Manihi, Bora Bora, Moorea or Tahiti

[dman]

Looking for helpful hints on these locations. Going in January and trying to decide which one.

 

[dlndavid]

Tough choice, all are exotic islands in the South Pacific. Which one can you get more bang for the buck? ie; bungelow over the water, shore diving, good eats nearby. Just a few thoughts.

 

[dman]

Now matter which one we will definitely get a bungalow over the water! We've been all over the Carribbean diving and will be going on our 25th anniversary. I'm sure any of them will be fine but advise from prior visitors will be helpful.

 

[dlndavid]

I haven't had the pleasure of visting there yet, but there are many on this board that can offer advice, good luck and have fun on your 25th!

 

[Dr. Doug Ebersole]

A friend, Lucien Schmidlin, lives in Tahiti and owns E-Tahiti travel (www.etahititravel.com) and Top Dive. My wife and I are going to French Polynesia for our 20th anniversary next June and he is arranging the trip. His recommendation to us was to fly to Tahiti but immediately go to Rangiroa for several days and then to Bora Bora for several days. I've not been there, but I'm going on his expert advice.

 

[SCUBAJENNIFER]

I visited all three islands last February, I dove on both Moorea and Bora Bora. I really enjoyed both because they are completely different islands. Moorea is very lush and green and the diving is good if you want to see lots of sharks. I dove w/ Bathy's at the Intercontinental Hotel and would recommend them. Bora Bora was my favorite, everywhere you look, it looks like a postcard. I thought the diving was a little better than Moorea, I used the Bora Diving Center, they were excellent and very helpful. The only issue I had with the trip is the cost of everything on the islands...bring plenty of $$$. I'm only saying that because I was expecting it to be alot of money and was still taken back at what some things cost. I cannot comment too much on accomodations, since I was there to dive primarily, I went with places on the lower end of the scale. I booked this trip through Chris Fox @ World of Diving in LA, he was very helpful in tailoring it to my budget and needs. Have a great trip, make sure you go to Bloody Mary's on Bora Bora!

 

[dman]

Has anyone been to Manihi? It looks great too! Of course they all look great.This will be a new adventure for us. Last November we went to Curacao for the first time and had a wonderful time. Have done Belize Bahamas Mexico the Keys and Turks & Caicos. Loved them all!!

 

[dman]

I have been reading about the wet and dry season. Our trip is tentatively scheduled for Jaunary, but that is not set in stone if that is not the best time to go. We're pretty flexible about travel time. Any hints from the veterans out there about the best time to go?

 

[Mike Veitch]

Thats the best time to go to the Tuamotus if you are going that way. The incoming tide is very consistent (april-july you can get some 24 hour/day outgoing due to wind direction...) and the wind is just a steady breeze as opposed to the stormy crap that turns up around July and lasts till around Nov....
I would rather put up with a little rain than have to worry about 12 swells and the threat of only having to dive in the lagoon

 

[DontLieToMe]

I would go to Rangiroa over Manihi. Been to Manihi. A few sharks but less exciting than options at Rangiroa. North end of Bora Bora has some good diving but is weather dependent. Otherwise I find Bora Bora very so so. I have enjoyed a variety of dives at Huahine, Tahaa, and Raitae. Consider the overwater bungalows at Tahaa.