TAHITI
With turquoise lagoons spreading out beneath verdant volcanic cliffs, few places on earth can compare with the staggering beauty of French Polynesia. Forming a corner of the Polynesian Triangle (the others being Hawai'i and New Zealand) international tourism has definitely arrived here, especially since the early 20th century, capitalizing on the idyllic paintings and stories of village life brought back by early European visitors.
Today, honeymooners make up the majority of the guests to Tahiti, and diving is a major activity: the picture perfect reefs tumbling off the atolls of Rangiroa, Moorea, and Bora Bora beg to be explored, where soft corals and reef sharks thrive in the ever changing currents.
THE DIVING:
Tahiti Nui & Tahiti Iti
The main island of Tahiti is similar in shape to Maui in the Hawai'ian islands. With many international hotels here, diving is easily accessed through resorts, with short boat trips from shore. Steep drop offs, formed by lava flows, are a highlight here.
Rangiroa
As one of the world's largest coral atolls, Rangiroa's best dive is one timed to the tides: get it right, and you will shoot from the deep blue sea into the calm, shallow atoll, where sharks prey on fishes disoriented by the sudden shift of tons of seawater. It has been named as one of the most adrenaline dives in the world. Eagle rays, mantas, and jacks are commonly encountered here.
Bora Bora
Most popular as a honeymoon destination, the 'world's most beautiful lagoon' is home to many manta rays, that can swim just meters away from divers as they explore the calm, crystal clear waters, while black tip reef sharks use the lagoon to feed.
Moorea
As a steep volcanic island, Moorea is characterized by steep drop offs, canyons and gullies, carved from the eroding volcanic rock. Strong currents are rare here, making Moorea a great place for all levels of divers.
What to Expect:
Tahiti has a strong French influence, though most people can converse in English, knowing some French is helpful. Costs are high, as five star tourism is the norm here, much like the Maldives, where five star accomodation is standard. Budget hotels can be found, though the standard varies extensively.
Getting There:
Air New Zealand provides the best connections from Australia and the USA to Tahiti. Qantas and other airlines also provide links to Europe and Asia.
