MESNA - Ha'apai Group
The wreck of the Mesna, a substantial steamship from 1917, now rests on Hakaufisi Reef. We’ve found her a fascinating dive, especially for those who appreciate a wreck with history. At 117 meters long, there’s plenty to explore, from the exposed portions of the hull to the superstructure that’s become a home for all sorts of reef fish. You'll often spot schools of snapper darting in and out of the metalwork, and the coral growth, while not as vibrant as a dedicated reef, adds a unique texture to the ship's skeleton. It's a great choice for divers interested in both maritime history and the resilient marine life that colonises artificial reefs.
- Location
- Ha'apai Group, Tonga, Central & South Pacific
- Coordinates
- -20.156216, -174.917220
- Type
- wreck
- Maximum Depth
- 0m
Marine Protected Area: Nomuka SMA
Best Time to Dive in Ha'apai Group
The warmest water temperatures in Ha'apai Group occur in January, averaging 27.5°C. The coolest conditions are in December at 27.5°C.
Monthly Water Temperatures
- January: 27.5°C (air: 26.9°C)
- February: 27.5°C (air: 26.8°C)
- March: 27.5°C (air: 26.8°C)
- April: 27.5°C (air: 26.5°C)
- May: 27.5°C (air: 25.5°C)
- June: 27.5°C (air: 24.5°C)
- July: 27.5°C (air: 23.9°C)
- August: 27.5°C (air: 23.3°C)
- September: 27.5°C (air: 23.8°C)
- October: 27.5°C (air: 24.2°C)
- November: 27.5°C (air: 25.3°C)
- December: 27.5°C (air: 26.3°C)
Nearby Dive Sites in Ha'apai Group
- EKIAKI - 1m (wreck)
- Ha'apai Reef - 5-20m (reef)
- Uoleva Drop-off - 10-40m (wall)
Nearest Dive Centres to MESNA
- Matafonua Lodge & Dive Resort - ["PADI"]
Marine Life in Ha'apai Group
Home to 294 recorded species including 279 reef fish, 6 sea snails & nudibranchs, 4 sea cucumbers, 3 sharks & rays, 1 sea urchins, 1 crabs & lobsters.
Notable Species
- Bristle-toothed Surgeonfish (Ctenochaetus striatus) - Reef Fish
- Bullethead Parrotfish (Chlorurus sordidus) - Reef Fish
- Blackspot Surgeonfish (Acanthurus nigrofuscus) - Reef Fish
- Blue-lined Tang (Zebrasoma scopas) - Reef Fish
- Dusky Parrotfish (Scarus niger) - Reef Fish
- Parrotfish (Thalassoma hardwicke) - Reef Fish
- Banded Goatfish (Parupeneus multifasciatus) - Reef Fish
- Schlegel's Parrotfish (Scarus schlegeli) - Reef Fish
- Parrotfish (Thalassoma lutescens) - Reef Fish
- Dot and dash Butterflyfish (Chaetodon pelewensis) - Reef Fish
- Coral Beauty (Centropyge bispinosa) - Reef Fish
- Bird wrasse (Gomphosus varius) - Reef Fish
- Kihikihi (Zanclus cornutus) - Reef Fish
- Rainbowfish (Halichoeres hortulanus) - Reef Fish
- Redfin Butterflyfish (Chaetodon lunulatus) - Reef Fish
- Clown Tang (Naso lituratus) - Reef Fish
- Bandcheek wrasse (Oxycheilinus digramma) - Reef Fish
- Black-backed Wrasse (Anampses neoguinaicus) - Reef Fish
- Wrasse (Labroides dimidiatus) - Reef Fish
- Citron Butterfly (Chaetodon citrinellus) - Reef Fish
Recommended Packing List for MESNA
Based on average water temperature of 27.5°C.
- Shorty or Rashguard - warm 27°C water needs minimal exposure protection
- Mask - essential for every dive
- Fins
- BCD - buoyancy compensator
- Regulator - your most safety-critical piece of gear
- Dive Computer - tracks depth, time, and NDL
- Surface Marker Buoy (SMB) - essential for boat pickups
- Dive Torch - useful for crevices and colour at depth
- Underwater Camera - capture your diving memories