Namena Island - Diving!
20 October 2021
Diane Brown
Namena Island
6-13 October 2021
I've come to the conclusion any island arrival that we are greeted by turtles, dolphins or birds are going to be the BEST. Namena being a marine reserves we had two out of three. The Petrels and Boobies were swarming us as I stood on the bow watching the reef entry. A turtle ducked under in surprise. The resort here is still wiped out from Cyclones Harold then Yasa so only caretakers in residence just now. Our friends from Quokka2 helped us get onto the one mooring there by the shipwreck dive spot.
We spent the week diving almost each day at the four different reefs and the pinnacles. Unspoiled reefs full of fish that just wonder what your doing there and seem to pose for pictures. We even had resident large Butterfly fish around the boat to take care of garbage of most any type. We didn't try to do the pass drift dives as we didn't have a boat to pick us up for safety but Debra and Justin were game to try about any other spot. Diving with my camera is feeling much more comfortable and having fish that pose improved the images greatly.
The bird life definitely owns the island right now without any tourists to interrupt their breeding and antics. Trees and burrows become dense with nesting birds toward dark with noisy squabbles for the prime roosts. Had no idea they were so vocal and scary sounding. The Boobies would visit the boat if we were on deck and let out a very deep throated squawk which would make me jump every time. We enjoyed several evenings watching the evening antics while having drinks aboard Quokka2's spacious catamaran aft deck. I could totally get used to just stepping off the boat into the water for a dive or snorkel.
We are headed back to Savusavu to get some wifi in time for Tracy's online wedding and to do some Customs vessel paperwork. Fiji Independence Day held a huge announcement that Fiji will reopen their country to travel next month as they have reached over 80% vaccination rate for adults.
Namena Island is a forever memory!