Elquailo

This past November was our fourth cruise on the PG, each time under different ownership (2004, 2009, 2014, and now 2023). This most recent cruise in November (a 10-day) was absolutely our FAVORITE of the four. The food, beverages, and as mentioned by most - the STAFF and SERVICE! - were all exceptional.

We've been on the PG three times previously, and went diving every day at every stop except for Motu Mahana. We also have always done pre-cruise and post-cruise dives in Tahiti, and either Moorea or Bora Bora. Twice (2004 & 2009) our cruise included Raiatea, and the ship coordinated with a local operator there called Hemisphere Sub who were excellent. In looking through my dive log, the site was called "Miri Miri/Mushroom Patch". The dive site was along the West side reef of the islands in between Raiatea and Tahaa, and most similar in my opinion to the sites at Moorea off of the two bays. All are great sites, other than maybe Table Top in Bora Bora. Our favorites were usually Tapu in Bora Bora and Shark Gallery in Moorea, due to the huge numbers and variety of sharks (my favorite are the lemon sharks!). Every dive site in FP is better than any dive site here in Massachusetts! 😉

We've sailed on the PG three times and did most of the dives each time, also booked again now for 2023. We did have our log books with us, but I don't recall anyone requiring them, although the staff did offer to sign and stamp them. My favorite sites have been Tapu at Bora Bora (lemon sharks and Napoleon wrasse) and Shark Gallery at Moorea (appropriately named!). The first two times we sailed the ship had a stop in Raiatea where we had some great dives along the Western reef in between Raiatea and Taha'a arranged by the ship with an outside operator called Hemisphere Sub, but the ship doesn't stop there anymore. We also did an outside dive in Bora Bora once at Manta Valley (yes!, mantas!) back when the mantas were prevalent, instead of the ship's TableTop dive site (which was pretty boring). We have always brought our own gear, and the ship's dive staff managed it for us wonderfully each time. It's very nice to come down to the marina deck in the morning to find your BC and reg ready to go on a tank that is already loaded onto the zodiac. 🙂 On our last trip in 2014 the ship had issues with their zodiacs, and outsourced the dives to TopDive. We prefer the PG's staff. 🙂 Here is a video from our dives that trip, including a pre-cruise dive in Tahiti. Enjoy!