Tahiti and her islands conjure up images of crystal clear lagoons, sunsets over lush volcanic mountains and luxurious overwater bungalows. When divers think of Tahiti and her islands they think of sharks! French Polynesia has 19 shark species in her waters out of 350 species worldwide and they have been protected in French Polynesia from the beginning of time. To the ancient ma’ohi sharks represent a protective icon in which the kind spirit of a family ancestor has been reincarnated.

There are few places in the world where you can see reef sharks in abundance, tiger sharks, nurse sharks and the great hammerhead. You can see all of these hopping through the beautiful island of French Polynesia.

The best area for swimming with a “wall of sharks” is the Tuamotu Archipelago, specifically, the islands of Rangiroa and Fakarava. You will drop in the water outside the lagoon and ride the current with a wall of reef sharks into the lagoon. If you’re really lucky the reef sharks will be accompanied by a great hammerhead, mantas, turtles, dolphins and groupers. No need to fight the current, the dive boat is going to pick you up in the lagoon. These are adrenalin pumping dives so full of action you won’t know where to point your camera! Once you are in the lagoon these clear waters are full of beautiful tropical fish who are not bothered by divers, so much so, they will almost pose for your camera.

You can visit the Tuamotu Archipelago staying in the luxury this island nation is known for. The Kia Ora Resort on Rangiroa has overwater bungalows, overwater bar and a dive shop on site. The Top Dive boat will pick you up at the dock. Fakarava has some lovely “pensions” like the Havaiki Pearl for a more local experience. You will often find lemon sharks napping under the doc if you go for a morning swim. The best way to experience the diving in the Tuamotu Archipelago is by live aboard dive boat. The French Polynesia Master runs trips year round. The Tuamotu trips focus on South Fakarava. This can be a difficult area to dive while staying land based and is the highlight of the area for divers.

The island of Tahiti should be added to every divers itinerary for a day of diving with Tiger Sharks and if the season is right (August – November), a day of snorkeling with Humpbacks and their babies. There are many accommodation options to choose from. You’ll have a chance to check out some of the great food trucks after working up an appetite in the water.

Join Jenny Collister, owner of Reef & Rainforest on an epic adventure to dive with Tiger Sharks, snorkel with Humpback Whales and dive the wall of sharks from the French Polynesia Master.

September 9 – 12 2018, Manava Suites including breakfast

September 10, diving with Tiger Sharks

September 11, snorkeling with Humpback Whales

From 798.00 per person based on twin share occupancy

September 12 – 19 2018 French Polynesia Master

From 4,525.00 per person including all meals, diving and transfers in Rangiroa. Option to steam back to Papeete.

Let Our Experience Be Your Guide to Dive Travel!

Website: www.reefrainforest.com

Email: [email protected]