The new boat has arrived. The 45-foot Taveuni Explorer has returned from Nadi where it was dry-docked and fully refurbished. It is returning home. The boat was originally laser cut in Australia and assembled in Taveuni 21 years ago by Spencer Tarte who’s family has lived in southern Taveuni since the late 1800s. It has gone as far as Tonga and back and to many islands in between. The Taveuni Explorer boasts seating for 26 divers with double tanks, 18 on its upper deck, a freshwater shower, kitchenette, and twin Iveco 333 horsepower in-board diesel engines.
So what do we have planned with our new vessel you ask? Well let’s see. How about an overnight fishing trip to Koro island, through the Koro sea’s chain of basaltic cinder cones which support abundant fish life. Island hopping to Kioa, Rabi, and Ringold island to look for manta rays. Circumnavigating Taveuni to see all the waterfalls on the windward eastern side that are only accessible by sea. Whale watching in August when the Humpbacks arrive. Or, sunset cruises with sparkling wine and nibbles. But, we are perhaps most excited about overnight dive expeditions to Namena marine reserve. The Taveuni Explorer has bunks for two couples and crew for five dives on one Taveuni’s most pristine reefs. We’re so excited we don’t know where to start.