French Polynesia for Newly Minted Advanced Open Water Diver

[tjkane]

Hi! I am planning a trip to French Polynesia for diving and hiking 10 days this November. Last summer I completed the PADI reactivation and Peak Performance Buoyancy module and then earned my Advanced Open Water certification in Izu, Japan. I’m looking for recommendations on dives where I can see sharks, dolphins and reefs etc. staying within my experience and ability. I’m fit, a strong swimmer but though Advanced Open Water certified, don’t have much experience with drift diving. Would it be worth going to Rangiroa, or concentrating on Morea or Bora Bora. Look forward to your input.

 

[pintodog]

Hello! For me...the number of dives matters more than the certification level when diving in FP. The reason is the different depths and currents that you have to deal with. I am going to assume from your profile that you have less than 30 dives. If that is not the case, then let me know. Given this:

• Mo'orea is a good option. There is good hiking, the island is beautiful, and there is good diving for inexperienced divers. Also...if you go in the August - October window then you have a a chance to swim with humpbacks (book early). The fish life here isn't super prolific but you will likely see some sharks (probably black tips) and a chance to see a lemon shark or two
• Rangiroa could be an option. Please note, though, that most of the best dives/opportunities will likely not be available to you based on your experience. Nevertheless, you do have chances to see dolphins and sharks near the mouth of the pass (where they do take inexperienced divers)
• Fakarava: I would not recommend going here if you are inexperienced. The dives can be pretty deep and there is current.

I've not been to Bora Bora.

 

[ACHiPo]

I dove Moorea and Bora Bora after not diving for many years. Both are good, accessible dives for all levels with decent wildlife--blacktip and whitetip reef sharks, lemon sharks, turtles, giant clams, good hard coral variety. There are lots of activities besides diving.

The Tuomotus--Rangiroa and Tikehau--I loved. Rangiroa can have good beginner/intermediate diving, but shooting the pass is definitely an advanced dive. Tikehau was like diving in a fish tank--amazing, peaceful dives with Mantas, eagle rays, a few sharks, and some amazing bait balls. There's not a lot to do besides diving.

If you only have a week and you want to do something other than diving, I'd recommend the Society Islands (Moorea and Borabora). Getting to the Tuomotus adds the better part of a day each way.