Scuba Diving the Tuamotu Islands of French Polynesia- Tahiti Sun Travel Network

The Tuamotu Islands are well known throughout the world as one of the most spectacular diving destinations imaginable.

LEARN ABOUT TUAMOTU DIVING

FAQ'S

THE SCUBA OUTFITTERS

DIVING THE TUAMOTU ISLANDS
Spectacular world class diving in unspoiled waters make the Tuamotu islands an exotic and

The majestic Napoleon fish are abundant...

Deep ocean waters=LARGE fish

worthy destination for scuba lovers worldwide. As one top diver familiar with all the Polynesian archipelagos noted, "Because they are so remote and surrounded by very deep ocean waters, you never know what you might encounter in the Tuamotus." True enough... After snorkeling and swimming, scubadiving is the most popular and exciting water activity for all the Polynesian Islands, but for the remote Tuamotus, it could easily be said that scuba diving is the MAIN attraction...

     Located over 200 miles north of French Polynesia's Society Islands, the Tuamotu island chain are actually not technically "islands", but atolls. Numbering 78, the Tuamotu chain is the largest chain of atolls in the world. Geologically speaking, polynesian atolls are the tops of ancient collapsed volcanoes, now consisting of various sized motus (or small islands) surrounded by magnificent rings of coral built up over the centuries.

Countless species of coral are seen in the Tuamotu waters..

     All the Tuamotu atolls are surrounded by steep dropoffs and cliffs overlooking vast expanses of remote and tropical south pacific ocean waters. At the center of every atoll is a large, relatively calm lagoon fed by just a few passes from the open ocean. Most of the diving action occurs in or near these passes, as these are the spots with an almost continuous waterflow resulting from 2 daily tides rushing in and out of the lagoons. These tides are affected by various factors including not only the moon and gravitational pulls of the earth but also the weather and swells of the open ocean just outside the coral fringes. Typical depths within the lagoons average around 20-30 meters, but can be as deep as 100 meters in some places.

     In terms of diving, all this means deep and clean ocean waters outside and large quantities of fish of inumerable species in the lagoons. As for visibility, the open ocean is best with clear and clean waters giving superb visibility of hundreds of feet all day long. Within the lagoons, the situation is completely different and constantly changing due to daily plankton buildup and tidal changes. In fact, it can be next to zero in certain places at certain times, with the passes being the only reliable places for non-local divers.

HOW IS TUAMOTU ISLAND DIVING DIFFERENT THAN OTHER ISLANDS?
       Each Island group in French Polynesia has one or more particular scuba traits or special things that make it different from the rest... Moorea has the shark feeding, humpback whales and turtles... Bora bora has the fantastic lagoon drift dives and Manta Rays. Raiatea has the wrecks, deep lagoon, and octopus dives, etc, etc. In the case of the Tuamotu Islands, not only is the entire chain of atolls the perfect combination of many interesting diving features, but each atoll also has additional attributes all to themselves!

Magnificent Mantas!

      Overall, probably the most notable shared feature of the Tuamotus is the sheer multitude of a very diverse array of species of fish. It is here that one will encounter some of the largest schools of fish anywhere on the planet!
     All the usual polynesian fish suspects are here in great numbers including black tipped, lemon, nurse, and grey reef sharks, barracuda, tuna, jackfish, red snapper, napoleon fish, surgeon fish, huge moray eels, various rays, and several different species of sea turtles. Of course lets not forget about the thousands of brightly colored smaller fishes that will constantly dazzle your eyeballs. In addition to these animals, dolphins, whalesharks and the ever impressive and majestic Manta Rays are also seen on a regular basis.

RANGIROA'S DOLPHINS & THE MAGNIFICENT MANTA

Making friends with Dolphins...

    Perfect natural conditions create a wondrous habitat off the coast of Rangiroa for one of man's favorite marine animals, the dolphin. For reasons unknown, the dolphins are seldom if ever seen on any of the other atolls except Rangiroa. Any time you see these dolphins, it leaves a lasting impression on your life...
    Another feature of the Tuamotus is the ever popular and magificent Manta Ray... The largest of the world's rays, Manta Rays are plankton eaters, and thus regularly reside in the waters of the lagoons, as well as outside in the open sea. Of course, these sightings are always thrilling for divers!

