Sept./Oct. humpback whales and best diving in French Polynesia?

[Liberty01]

Hi,

I read about snorkelling with humpback whales in Moorea in September/October in Moorea (it was a group tour offer). I read also about great diving in Fakarava (North/South), Rangiroa etc.

Now, with only 3 weeks time, are the whale watching trips offered regularly in Moorea until beginning of October? Or do you need to book as a group? Any comments about it?

Which other 2 islands are best for diving?

I read that most people based in Central Europe booked the trip through a travel agent or recommended to do so as accommodation over there was even more expensive once they got there. Would you also prebook dive shops? Can you expect a lot of hassle being PADI open water advanced?

All advice will be appreciated.
Cheers,
Liberty

 

[ncchuck]

My wife and I went to Moorea about 6 years ago. We stayed at a middle of the road resort/hotel in Cooks Bay and did our diving with an outfit that picked us up daily. We watched whales daily right in front of our bungalow. A dive operation right next door offered trips whenever the whales were there. Walk ins were welcome but we just watched from our deck.
On one of our dive trips, a baby whale breached about 30 feet from our 18 foot dive boat. The adult decided to warn us and breached even closer almost swamping our boat. Even our captain that had been there for 7 years had never seen such a close breach. Our host asked if we wanted to snorkel with the whales and obviously the vote was unanimous. We were able to snorkel with them for well over an hour. The hardest decision was trying to decide if you should watch from above or below the water. It was certainly the best encounter of our life.
None of the dive operations were crowded when we were there and anyone could have walked up and did some diving. I'm sorry but I don't remember the exact time frame.
I'm not sure what you are saying about PADI open water advanced certification. We have been diving all over the world and no one has ever asked for anything other than the open water certification. In fact, they generally just ignore anything other than that (I'm an instructor) and certainly PADI is recognized around the world.
Have a great time.