How good are Fiji and Tahiti?

[wolfgirl]

We're thinking of going to Fiji or Tahiti on our honeymoon next September, and were wondering what you all thought of the diving in those two places. The lack of articles about them in the scuba magazines makes me wonder if the diving might not be all that great. Please tell me I'm wrong!

- How would you rate the diving there? How would it compare to, say, the Caymans or Cozumel?
- If you could choose Tahiti or Fiji, which would you pick?
- What are the differences in diving between the two?
- Can you do shore dives at either one?
- Do either of these places have any activities or nightlife?
- How's the scenery?
- Anything else, good or bad?

Thank you so much, in advance. Any input would be very much appreciated!

 

[Natasha]

Wolfgirl,
I went through my files, and I have tons of info on both places. I have sent people to both places in the past.
To answer your questions would be much easier for me if we could talk on the phone. It's so much info to type, and I don't already have it typed to just cut and paste it here.
Feel free to call me in the office, or email me and I can call you.
I can quickly tell you the diving there is much different then Grand Cayman and Cozumel. Much more soft coral. Tons of different fish life. There are many nice resorts in Bora Bora, and Jean Michel Cousteau also has a resort that many divers love in Fiji.
Let's talk soon.

 

[DocVikingo]

Hi wolfgirl,

I strongly suspect that the lack of articles on these two venues in US dive publications is the result of their geographical remoteness from North America, with the associated time & cost factors that limit visitors from here. They are wildly popular with Europeans, Ozzies, Kiwis & the Japanese.

I have dove Fiji for many years & been to many of the islands & resorts, and can tell you that the diving at the better locations, e.g., Taveuni & environs, northern Lau group, all of the live-aboards, is absolutely world-class. As Natasha said, soft coral & wildly colorful south Pacific fish life are the name of the game.

Easily accessible Tahiti diving is IMHO not as good, but there is some great shark action. Tahiti is also more lush & tropical, and far more romantic for a honeymoon. Some very nice resorts.

Anyway, after you're researched Fiji & Tahiti in more detail, I'd be happy to respond to more specific questions.

What enviable choices.

DocVikingo

 

[plongere]

We were in Tahiti in July and it was wonderful! We are hoping to go to Fiji this spring, but we can't compare for you. We were on both Moorea and Tahiti. We prefer Moorea for diving and just in general. It is a wondeful adventure, wonderful people, beautiful scenery both above and below. We dove ith Bathy's club on Mooreea and Aquatica on Tahiti. Both are out of the Beachcomber hotels there. The only bad expereince that was noted was that of our next door neighbors. They dove with M.U.S.T. on moorea and decided to go to Bathy's after that.

We have some pictures we took there, and can give you some recommendations on how to make it more affordable. Send me an EMAIL and we can share our knowledge. From what I hear either one is beautiful!