“I was excited to read [Fakarava] has been designated a UNESCO biosphere due to its untouched environment and underwater life. And it delivered… several manta rays (largest of the ray family) joined us on our first dive — the first I’d seen in all my years of diving.”
Debbra Dunning Brouillette
The Story
Tahiti has captivated sailors since the days of Captain Cook with its emerald massifs, sparkling lagoons, and welcoming islanders. The water is impossibly clear, refracting off white sand in shimmering shades of jade, aquamarine, and turquoise. And while the islands themselves are impossibly beautiful, there’s a whole other world to explore beyond shore.
Drift snorkel along coral reefs teeming with rainbow-colored angelfish, butterfly fish, parrotfish, clown fish, and an occasional manta ray or sea turtle. Then venture to the remote and less-visited Tuamotus where the real show begins. These low-lying atolls save their drama for the world below, where canyons, passes, and valleys offer a fertile wonderland for marine residents.
Well-ventilated lagoons offer exceptional visibility, and the blender effect ensures that reef residents eat well. The Tuamotus are one of the best places in the world to see reef sharks, grey sharks, sturgeons, lemon sharks, white tip sharks, perch, barracudas, tunas, manta rays, and dolphins. And in certain months, eagle rays and hammerheads. In fact, Fakarava’s reef is such a unique ecosystem it’s been named a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. And with glass-bottom boats, AquaSafaris, snorkeling and SCUBA excursions, you can explore this magical world even if you don’t want to get wet.
Insider Tips:
• You’ll receive your own personal set of snorkeling equipment and fins for the duration of the voyage, custom-fit by our Watersports team. So you can snorkel from the beach without having to wait in line to rent equipment.
• One thing you’ll want to do as soon as you get on board – make a reservation to dine in
Candles. This signature outdoor restaurant is the perfect place to watch a tropical sunset and enjoy a romantic tête-a-tête.
• In the islands you’re almost guaranteed to come across noni (NO-nee) juice, made from the fruit of the
Morinda citrifolia tree. Polynesians have used noni in traditional folk medicine for over 2,000 years and it’s packed with antioxidants.
• The most thrilling diving and snorkeling in the Tuamotu chain is drift diving, a Zen-like experience where you float along with the current. This allows you to conserve energy and concentrate on the scenery going by.
• While colorful reef fish are plentiful, French Polynesia is renowned for its big marine animals. And if you’re into sharks, this is simply one of the best dive destinations in the world.
• We recommend all guests bring water shoes, as the beaches may be rocky and the coral can be sharp.