Rangiroa and Fakarava

[richhagelin]

Looking to go to French Polynesia this fall. Two experienced divers interested in sharks, dolphins, whales, large sea life. What’s our best option? Open to shore based or boat options. Would appreciate advice on where to dive, where to stay and who to dive with. We’re not concerned with nightlife or non diving activities. Be flying from Seattle. Would also appreciate advice on flight options.

thanks

richhagelin

 

[Phteven]

I've never been to Bora Bora but I've seen the pictures. After a stay there, Rangiroa might be a bit of a letdown for your non-diving boss. But if you pick a hotel or pension wisely on the lagoon side of Rangiroa, there might be a nice sandy beach with lounge chairs and maybe hammocks to chill in.

Ok right on! She's not terribly high maintenance so I'll keep this as part of the plan

 

[Manuel Sam]

When I go, it is only to dive so I don't get into other activities, but I see the ads and there's stuff for non-diving people to do, if you wanna look into it.

There are a number of boat excursions offered, one to place called the Blue Lagoon that is supposed to be quite pretty.

And, there's a pearl farm, altho it may end up costing you plenty.....

 

[Phteven]

And, there's a pearl farm, altho it may end up costing you plenty.....

"Honey, that's just a weird rumor. Definitely not true. Oh look, coconuts!"

 

[autrichon gris]

Really appreciate this post, thanks.

If you were traveling with a non-diver who'd probably just want to relax on the beach and read, would you have any reservations about dragging them to Rangiroa? We're going back to bora bora next year and I'm investigating adding a stop in rangiroa to get a day or two of diving in there as well but want to keep the boss happy.

Rangiroa is an absolute must for diving ! When the group of sharks you're looking at split to let tha mantas pass through, it's like in Cousteau's shows of your childhood: wow !

I dove (2018) with "raie manta club" the closest dive center to the pass. That was tough and rough diving with them, went to 52m at the second dive (!), got 30 minutes of deco stops; only for very advanced divers with them.

My wife doesn't dive and that was really ok for to go snorkel, or paddle or take the boat on a boat tour to see i don't remember what in the lagoon, she really liked it.