Tracy and a lush display of anthias fishes and Dendronephthya soft corals all energized by a strong current. Perfect Fiji.
It had been some years since Tracy and I were SCUBA diving together, and I had not been on the wonderful Nai’a liveaboard boat in Fiji for too long. So when my friend Adriana invited us to join her group we jumped at the chance. This was a fun diverse group with divers from China, Brazil, the UK, the US not to mention Emry of whom nobody is really sure what country he is in these days. The Nai’a is perhaps my favorite liveaboard anywhere in the world and 10 days island hopping through some of the finest diving locations in Fiji (and indeed, some say, the world) sounded pretty good to us. In August off we went, first to Nadi then to the Rakiraki peninsula to spend a few days at Volivoli warming up and getting used to the time change. . We dove Vati-i-ra one day but the day boats were constrained to reefs closer to shore by wind the second day. The resort was quite comfortable with great staff, fast boats and delicious food. I plan to stay there again, especially now that Wananavu is no more making Volivoli the only game in town if you want to reach the spectacular Vatu-i-ra reefs.
Our dinner view from Volivoli.
One of the locals.
Sunrise from our lanai looking northish from the Rakiraki peninsula.
Setting up the dive boats after breakfast. We’d be diving in 30-60 minutes.
Rakiraki Peninsula, with Volivoli at the point front and center.
Reefs near Rakiraki Peninsula.
Hard corals near Volivoli.
Soft corals and anthias come to life even with a little current, near Volivoli.
After four days at Volivoli it was time to return to Nadi and board the Nai’a. Soon our hosts Chris and Clau and the incredible crew had us on our way. We woke up the next morning to begin nine great days of diving the best spots in the Bligh Waters. Tracy was mostly looking for different tropical fishes, coral types and critters while I was photographing the reef scenery as usual. We had a little wind but it did not impede our diving or crossings. We managed a full three days at Vatu-i-ra, two at Namena and one at the seamounts so in my estimation the trip was a resounding success!
Nai’a anchored at Namena Island.
Nai’a anchored at Mount Mutiny, a deepwater sea mount famous for incredible displays of Chironephthya soft corals.
Nai’a anchored at E-6, another deepwater sea mount known for its large swim-through grotto replete with huge gorgonians.
Tracy and Chironephthya soft corals on Mount Mutiny.
Tracy and Chironephthya and Dendronephthya soft corals on Mount Mutiny.
Clark at Mount Mutiny.
Adriana at Mount Mutiny.
Tracy at Mount Mutiny.
Some of the cameras.
One of Chris’ excellent site maps.
Nitrox log.
Nai’a at Namena Island.
Nai’a anchored to dive Namena Marine Reserve.
Namena Marine Reserve.
Namena Marine Reserve.
Tracy peering through a swarm of anthias at one of the Kansas arches, Namena Marine Reserve.
Sea fan and anthias swarm, Namena Marine Reserve.
Sunset on the Nai’a, Namena Island
Wakaya Island.
Dendronephthya soft coral, Wakaya Island.
Sea fans and anthias, Wakaya Island.
Reef manta ray, Wakaya Island.
Dendronephthya and anthias, Wakaya Island.
Emry editing images.
Pondering dive site details.
Nai’a anchored amid Vatu-i-ra reef complex.
Tracy diving Vatu-i-ra.
Tracy diving Vatu-i-ra.
Tracy diving Vatu-i-ra.
Sea-fan-scape, Vatu-i-ra.
Dendronephthya soft coral, Vatu-i-ra.
Anthias explosion, Vatu-i-ra.
Soft coral study, Vatu-i-ra.
Hard coral study, Vatu-i-ra.
