Trip report from Tahiti (Manihi and Bora Bora)

[edpdiver]

Hi, I returned from a recent trip to Manihi and Bora Bora. We stayed at the Pearl Resort in Manihi and did two days of diving there, and then went to the Pearl Resort in Bora Bora and did 7 days of diving there. Both resorts were beautiful, and very expensive. The food and service were very good in both locations. Both dive operations were well run and friendly.

I had a good time, and the diving was very nice. However, I was disappointed that the pretty hard coral around Bora Bora had taken a severe hit from infestations of crown of thorns, at least compared to what I saw in 2007. The sharks and mantas were spectacular, and the coral around Manihi was quite good. Here are a few shots from the trip.




















Cheers,
Erwin

 

[Cerberus]

That looks awesome!!

I'm actually thinking of going to Moorea and Bora Bora for our honeymoon (see my original post here - post #12); however, given that this will be my first time (going and diving) in French Polynesia, I wanted to get some info on the locations itself.

I read on-line that the reef in Moorea is pretty much dead (due to starfish and algae I guess) -- is this true? I'm certified AOW driver and although the primary reason for the trip is honeymoon I would still like experience diving in FP. Will weather be an issue (we're going Jan / Feb 2012 for 10 days or so).

Thanks!

 

[ScubaSam]

Hi, Erwin,

Thanks for the report and the great pics.

I am sad to hear that the hard coral in Bora Bora being infested by crown of thorns. I was there in 2007 but stayed at the Bora Bora Lagoon Resort and have great memories from that trip. I did my referral OW dives in Bora Bora with Top Dive. Bora Bora is very special.

 

[TSandM]

In 2009, when we were there, the corals around Moorea and Bora Bora were in pretty bad shape. I did not think the diving there was worth anybody making a specific trip to do it.

 

[edpdiver]

I cannot comment on Moorea, because I was not there on this trip, but I have heard that the corals are in bad shape. I agree with TS&M that I would not go to either Bora Bora or Moorea solely for the diving. There are other attractions, though, incredible above water topography, transcendent vanilla ice cream, etc. I thought that the corals around Manihi were in very good shape, and I heard that the northern islands were not damaged by crown of thorns.

Hope this helps.

-Erwin

 

[Cerberus]

Thanks for the 411!

As I had mentioned, the trip would not solely be a dive trip (although I wouldn't mind going on one!). Instead, I plan to make a few dives throughout our honeymoon. I keep reading (researching) about FP (BB and Moorea) as well as Maldives and I'm getting excited about the trip (haven't booked or make a decision as to which location yet), but I'm also getting a bit "turned-off" by the cost (didn't realize it's quite expensive... around $50 dinner per person). Yikes!

If I get to see the Manta Rays like the one in edpdiver pic, I will be one happy camper... err, diver!

 

[edpdiver]

As I had mentioned, the trip would not solely be a dive trip (although I wouldn't mind going on one!). Instead, I plan to make a few dives throughout our honeymoon. I keep reading (researching) about FP (BB and Moorea) as well as Maldives and I'm getting excited about the trip (haven't booked or make a decision as to which location yet), but I'm also getting a bit "turned-off" by the cost (didn't realize it's quite expensive... around $50 dinner per person). Yikes!

If I get to see the Manta Rays like the one in edpdiver pic, I will be one happy camper... err, diver!

Cerberus, you might want to consider the following information, too. The manta rays in French Polynesia are seasonal, and I do not know if they would be around in January/February time frame. Second, Tahiti is very expensive, as you noted. In fact, dinner frequently exceeds $50/person. So here is another suggestion for you. Think about Fiji as an alternative. I stayed at Matangi Island Resort last year, and am returning in January. It is an excellent resort that caters to honeymooners. The diving is excellent, and there are lots of other activities. The food and ambience are great. Also, it is not that much longer a flight than going to French Polynesia, and it is much less expensive in all regards. I am sure there are lots of other alternatives, but this one might be worth a look, too. If you are interested, here are some photos of the diving at Matangi, and here are some photos of the resort itself.

-Erwin

 

[smellzlikefish]

Very cool pics. Makes me a little envious.

 

[edpdiver]

Very cool pics. Makes me a little envious.

Thanks very much.

 

[sipadiver]

In 2009, when we were there, the corals around Moorea and Bora Bora were in pretty bad shape. I did not think the diving there was worth anybody making a specific trip to do it.

I hate the Crown of Thorns so much that I might go there just to help clear the little monsters out of the sea.