Moorea for whales, then Rangiroa+Fakarava

[Brad J]

First time to French Polynesia, planning a trip that includes Moorea for swimming with the whales. And would like to dive Rangiroa and/or Fakarava. Would likely have about 2 weeks. Coming from east coast US.

Would like to hear suggestions on order of each, start or end in Moorea? Is 2 weeks enough time to do all three with the interisland flights?

 

[ACHiPo]

I liked Rangiroa, but loved Tikehau. We stayed at the Kia Ora in Rangiroa and dove with the 6Passengers, which was great. We sailed around Rangiroa for a week and dove a couple times with Top Dive, which I liked less. Diving was great both places, but I found Tikehau (Coco Dive) a fantastic experience. We stayed at Le Tikehau which was great.

Plan on a half-day each way to/from the Tuomotus, plus a non-diving day before flying. Two weeks should be ok--I'd allow a full week in the Tuomotus.

 

[Brad J]

How was the diving Rangiroa vs Tikehau?

 

[ACHiPo]

How was the diving Rangiroa vs Tikehau?

Inside the lagoon similar—they’re both aquariums. We shot Tiputa pass in Rangiroa which was intense with lots of grey sharks plus the usual larger fish. The diving inside and outside the reef in Tikehau was much more relaxed—bait balls, turtles, eagle and manta rays. I just liked Tikehau’s vibe better.