Nai’a Liveaboard Overview

portrait of a smiling woman with dark hair in a light blue sweaterDIVEIN contributor Rebecca Strauss taking a selfie near a city canal
By
Sarah Turnbull
portrait of a smiling woman with dark hair in a light blue sweater
Contributor at DIVEIN.com
Sarah is a writer, PADI instructor and underwater photographer based in Mauritius. Diving across 5 continents, she has a love of all things ocean-related and an...
Rebecca Strauss
DIVEIN contributor Rebecca Strauss taking a selfie near a city canal
Editor at DIVEIN.com
Rebecca has been an avid traveler and scuba diver for many years. She began her editorial career by updating travel guides, which took her all over...
Nai'a liveaboard yacht anchored off Fiji at sunset with a tender boat alongside
The Nai’a at anchor
Divers wait to board a zodiac from the Nai'a's stern platform in Fiji
Divers wait to board the zodiac on the stern platform of the Nai’a
Two grey reef sharks cruise past small fish in blue water
Sharks are a common feature on Fiji dives
Vivid pink and orange soft coral crowds a Fiji reef wall
Stunning soft coral is one of the hallmarks of the Fiji underwater world
Divers gear up aboard an orange RIB tender before a Fiji dive
3, 2, 1, drop—a group of divers back rolls into the water at a Fiji dive site
Wetsuits and dive gear hang ready on the Nai'a's covered dive deck
There’s plenty of space to get ready and stash your gear on the dive deck
Nai'a crew and guests pose together for an anniversary celebration photo
The friendly (and talented) crew often plays guitar on the deck at the end of a dive day
A reddish brown octopus perches on the reef near a scorpionfish
Keep your eyes peeled for smaller animals like octopus and other cephalopods
Nai'a's dining room set with tables for guests to share meals
Make new friends while you enjoy tasty meals in the Nai’a dining room
Three spinner dolphins glide together through open blue water
Spinner dolphins pop by to say hi
Aerial view of guests sunbathing on the Nai'a's bow sundeck
A little R&R on the sun deck after a long day of … R&R

Famed for spectacular soft coral, breathtaking marine life, and crystal-clear waters, Fiji is a world-renowned scuba diving destination. Home to over 1,500 species of fish and 400 corals, Fiji boasts one of the most biodiverse marine ecosystems in the world. With visibility often exceeding 130 feet (40 m) and a selection of walls, drift dives, wrecks, and shallow reefs, Fiji has something for all levels of diver.

Nai’a is a luxury liveaboard yacht that delivers the best that Fiji has to offer. Built in 1979 and refitted in 2010, this comfortable boat is 120 feet (36 m) long. With nine staterooms, Nai’a can accommodate up to 18 guests. With a dedicated camera room, Nai’a is a great choice for underwater photographers.

Nai’a offers a variety of itineraries, ranging from 7 to 14 nights. Most itineraries include four dives per day, including night dives. Highlights include the Namena Marine Reserve, Makongi Island, and Beqa Lagoon.

Guests can expect to see a wide variety of marine life, including sharks and manta rays. Some itineraries include visits to local communities—giving guests a great opportunity to experience Fijian culture and traditions.

Keep reading as we dive into our review of Nai’a.

About this overview

To help you decide whether this liveaboard fits your dive style, budget, and comfort needs, we’ve researched the boat, itinerary, onboard experience, diving setup, and overall value.
We review liveaboards based on the details that matter most during a multi-day dive trip, including cabins, food, crew support, dive operations, safety, route quality, and how the boat compares with similar options in the destination.

Things we like:

  • Delicious food
  • Wide array of marine life including sharks, mantas, and spectacular soft coral
  • Dedicated camera room
  • Wonderful friendly crew

Things we don't like:

  • Nitrox costs extra
  • Some cabins lack space

Diving on the Nai’a liveaboard

Two grey reef sharks cruise past small fish in blue water
Vivid pink and orange soft coral crowds a Fiji reef wall
A reddish brown octopus perches on the reef near a scorpionfish
Three spinner dolphins glide together through open blue water

A liveaboard trip is, without doubt, the best way for divers to experience all that Fiji has to offer. Fiji boasts 300 islands and innumerable reefs, with a diversity of species that’s unrivaled outside the tropical Western Pacific.

