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

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Nai'a, Sep, 2003, by Doris & Bob Schaffer, CA, USA ( Contributor 14 reports). Report 704.
No photos available at this time
Ratings and Overall Comments 1 (worst) - 5 (best):
Accommodations		Food
Service and Attitude		Environmental Sensitivity	N/A
Dive Operation		Shore Diving
Snorkeling	N/A
Overall Rating
Value for $$	N/A
Beginners
Advanced
Comments	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!"
Reporter and Travel
Dive Experience	Over 1000 dives
Where else diving	California; Micronesia; Solomons; PNG; Australia; Fiji; Caribbean; Red Sea; Cocos Island; Tahiti;
Closest Airport		Getting There
Dive Conditions
Weather	windy, cloudy	Seas	calm, noCurrents
Water Temp	72-74°F / 22-23°C	Wetsuit Thickness	5
Water Visibility	50-100 Ft/ 15-30 M
Dive Policy
Dive own profile	yes
Enforced diving restrictions	No restrictions
Liveaboard?	yes	Nitrox Available?	N/A
What I Saw
Sharks	1 or 2	Mantas	None
Dolphins	Schools	Whale Sharks	None
Turtles	1 or 2	Whales	>2
Ratings 1(worst) - 5 (best):
Corals		Tropical Fish
Small Critters		Large Fish
Large Pelagics
Underwater Photography 1 (worst) - 5 (best):
Subject Matter		Boat Facilities
Overall rating for UWP's		Shore Facilities	N/A
UW Photo Comments	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.

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Other dive reports on Nai'a

All Tonga Dive Reviews and Reports
Diving Guide to Tonga
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Dive Review of Nai'a in Tonga/Ha'apai Islands

Nai'a, Sep, 2003,

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

Overall Rating

Reporter and Travel

Dive Conditions

Dive Policy

What I Saw

Ratings 1(worst) - 5 (best):

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

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