     Note: The scuba operators who have been diving the Tuamotu island waters for years know the habits and schedules of these impressive and intelligent marine creatures and have become quite skilled at showing divers the best spots for viewing them. They are always respectful of their habits and space, and will make sure that you do the same. No touching or chasing... but pictures and closeup encounters are common.

MORE FEATURES & NOTES
      In addition to the daily, year round spectacular scuba, the Tuamotus also feature some seasonal highlights. During the months of May thrue July, unusual numbers of marble groupers and snappers gather to feed and,

Snapper heaven...

(assumably), breed, in the waters off Manihi. No where else in the world is this phenomena seen, and, according the to the divers who have experienced it, a scuba experience they will never forget.

     Lastly, an interesting note about WRECK DIVING is the Tuamotus lack of them... One would figure that these atolls would be littered over the years by many a craft attempting to navigate among them seeking shelter from the common Pacific storms. The answer to the mystery is simple after thinking about it: The sheer dropoffs into depths of more than one mile simply makes any wreck far too deep to ever see. The passes are too shallow for large craft to enter the lagoons, so what wrecks are there are long since submerged into the surrounding abyss. Interesting...

THE SCUBA OUTFITTERS WHO MAKE IT POSSIBLE
      There are several scuba diving businesses located on the various Tuamotu Islands of French Polynesia. Some are independant "Scuba Centers", while others work in conjunction with a particular hotel or pension.
     Multi-level dives are available for all skill levels, fulfilling most scuba divers wildest expectations. Although all the scuba businesses listed on this page are qualified and proven professionals, TST always recommends you contact them direct with your questions and bookings.
    Here, we divide and list them all for you according to their respective island locations along with basic information on their credentials, experience, etc.

MANIHI
     Manihi has only one diving center and it's located at the Manihi Pearl Beach Resort.

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BLUE NUI DIVE CENTER- MANIHI
Based out of the Manihi Pearl Beach Resort
(98 771 Turipaoa- MANIHI) E-MAIL & Reservations
Contacts: Mr.Thierry CADEAU
Telephone/ Fax- (689) 96.42.17, Cell 79.22.72

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Full service scubadiving cente on Manihi wants to show you the underwater magic and crystal clear blue waters of Manihi!
CMAS ** International monitor. BEES 1- Instructor PADI OWSI. Examinations given: All CMAS, FFESSM and PADI certificates.

The award winning Blue Nui Dive Centers comprises 4 scuba centers in French Polynesia: One on Bora bora, one on the Tuamotu island atoll of Tikehau, this one on Manihi, and the newest center on Tahaa. The staff is professional, english speaking, and safety minded.

COME SEE OUR DIRECT LINKING WEBSITE NOW!

RANGIROA
Rangiroa has the most diving centers due to the fact that it has the largest number of tourists. There are currently 6 scuba diving businesses thriving on the atoll.

TOPdive- RANGIROA
Based on Rangiroa, French Polynesia
Contact: Maeva MARRAUD, Telephone- (689) 60.50.50, Fax- (689) 60.50.51

Contact and book dives through TOPeXcursions - on Bora Bora island.

RAIE MANTA CLUB P.O. Box 55- 98 775 Avatoru, RANGIROA Telephone- (689) 96.84.80, Fax- (689) 96.85.60 Contact: Mr. Eve LEFEVRE 2 Bases: Avatoru pass and Tuputa pass International Supervisor CMAS **. BEES 1- PADI instructor- Marine guide. Examinations given: All CMAS, PADI, and FFESSM certificates.	RANGIROA PARADIVE P.O. Box 75- 98 775 Avatoru, RANGIROA (Based on Ohutu Point, c/o Pension Chez Glorine Telephone- (689) 96.05.55, Fax (689) 96.05.50 Contact: Mr. Bernard BLANC International Supervisor CMAS ***. FFESSM-SSI-BEES 2- Levels 1-4 PADI instructor- diving school. Examinations given: All CMAS, PADI, and FFESSM certificates.
THE SIX PASSENGERS Ohutu Bay, P.O. Box 128- 98 775 Avatoru, RANGIROA Telephone- (689) 96.02.60 / 96.03.05, Fax- (689)96.02.60 Contact: Mrs. Nancy CHAPUISAT International CMAS ** monitor BEES 1st level- PADI instructor. Examinations given: All international CMAS and PADI certificates. Personalized underwater filming at request.	BLUE DOLPHIN DIVING CENTER P.O. Box 141- 98 775 Avatoru, RANGIROA (Based out of Kia Ora Village Rangiroa Hotel) Telephone- (689)96.03.01 / 96.03.84 ext. 392, Fax- (689) 96.03.01 Contact: Mr. Pascal JAGUT, and Miss Junko KIDA International CMAS ** -BEES 1st and 2nd level monitor- PADI instructor. Examinations given: All international CMAS and CEDIP certificates.

