January 2013 Dive Package Update: Port Briefing

As I get ready to negotiate our dive package with Top Dive in Tahiti, my goal is learn as much as I can about the diving around the islands we will visit during our Scuba Cruise. Our proposed dive package will include 5 days of diving in the following ports of call.  Based on my initial research, here is what I am learning about the diving.  Never having been there, I have nothing to compare it to, so I welcome your input.

Comments posted at Scuba Board regarding the quality of dive sites fall into two categories: 1) more experienced divers who went to Polynesia and spent time on one or more island and 2) less experienced  divers who went scuba diving while on a cruise.  More experienced divers seem to be more critical of dive sites in Papeete and Moorea in particular, and favor Rangiroa over all the others. Divers on a cruise tended to enjoy diving in general, though a common thread did indicate that shark diving was the norm in Papeete (the kind where you sit on a sandy bottom and watch a guy in chain mail feed sharks).  All agree that Tahiti is amazing and must be experienced.

In the weeks to come, I will be contacting the dive operator and then all the divers in the group via email with more information.

Day 2 Feb 20
Papeete Tahiti 8am, 10:30 am

There has been a lot of damage to the reefs in this area; as a result, dive operators like to push shark dives.  I need to get your input about this, as this might be a port we skip diving altogether.  Many comments on Scuba Board about skipping diving here altogether. 

Day 5 Feb 23
Rangiroa Atoll 8am, 10am

From what I can see, this wil be the best diving - a must for all divers.  Too bad we can't spend more time diving here!


Day 8 Feb 26
Bora Bora 8am, 10am

and

9 Feb 27
Bora Bora 8am, 10am

Bora Bora is famous for manta rays and lemon sharks, but parts of the reef are not great.  Mixed reviews on the diving here from very experienced divers - some of the more shallow dives with input from newbies tend to give Bora Bora a more positive spin.  My take it's still worth checking out.  Is it worth diving for 2 days?


Day 10 Feb 28
Moorea Island 8am, 10am

Moorea was ravaged by a cyclone a couple of years ago and has an ongoing Acantaster (crown-of-thorns starfish) problem so the undersea flora scene is rather lunar according postings at Scuba Board. Although the fauna is incredible...you'll see at least 3 types of reef sharks!   I'd much rather see sharks while diving then a feeding dive in Papeete.  How about you?

$100pp Deposit

The next Princess sale will be on Jan 28 - Feb 12; look for a reduced deposit for the Scuba Cruise!