NAI'A has set new standards of live-aboard diving luxury in every way, especially in comfort and service. The ship was refurbished in 1993, again in 2000, and 2010 with the latest technology and facilities specific to the needs of dive travelers. This spacious ship provides 9 cabins for 18 guests with all the creature comforts of a quality land-based resort - including hot showers and cool staterooms - but with superior diving and a new view every day. The ship’s sophisticated sailing rig affords her the range, comfort and stability of a true expeditionary vessel. Her diver-savvy Fijian crew is world-famous for their dedicated service, kava-inspired music and can-do attitude that makes for great flexibility as well as a great time.
NAI'A's crew has evolved an overall approach to safe diving practice which has worked remarkably well for both our safety record and the satisfaction of their clients. The secret is to put the responsibility of diving safely squarely on the shoulders of the divers, all of whom are well trained and know their limits better than anyone else and many of whom have hundreds or thousands of dives. NAI'A's sites lend themselves to safe diving anyway. Even where there are bottomless walls, some of the most interesting stuff is up at 15 feet.
While divers are not required to follow the guides, the crew stresses the sensibility of diving the profile that the guides use. NAI'A offers EAN to divers who are certified and fit to use Nitrox by any reputable training agency. The ship uses a high-capacity membrane system to achieve the standard 32% mix. The NAI'A system and its operators are also capable of providing specific mixes by special request for recreational or rebreather diving.
Many divers have gotten hooked on rebreathers…silent, bubble free and allowing you to swim close to the fish. NAI'A offers support for keen tech divers who would like to bring their own units. Rebreathers are not available for rent.
Central Fiji has the best diving, no doubt about it. This "NAI'A Triangle" of Lomaiviti, Bligh Water and Namena is the focus of our regular itineraries, covering about 500 nautical miles. NAI'A has journeyed throughout Fiji, in all directions and to every corner of the country's boundaries -- and beyond. We've found beautiful sites and dramatic attractions in every region and we still explore new places. But the central region has proved the most consistent in the quality and health of terrains, animals and conditions. Lomaiviti's coral reefs and islands are Fiji's most dynamic and varied: voracious sharks to vibrant soft corals.
The normal itinerary for both seven and ten-day charters starts and ends in Lautoka, just north of Nadi, where the international airport is located. After an initial "checkout" dive on the afternoon of boarding, NAI'A heads north and east around the flank of the main island of Viti Levu to reach Bligh Water. Several different dive sites in Bligh Water are available including Vatu-i-ra, E6, Mt. Mutiny, and Cat's Meow, depending on localized weather conditions. From there, sites are selected according to weather, tides, and the passengers' inclinations. But the ship normally visits the islands and barrier reefs of Namena, Wakaya, and Gau. On ten-day charters there is more time available to dive the various reefs in the Koro Sea, some of them near Namena and others near nowhere.
Text and photos courtesy of the Nai'a.