What Dive Ops Do You Recommend for Tahiti?

[marly]

We're interested in diving in Tahiti. We'll be in Papeete, Moorea and Bora Bora in May. I've read that manta rays are in Bora Bora, and sounds really interesting to me. Any suggestions which dive operation to book with in any of those places?

 

We're also interested in doing a jet ski tour around one of the islands. Any info on that would be appreciated as well. Thanks!

Marly

[WesW]

Marly, we are going for 16 days in March, I highly recommend www.boradive.com

in bora bora..Anne Condesse will answer promptly..they get great recommendations.

Pls see review at

 

www.brownandkeenetravel.com/Review_Tahiti_Ken_akaElquailo.htm or

try this is that site gets blocked: http://groups.msn.com/TahitiSept2004

 

We are using them specifically to see the Giant Manta Rays..they also sponsor

a night dive offered on our cruise ship, the Paul Gauguin.

 

Have a blast.

 

ps..Check for 10% off discount coupons with boradive and others.

 

www.tahiticoupons.com/English/dream_idp.php?debut=10&ile=1

[WesW]

marly, the coupon site has info on jet ski's too..or email the contact below.

$240 for one waverunner is what we're paying on the ship's excursion too.

 

From: Reservations@TOPdive [mailto:reservation@topdive.com]

Subject: RE: "Miki Miki Jetski"

 

 

Hello,

 

 

Thank you for your e-mail. Concerning your request the wave runner is a 2 hours guided tour with a stop of 30 minutes on the motu for a coconut show.

 

There 2 departure 9:15 am or 1:15 pm – price for one wave is 20’500 XPF – USD approx 241. The pick up will on Vaitape dock via Land Rover

 

To confirm we need Visa or Master card.

 

Do not hesitate if you have other question

 

 

Best regards,

[Latitude 20]

We'd also recommend Bora Dive. You didn't say which ship you were going on but when we went, Bora Dive was the operator for Princess's ship's excursions.

 

Although the operator was great, can't say as we thought the Manta ray dive was very good. The problem is if there are no rays (like when we dove) you're just basically doing a long swim over a sandy bottom and some pretty dead reefs. Much better were our dives the next day to Tapu and Toopua. Tapu featured sharks (reef and lemon). Toopua had an awesome reef, tons of reef fish, giant clams, eels and a Napoleon Wrasse the size of a small cow. He (she?) was easily the most impressive fish we've ever seen.

 

Kathi & Leo

[dabear]

Top dive was great. we dove in Papeete, Bora Bora and Raitea last February. Manta rays abound, but especially in a nearby Motu in Moorea. Even my wife (who generally does not like this stuff) loved playing with the rays. Ps much better than Sting Ray city in caymans. enjoy!

[gvre]

We have done over 20 dives in French polynesia, We have used Top Dive for ALL of our dives on Bora Bora and Moorea.

 

I would NOT use Bora Dive. The Tahitian Princess uses them and their boats are over crowded and junky.

 

We have never had more than 6 divers on any of Top Dives dive boats, and have done a couple were there was just my wife and me. They are the BEST!

 

www.topdive.com

 

PS the coupon deal uses crappy dive operators. The ones that need the business.

Richard

[marly]

thanks everybody for your help. I've e-mailed both dive centers.

Marly

[marly]

I sent several e-mails to Top Dive, but so far they haven't responded. Boar Dive did respond but suggested I book them through the ship.

 

Does anybody have a contact at Top Dive that I can e-mail directly?

 

Thanks,

Marly

[WesW]

marly, got this email from Sportdiver, Padi's magazine; info@topdive.com..

hope this helps..r/wes

[dabear]

addendum: I was disappointed w Aquatica in Papeete. Stick w/ Topdive.

[WesW]

dabear, have one dive planned with them in March, would you share your experience

so I can assess whether to canx or not, thanx..r/wes

 

 

March 5th-19th, Paul Gauguin, Tahiti

Sept 6,2006, Mariner, Alaska