LIVELY LAGOONS AND THRILLING DRIFTS
Paradise on Earth — a place of swaying palms, white-sand beaches, emerald-green islands and sapphire waters. That's the allure that has people around the world dreaming of the Islands of Tahiti... and they aren't even divers. Sure, the setting is inspiring, but for those of us who like to slip below the surface, there are even more compelling reasons to put Tahiti on the shortlist for travel. Here are four underwater experiences like nowhere else on earth.
EXCITEMENT RIDES THE TIDES
The Islands of Tahiti are often depicted as green volcanic peaks rising from the sea. But there's another side to the archipelago that's equally iconic. To the east of the islands lies the world's greatest collection of atolls. The interior lagoons of these giant, low-lying coral rings are subject to tides, which ebb and flow through breaks in the reef to create some of the most exciting diving experiences on earth. Best known is Rangiroa, which is the largest atoll in the group, and home to Tiputa Pass. Much has been written about this site, where divers ride the tides in the company of vast schools of fish, massive gatherings of sharks, pods of dolphins, flights of rays and the occasional manta ray. And if all that isn't enough, similar excitement awaits at nearby Avatoru Pass.
Diving the passes at Rangiroa never gets old, but the atoll has even more to offer. The interior lagoon provides a tranquil counterpoint to the dynamic drifts. This expansive body of sheltered water has thousands of acres of coral gardens at diver-friendly and snorkel-worthy depths. The slopes of the outer reef deliver sweeping panoramic views in clean oceanic waters, along with a dynamic assortment of schooling fish and pelagic visitors.
A favorite home for Rangiroa diving adventures is the Hotel Kia Ora Resort & Spa. This five-star collection of Polynesian-style bungalows is set in a coconut grove fronting a spectacular beach. It's a favorite with divers not only for the scenery, laid-back ambiance and easy proximity to the airport, but also for its proximity to both Tiputa Pass and Avatoru Pass. On-site Top Dive Rangiroa makes daily trips to these sites and dozens more within the lagoon.
SIGNATURE ENCOUNTERS IN A NATURAL AQUARIUM
Bora Bora embodies the total Tahiti Dream. Here, the volcanic spire of Mount Otemanu rises above a shimmering lagoon that encircles the island. And as divers and snorkelers know, these waters can be a magical place. Sheltered by the outer reef and a necklace of small outlying islands, the lagoon's flats and coral gardens hold a diverse collection of marine life that includes big-ticket sightings such as lemon and black tip sharks, along with rainbow-fused schools of tropical fish, turtles, stingrays and a treasure trove of small finds. And did we mention mantas? Bora Bora is also home to one of the most reliable manta ray encounters in Tahiti.
Some sites within the lagoon are ideal for snorkeling, while others reach middle depths. Divers looking to further expand their horizons can dive the pass, or head to open water on the outer reef to mingle with more sharks, immerse in massive schools of jack, barracuda and tuna, glide with eagle rays and — with any luck — run into some of the resident dolphin pods.
A good choice for divers looking to mix bottom and beach time in true Polynesian style is Le Bora Bora Resort, which sits on a private island, with spectacular views of the lagoon and Mount Otemanu. The resort's thatch-roofed garden villas and overwater bungalows deliver an authentic Polynesian style, coupled with modern comforts, fine dining and an indulgent spa.
SPECTACULAR SNORKELING AND A WALL OF SHARKS
Tahiti's second-largest atoll delivers a double helping of diving enjoyment. Fakarava is best-known to divers for Tumakohua Pass, where immersion made on an incoming flow bring divers to what can literally be described as a wall of sharks. Here at depths in the 80 to 90-foot range, squadrons of 300 or more gray reef sharks hold in tight formations as they scan the moving waters for drifting morsels. Also attracted by the flow are a varied collection of reef and pelagic fish, making this a dive that will earn bragging rights and a prominent place on any diver's bucket list.
What is less well-known in diving circles is that Fakarava has a gentler side. Within the sheltering confines of the lagoon, which is a registered UNESCO biosphere reserve, corals thrive in great profusion, nurturing colorful underwater gardens that rise close to the surface in sunlit-waters. Some have described the snorkeling Fakarava as the best in the world, and the lagoon provides equal rewards for divers seeking long, relaxing immersions in warm, lively waters.
Snorkeling can begin right at the dock at Havaiki Lodge, which is also a favorite with divers, as it is served by premier operator, Top Dive Fakarava. The Lodge is an intimate property with bungalows set beachside and in a tropical garden. After a day of diving, guests can borrow a bike to ride through palm-shaded lanes or relax with an evening kayak paddle.
DIVING DIVERSITY IN A SCENIC PARADISE
Just a ferry ride or a puddle-jumper flight away from Moorea Temae Airport in Tahiti, the island of Moorea has been called one of the most romantic places on earth. Divers will love it as well, and they have plenty of options for both adventure and relaxation. The barrier reef that rings the island combines with a large lagoon to create a smorgasbord of aquatic experiences for snorkelers and divers.
Dive sites with names like Lemon Shark Valley, Stingray World, Aquarium and The Rose Garden give hints to the diversity of diving that awaits in these waters. There's an abundance of sharks both inside and outside the reef, including grey reef sharks, lemons, silkies, nurse, black tip and even oceanic white tips. Moorea is said to have the most sea turtle sightings in Tahiti, and it's also the place where blue water divers are likely to run into dolphins and pilot whales, plus seasonal visits from humpbacks.
A good starting point for dive excursions both inside and outside the reefs is the Manava Beach Resort & Spa. This boutique property blends traditional Polynesian style with contemporary comfort, placed on a waterfront location with a convenient distance to the airport, ferry docks, along with the shops and restaurants of nearby Maharepa village. Divers who stay there should also check out the To’a Nui coral nursery operated by Manava.
Ready to start your own Tahiti diving adventures? Caradonna's experienced agents can give you all the details, and take arrange flights, transfers, accommodations, diving and more. Call us at 800.328 2288 or send a note to sales@caradonna.com.