DREAM DIVE CENTER
P.O. Box 74 - 98 775 Avatoru, RANGIROA, Telephone- (689) 96.03.35 / 79.24.53, Fax- (689) 96.03.72
Contact: Mr. Yann HUBERT and Miss Isabelle CAMUZAT and Mr. Stephan XUEREB
International Supervisor CMAS ** -BEES 1- PADI instructor. Examinations given: All CMAS, PADI, and FFESSM certificates plus PADI OPEN WATER to RESCUE DIVER.

TIKEHAU
Tikehau atoll has a few top quality diving centers of it's own.

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BLUE NUI DIVE CENTER- TIKEHAU
Located at the Tikehau Pearl Beach Resort Hotel
(PO. Box 718, 98 713 Papeete, TAHITI) E-MAIL & Reservations
Contact: Mr.Julien MUNIER
Telephone- (689) 96.23.00, Fax- (689) 96.22.40

TSTN
EZ Print Internet
Coupon Participant.

Get the Coupon Now to save 10% off all dives.

Full service scubadiving cente on Tikehau wants to show you the underwater magic and crystal clear blue waters of Tikehau!
CMAS ** International monitor. BEES 1- Instructor PADI OWSI. Examinations given: All CMAS, FFESSM and PADI certificates.

The award winning Blue Nui Dive Centers comprises 4 scuba centers in French Polynesia: One on Bora bora, one on the Tuamotu island atoll of Manihi, this one on Tikehau, and the newest center on Tahaa. The staff is professional, english speaking, and safety minded.

COME SEE OUR DIRECT LINKING WEBSITE NOW!

RAIE MANTA CLUB TIKEHAU
PO. Box 17- 98 778 Tuherahera- TIKEHAU
(Based out of the Tikehau Village Hotel)
Telephone- (689) 96.22.53 / 96.84.80, Fax- (689) 96.85.60
Contacts: Mr. Yves LEFEVRE and Mr. Arnaud BOITEL
CMAS ** monitor- PADI instructor. BEES 1.
Examinations given: All CMAS and FFESSM certificates.

PLONGEE TIKEHAU
Motu Tapapahina/ Puheiva pass, 98 778 Tuherahera- TIKEHAU
Telephone/ Fax- (689) 96.22.32, Contact: Mr. Guy GENIN
CMAS ** monitor- BEES 1. PADI DIVE MASTER- diving school. Examinations given: All CMAS, PADI, and FFESSM certificates.

FAKARAVA
Fakarava, the second largest atoll in Polynesia, also has only one top quality diving center:

TEAVA NUI PLONGEE
Garue / Tetamanu passes - PO. Box 50- 98 763 Rotoava, FAKARAVA
Telephone- (689) 98.42.50 /79.69.50, Fax- (689)98.42.50, Contact: Mr. Jean- Christophe LAPEYRE
International monitor CMAS *** . BEES 1st level- MF 2- SSI DCSI. Diving school.
Examinations given: All FFESSM certificates, level 1 to 3, and SSI.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT TUAMOTU ISLAND DIVING:
(and their answers, of course... Courtesy of BLUE NUE DIVING CENTERS)

under construction...

Where are the Tuamotu Islands?

The Tuamotu Island chain is located in the Southern Hemisphere about half way between Australia and South America. It is in the same time zone as Hawaii.

IMPORTANT NOTE:
As with ALL OTHER LINKS on the TST network, TST TAKES NO COMMISSIONS off any of your bookings. You contact and arrange your booking direct with the management. All we ask is that you let them know you found them through our network, so they know their links are working for them!

DIVE THE OTHER ISLANDS!
See all the SCUBA INFORMATION, details and outfitters on the other Islands of
Scuba Dive French Polynesia!
An Internetwork of Travel and Tourism Guides for the Main Islands of Tahiti Polynesia.

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