Merry Christmas to all from the NAI'A family and crew!
Best "fishes" for a deep, adventurous and enlightening New Year
PHOENIX ISLANDS EXPLORATION CONTINUES - 2003 Voyage of Discovery
Protect the pristine Phoenix Archipelago for future generations
The deliberations are over. The dates are set. NAI'A will embark on her sixth journey throughout Kiribati's magical Phoenix Islands - this time teaming up our previous collaborators, New England Aquarium and TIGHAR, on a single expedition to survey, explore and dive our brains out!
June 2- 25, 2002:
departing and returning Lautoka, Fiji
$9,300 per person
The voyage is the third dedicated diving expedition aboard NAI'A to the Phoenix Islands and will again further the marine science and conservation aims for this special atoll group that we share with the New England Aquarium (Primal Ocean Project). But this time we will also welcome aboard divers and Amelia Earhart Project archaeological researchers from The International Group for Historic Aircraft Recovery (TIGHAR) who will have the rare opportunity to survey Nikumaroro AND the other islands for comparative site analysis as part of their ongoing quest to prove that lost aviator, Amelia Earhart, landed on Niku and ultimately perished there.
Our previous two Phoenix Expeditions revealed astonishing diversity and abundance of fish, invertebrates and corals - including several new species. But as focused biological endeavors, those trips proved difficult to accommodate many "citizen scientists". This time we're planning on more ambitious exploratory diving and some time set aside for the underwater treasure chests we've already found on these eight tiny remote islands! We'll take 16 passengers only and there are still a few berths open. To continue the work of previous science teams and to further our goal to preserve this vulnerable paradise as a Pacific Ocean refuge, NAI'A has sponsored one of these berths for a top marine biologist. We hope to attract further funding for additional scientists. For anyone so inclined there will be ample opportunity to participate in the marine research or learn from the expert ecologists.
This trip is not for the faint-hearted, but perfect for the true diving adventurer. It's more than 1000 miles away and it's a major effort, but we are thrilled to be heading back to Phoenix. We absolutely love the place, even if it IS inconveniently far away (or maybe BECAUSE it is far away), and we value the work we have begun there to protect the reefs and their creatures for posterity. We're keen to continue the quest for more great sites as well as revisit the astonishing highlights from our previous journeys including spawning parrotfish aggregations, mantas, sharks and schooling reef fish in numbers not seen anywhere else.
Mary-Jane Adams, two-time Phoenix researcher and veteran of more than 70 live-aboard expeditions, summed it up best:
"It was an unforgettable experience and a major highlight of my 25 years of diving. The Phoenix Islands experience exceeded my most optimistic expectations. Diving with New England Aquarium biologists greatly enriched my understanding of tropical reefs and their inhabitants. If I ever get this kind opportunity again I will grab it."
Call or e-mail explore@naia.com.fj to sign up and check out www.naia.com.fj/phoenix for full details.
NAI'A TAKES HOME TOP DIVING HONORS - AGAIN
Voted Fiji's Finest by industry peers and traveling divers
At the annual Fiji Visitors Bureau BULA Forum, NAI'A was awarded the 2002 Excellence in Tourism prize for Best Diving Operation. NAI'A has now won this award two out of the three times it has been presented! We are grateful for our spectacular coral reef diving, proud of our crew and ship, and especially appreciative of those who cast their vote in our favor. We'll endeavor to keep raising the standard of world-class diving, meaningful cultural exchange and safe, fun vacation experiences here in our home country. And we hope to continue to earn your respect and confidence. Vinaka vakalevu.
COMING BACK? HERE'S THE DEAL...
New discount structure for 2003 onwards
Everyone loves a bargain. So don't forget the excellent incentives NAI'A offers year-round to our valued returning passengers and diving groups.
- RETURNING GUESTS: $200 off the first return trip, plus an extra $100 off for each additional trip. YES! It's retroactive, "Vinaka".
- SEND YOUR FRIENDS: For each new NAI'A diver you refer directly to us, claim $200 off your next NAI'A trip. If you join your friends on their first trip, claim the benefit immediately!
- FULL-BOAT CHARTER: Got 16 divers? Bring two more FREE. Plus the NITROX is on us!
- HALF-BOAT CHARTER: Got 8 divers? Bring one extra FREE!
