Tahiti time...

[David D]

Greetings all!

I am currently investigating a fabulous RTW trip for my honeymoon (September 02) , on which I plan to spend at least two weeks in Tahiti and its neighbours.

Can anyone advise as to the best locations. Is Rangiroa still the ultimate shark site? Or is it overrated?

I would dearly like to hear from anyone who's been to any of the islands, and hear their opinions. Its a very long way from London, and the expense means it had better be as amazing as I think it should be...

Hope one of you can help me out again as you have before.

My web site now has PNG and Cayman photos and opinions if anyone's interested...

 

[scuba-sass]

I can't offer any advice just yet, but ask me in April!

My partner and I will celebrate our 20th Anniversary in March with 2 weeks in French Polynesia. I'll be sure to post a trip report upon our return. Here is our itinerary as planned so far:

Saturday - Connecticut to Los Angeles
Sunday - LA to Papeete, Tahiti
Tuesday - Flight to Manihi

We chose Manihi because we wanted to visit an Atoll that our cruise ship wouldn't see, and reportedly the currents are lighter than Rangiroa (we're new divers), the black pearls are better, and it is much less populated.

Saturday - Flight back to Papeete, board Radisson's Paul Gauguin for 7 night cruise.
Sunday - ???? Can't remember 1st island, itinerary is at home.
Monday - Tahaa
Tuesday - Bora Bora (2 nights)
Thursday - Moorea (2 nights)
Saturday - Papeete
Head back home late Saturday night :-(

Happy Diving!
Scuba-sass

 

[David D]

Thanks,

I too am now considering Manihi for part of the trip. Probably split between Manihi and Rangiroa. WIll be nice to be a little off the beaten track!

I'm reluctant to spend the time and effort going to Rurutu for the humpbacks, in case they're not there. Anyway sharks are my thing really, so can't miss the passes at Rangiroa.

Can't wait.

Hope you have a great trip, don't forget to post your experiences here!

 

[Cecil]

We went there last year and had the best vacation ever. We were new divers at the time and only did three dives, one in Moorea and two in Bora Bora. Having done many more dives around the Caribbean since then, I still judge all dives by Tahitian standards, and that's just the diving. Above water is even better. You can read about our experiences from my home page in my profile.

 

[ptc]

You should have a great time in Tahiti. We were there for our 20th anniversary last year in May and had just a wonderful time! We booked our trip through Club Med (all inclusive) and spent 5 days on Moorea and 5 days on Bora Bora. The ammenities on Club Med Moorea were pretty old and out dated, if you like to camp you would like Moorea, the ammenities at Club Med Bora Bora was alot like a luxury resort if you compared it to Moorea. Both places had excellent food, entertainment and excursions.

Club Med has its own dive shop on Moorea with excellent, patient and knowledgeable dive instructors. Bora Bora you have to go through an outside dive shop called "Top Dive" don't know anything about them since we didn't dive on Bora Bora, though I read on some of the boards that they were a good and reputable shop. The snorkeling there was excellent especially if you go on the shark feeding excursion. The water is truly indigo blue as in the pictures and the coral is the deepest and prettist colors you've ever seen and there must be over a 1000 of species of fish.

Bring lots of sunscreen and bug spray (mosquitos!). Also if your flying on Air Tahiti Nui or Corsair be prepared to be packed in like sardines, we flew from CA. and it was ~7 hours there and 9+ hours home due to the wind factor, and the seats on the plane were so close together. Also take into consideration your travel time. We booked a 10 day trip but 2 days were complete travel days so our actual stay on the island were only 7 days, which didn't seem like enough. Next time we will book a longer time on the islands. Tahiti is the "REAL HAWAII"... and remember Tahiti time is very very slow, so enjoy the rest and relaxation.

You and your fiancee should have an awesome time! we plan to go back in 5 years and bring our kids, we can't wait! Enjoy!