Tahiti - Advise on where to Dive

[wayne007]

Hi:
We're planning a trip to Tahiti in January and were wondering if any one location has significantly better diving than the other. We're looking at Moorea, Rangira, and Bora Bora. All three are outstanding locations but is any one better?
If anyone has info, I'd really appreciate it.

Wayne

 

[Dr. Doug Ebersole]

Two years ago, my wife and I went to French Polynesia for our 20th anniversary. On the advice of the owner of Top Dive resorts who is also a friend of mine we dove Rangiroa and Bora Bora. Both were great but different. Rangiroa has lots of sharks but the diving is all tide-dependent through the pass. Bora Bora was ablsolutely beautiful topside and the diving great as well. I would highly recommend both but, depending on your experience level, would suggest Bora Bora as a first choice. As for lodging we stayed at Kia Ora in Rangiroa which was pricy but fantastic. In Bora Bora we stayed in an over-water bunglaow at Bora Bora Dive Resort -- nice resort with an outstanding restaurant (one of the tops on the island). We dove with Top Dive at both locations. Top Dive has nitrox and is located on most of the islands of French Polynesia so you can spread out a multi-dive package if you're traveling to multiple islands.

Here is a link to photos from the trip:

debersole.com

 

[Travelnsj]

I have dove Rangiora and Fakarava. Posted a trip report I think January 07. Excellent diving pretty much big stuff and hard corals only but up there with Palau. For me Rangiora got a little redundant due to the fact there were only two dive sites. I would not go back for 6 days but worth 3 or 4 days. If you have a chance Fakarava is some of the best diving I have done.