Nai'a

Overview

Custom-built for Fiji waters, Nai’a is the only liveaboard operating in Fiji that is focused on scuba diving, exploring the world-class dive sites that are hard to access on a resort-based diving holiday. At 120 feet in length and family-owned and operated, Nai’a offers comfort as well as unparalleled service and knowledge when it comes to diving in Fiji. It is no wonder that divers return again and again, who fall in love with the family feel as well as phenomenal Fijian diving.

In Depth

Designed and built in Holland by the finest steel ship craftsmen, Naia’a is a solid expeditionary ship and has 9 air-conditioned staterooms with private en-suite heads. All of the staterooms were entirely rebuilt in 2010 when the boat had a full refurbishment and are bright, airy and have plenty of space to store gear. Whilst she isn't the most modern vessel in the world, it is clear that this is a boat designed by divers for divers. There is plenty of storage and space to dry wet kit as well as a practical and cosy lounge area and a dive deck that allows individual space for everyone's gear. Food is ample and delicious, served five times per day for hungry divers and dietary requirements are well catered to. 

At the core of the Nai’a family is her wonderful Fijian crew. As is synonymous with the Fijian people, guests will be cared for by 14 of the friendliest and accomplished team. Evenings can be spent drinking kava and playing guitar with the crew who divers get to know over the course of the trip. The cruise directors are passionate and well-travelled themselves with thousands of dives between them, forming the perfect bridge between crew and passengers.

The Diving

As the weather in Fiji can be dynamic, Nai’a keep their itineraries flexible allowing for them to hit the best dive sites the right time, which are found across Bligh Water, Namena, Wakaya and Gau in the Koro Sea (only on the 10-day trips). Up to four dives a day are offered, as well as night dives three times on the trip and the daily schedule is carefully designed to provide maximum quality time underwater. 

All diving onboard the Nai’a takes place from skiffs, allowing for as much freedom as possible. For those that surface earlier than others, they will be whisked back to the boat for a hot shower and brownie whilst others can dive for as long as they like (safely, of course). Guests gear up on the large dive deck, where gear is also stored, before making their way to the spacious dive platform to comfortable board the 6.8m rigid inflatable skiffs. Nitrox is offered (and highly recommended) for those qualified, or courses if not, as well as support for rebreather diving for those who bring their own units. The three dive guides swap between the two skiffs for each dive, ensuring that all divers have a chance to dive with each of the guides. Divers are grouped by experience level and interests so that they are aligned for the best possible diving experience. Guests should be comfortable diving independently as a buddy team, and also happy in currents. Nai'a requires a minimum 50 dives logged in order to join their trips, with a good mastery of buoyancy in order to make the most of the best dive sites in Fiji. 

Beyond the Reef

Nai’a is an eco-diving operation driven by four principles: partnership, protection, participation and presentation. Nai’a began life as a passenger-supported marine mammal research vessel. Rob Barrel’s concept was that paying guests would come onboard to scuba dive whilst dolphin scientists would simultaneously identity individual animals and study pod tactics. Guests could help with the science with observations and in turn, would be educated and their experience enriched. Due to the large running costs of these trips, Nai’a has adapted and 25 years on has found various eco-tourism angles, but has never lost its commitment to protecting the marine environment. Thorough briefings are given throughout the trip to ensure respectful encounters with all marine life, and the cruise directors work closely with the Manta Trust to submit crucial data on mantas' movements and habits. Marine life presentations inform guests about coral reefs, manta rays and also more on the history of the building of Nai'a. 

Whilst diving is the main focus of any trip on board Nai'a, there is also the chance to visit an ex-leper colony on the island of Makogai, meeting Bill who is a local guide with plenty of character and stories of the island's history. A kava ceremony evening is a particular highlight with the chance to get together, sing with the crew and taste their traditional root drink which is a natural light sedative.