers.
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Note: The information here was reported by the author above, but has NOT been reviewed nor edited by Undercurrent prior to posting on our website. Please report any major problems by writing to us and referencing the report number above.

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