Anyone know Toberua Island Fiji.....?

[Wiggsy]

Time to think about returning to Fiji. I've been to Fiji around 20 times and have dived Coral Coast (Naviti Resort 30 years ago); Kadavu (from Matana Resort; Nagigia Island and also Matava Eco - Resort); Beqa lagoon Resort; Wananavu; and Naigani (most of these resorts 2 or 3 times). I've been very lucky but it is time for me to find somewhere different. I loved the diving at Naigani (which I am convinced has some of the best diving anywhere)but I gather the dive operation there is now far from reliable and often not functional. Toberua appears to tick a lot of boxes. As I lead groups of 25 - 40 divers, I need a full on dive operation which cuts out a lot of resorts - and I would prefer if possible to avoid the added expense of a flight to Taveuni (and generally go for a destination with beaches for the non-divers). Would love to hear from anyone who knows the diving around Toberua (or any other options for that matter).

 

[LiquidDivingAdventure]

Hi Wiggsy,

Not sure if Toberua will be big enough for you if you have a group of 40. They only have 15 bures so 30 guests unless folks want to get cozy. Last year I had a deal in April where you could book the entire resort for $6000 per day.

 

[cbm32]

Hi Wiggsy.

I am now the US representative for Naigani. Tony Ah Koy is now taking a stronger role in the administration of Naigani. He has brought me on as their US representative, and also Greg Buxton (owner of Suva Scuba) as the dive consultant for Naigani. As a result of these changes, the dive operation on Naigani is definitely headed back in the right direction again. There are other changes in the works as well and once those changes have been made I am very confident that Naigani will be taking another huge step forward.

Although as of right now today we are geared more towards parties of 14 divers or less (lodging for far, far more but dive boat set up for 14 passengers) we should be able to handle larger dive groups in the very near future.

Not sure how soon you plan on returning to Fiji but if you get me some kind of rough target date I an explore the possibility of being geared up for a bigger party by that time.

You can contact me by PM here or email me at naiganiusa@gmail.com

 

[Wiggsy]

Hi Wiggsy,

Not sure if Toberua will be big enough for you if you have a group of 40. They only have 15 bures so 30 guests unless folks want to get cozy. Last year I had a deal in April where you could book the entire resort for $6000 per day.

Thanks - we do have a lot of families with us so often they will triple or even quad share (the rooms look big enough). Any feedback on the quality of the diving though...?

 

[Wiggsy]

Hi Wiggsy.

I am now the US representative for Naigani. Tony Ah Koy is now taking a stronger role in the administration of Naigani. He has brought me on as their US representative, and also Greg Buxton (owner of Suva Scuba) as the dive consultant for Naigani. As a result of these changes, the dive operation on Naigani is definitely headed back in the right direction again. There are other changes in the works as well and once those changes have been made I am very confident that Naigani will be taking another huge step forward.

Although as of right now today we are geared more towards parties of 14 divers or less (lodging for far, far more but dive boat set up for 14 passengers) we should be able to handle larger dive groups in the very near future.

Not sure how soon you plan on returning to Fiji but if you get me some kind of rough target date I an explore the possibility of being geared up for a bigger party by that time.

You can contact me by PM here or email me at naiganiusa@gmail.com

Well that is good news - I dived Naigani twice around a decade ago with large groups and we really enjoyed the diving. On the first trip, Nigel Douglas from Matagi had just set up a dive operation on site, but sadly he had to pull out as few divers ever made it to Naigani. I actually wrote an article for "Sportdiving" Magazine (Australia) called "Mystery Island" as I didn't want to give away what I regarded as a top location. Some of the best soft coral clad bommies and fish life I have ever seen, and with sites such as the Wakaya Wall and Lighthouse Bommie, Ovalau within reach Naigani has a lot to offer. I was a little disappointed that dives sites such as the legendary E6 and Mount Mutiny are not dived from Naigani and suspect that some of the diving potential is untapped - and the snorkelling is also fantastic. I would not be travelling until July 2014 so would be happy to hear of any developments. I have been keeping an eye on Naigani and read every review that comes up - I have been hoping for some real investment in infrastructure and a bit of an upgrade (the site values are brilliant and this place has the potential to become a top dive resort) but I guess all things take time (particularly in Fiji). The resort has looked a little tired and homely, but there is a homely charm about the place.