Cook Islands, Samoa, Niue, Vanuatu - anyone been there?

[Sea Squirt]

Planning a trip to any one of these places for early next year. Would love to hear from anyone who's dived here. Starting point is New Zealand, so travel time is not a factor.

Thanks for your comments.

Squirt

 

[lobsterlover]

I spent a month on Samoa. At Lalomanu beach, specifically. It was so perfect I didn't want to leave. Fantastic beach with a half-moon of coral for snorkeling during the day - and fales (the samoan hut) right on the beach. I dived with Stephane (Moanalei Dive'N'Surf) - but I know he is currently traveling..but the company may still be up and running. Lots of turtles..and of course fishes and coral too. Although..I can't compare it to other South Pacific Islands.

 

[Heg]

Just got back from Niue. it was fantastic, but then we were there in humpback season. Swam with spinner dolphins nearly every day. Great viz on all dives. Lots of seasnakes. Some huge Morays. The odd white tip. Did my first ever cave dives which were great.. Ian and Annie at Niue dive are awesome.

Went to Vanuatu in March. Port Vila. Also fantastic diving. Much better corals than Niue and some really nice easy dive sites. Dived with Big Blue scuba who were very good. Did one wreck dive which was ok, but its not really my thing. I prefer good viz lots of fish and corals.

 

[Heg]

p.s December thru April is cyclone season in the South Pacific (most tend to occur around March -April) Not too much to worry about but the vis can be poorer and it gets very humid.