Diving on the Nai’a liveaboard is done from both the dive deck and tenders. Wall dives and drift dives are typically done from tenders, while shallow reef dives are done from the back of the boat.

Underwater, you can expect dramatic walls and drop-offs, which are home to a variety of marine life including large pelagics. Popular sites include Rainbow Reef and North Save-a-Tack. The Somosomo Strait offers strong currents and exciting drift dives, while the Nigali Passage is a mile-long channel that, in the right conditions, fills with an unbelievable array of marine life.

Not to be outdone, reefs in Fiji are spectacular. With an incredible array of marine life and over 400 species of hard and soft coral, they are a mecca for underwater photographers.

Macro photographers, in particular, are in their element here, with many small and colorful creatures on the reefs as well as sharks, manta rays, barracuda, and turtles.

Onboard, the exceptional, friendly crew looks after your gear from beginning to end and safety is their priority. There are two guides in the water on most dives. Guests have the option to dive unguided after being assessed.

Some rental gear is available, if pre-booked, and the minimum level of diver is open water with 30 logged dives.

Highlights:

  • Up to four dives a day
  • Dreamy for underwater photographers
  • Diverse marine life, including 400 species of hard and soft coral plus large pelagics
  • Crystal-clear water

Onboard the Nai’a

Nai'a liveaboard yacht anchored off Fiji at sunset with a tender boat alongside
The Nai'a liveaboard under full sail with guests on the bow and upper deck
Wetsuits and dive gear hang ready on the Nai'a's covered dive deck
Nai'a crew and guests pose together for an anniversary celebration photo

Nai’a liveaboard offers nine comfortable, air-conditioned staterooms with private bathrooms, so divers can relax and recharge after a busy day of diving. The cabins are well-appointed and available in different configurations. All staterooms have 110v and 220v power outlets.

Hosting the dive briefings before each dive, the spectacular salon and dining area are located on the main deck. Both are comfortable, air-conditioned, and decorated stylishly with wood paneling. The dining area offers stunning views of the surrounding ocean. Entertainment includes a TV and DVD player, music CDs, a board game library and the crew, who often play guitar on the deck in the evenings.

Outside, you’ll find the sundeck, located on the top deck, with loungers and chairs for relaxing and soaking up the sun. There is also a shaded area on the sundeck to take a break in the hottest part of the day. The crew is happy to deliver drinks and snacks straight to your chair.

The dive deck is located at the back of the yacht. Spacious and well-equipped, it has two freshwater showers, individual gear bins, and two rinse tanks. Of particular note is direct access to the dedicated camera room, where guests can clean their gear and edit their underwater photos and videos after diving. The dive deck has plenty of bench space where guests can get ready.

Highlights:

  • Beautiful, stylish, and comfortable common areas
  • Exceptionally friendly, helpful and attentive staff
  • Dedicated camera room

Dining onboard the Nai’a

Nai'a's dining room set with tables for guests to share meals
Make new friends while you enjoy tasty meals in the Nai’a dining room

Three meals are served daily, all buffet-style, along with mid-morning and mid-afternoon snacks. The chefs use fresh, seasonal ingredients to create a variety of delicious and nutritious meals, both local delicacies and western dishes. Vegetarian, vegan and special dietary requirements can be catered for with two weeks’ notice in advance of the trip.

Wine, beer, and other alcoholic beverages, other than one glass of wine at dinner, are not included in the price of a trip on the Nai’a liveaboard. Guests can purchase drinks from the bar.

Highlights:

  • Fresh, seasonal local dish and Western options
  • Three meals a day with snacks
  • A glass of wine with dinner

Things we like:

  • Delicious food
  • Wide array of marine life including sharks, mantas, and spectacular soft coral
  • Dedicated camera room
  • Wonderful friendly crew

Things we don't like:

  • Nitrox costs extra
  • Some cabins lack space
Key facts
Year built: 1993
Max divers: 18
Rental equip: Yes ($)
Camera station: Yes
Internet: Yes ($)
Min logged dives: No minimum
Nitrox: Yes ($)
Aircon: Yes
Trip length: 8+ Nights
Price range: Luxury
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