I've been to Nukubati before and had the most gorgeous, romantic trip, but this time around I had promised myself that despite the amazing snorkeling and lure of the sunbed, I wouldn't go back without having a dive certificate under my belt so I could visit the creatures of the deep.
The Nukubati team organised for a dive instructor to come over to the island from the mainland for four days and myself and two other lovely gentlemen completed our Open Water course right on the shores and inner reefs of Nukubati. I thought the course was bliss, but the best part came when I had my certificate in my hand and was able to go out with the activities team and see what really lurked out there in the deep blue.
As it turns out, the next four days comprised of my eyes constantly popping out of my head. We came across schools of Giant Batfish, Baracuda and Trevally, I spotted Clown Fish (Nemo!), giant rays, huge Hump-Nosed Parrot Fish, Leopard Sharks, Reef Sharks, Bronze Whalers, Sea Turtles... and here's the clincher... on the way back from a particularly amazing dive one day, we came across a Whale Shark!!! We didn't even know they were found in that part of Fiji, but were so thrilled when we came across it that we all grabbed our snorkels and jumped right in, swimming around with the 5m-long fish until it finally swam off about 20 minutes later. It was just the most magical day of my entire life.
Having dived at Nukubati, and listening to the other, more experienced divers talk about the dives we did, I can only come to one conclusion: that I was completely spoiled by the beauty of it all and I'd be lucky to ever have such great experiences underwater again!
I'm still counting my lucky stars...
Oh, and spending Christmas and New Year's in an island paradise, surrounded by some of the happiest, most naturally joyful people I've ever met wasn't half bad either ;-)
I can't wait to go back!
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Would I recommend this hotel to my best friend?
absolutely!
I recommend this hotel for:
An amazing honeymoon, A romantic getaway, Girlfriend getaway, Older travelers, Tourists
I do not recommend this hotel for:
Young singles
I selected this hotel as a top choice for:
Beach / Sun, Outdoor / Adventure, Great food / Wine