Traveling to Tahiti and the French Polynesia for Diving

The beauty and splendor of Tahiti and the French Polynesia offers the traveler and diver an exotic experience, one they will never forget. For romance or just a great getaway the islands offer the type of diving that can be enjoyed by the beginner to the most experienced. Snorkling and taking photos and videos of the coral and fish can be enjoyed by everyone. It is non stop beauty and as many travelers and vacationers say, let the show begin.

With over 800 marine species, French Polynesia is a unique destination for diving. Its 118 Islands offer unlimited resources, in a huge underwater environment. This is a great travel and vacation experience.

Lagoons' crystal waters, impressive underwater cliffs, the amazing Big Blue of the Pacific Ocean are as many environments as there are exciting, surprising and unforgettable dives It's live entertainment on a natural big screen! From beginners to advanced divers, there are diving sites suitable to anyone.

BEFORE YOU TRAVEL

Please ensure you are in good shape and if not sure, do a medical check. Diving in Polynesia can be quite thrilling and tiring. If you haven't been diving for a long time, start with an easy dive. Check your equipment (pressure gauge, computer, BCD, wetsuit, etc) before packing"his will avoid bad surprises once on the boat. Don't forget your diving diplomas, cards and log books.

DIVING REGULATIONS IN FRENCH POLYNESIA

Maximum depths are limited to: 1. 29 meters (95 feet) for level I CMAS, Open Water and Advanced Open Water Divers. 2. 49 meters (160 feet) for level II CMAS, Rescue Divers. 3. 60 meters (196 feet) for higher degrees. For introductory dives, no formalities are required. Qualified divers will be asked to provide their CMAS or PADI's card and log book.

PHOTOS AND VIDEOS

Visibility is usually good, even excellent, especially outside lagoons and in passes where it can reach 50 meters plus. Be aware that the electric power might not be compatible with your own equipment (flash, battery charger?) Don't forget to protect them from all external factors like sun, wind, sand, salt or water. Very few diving centers rent photo or video equipment. Some of them have good quality disposable underwater cameras for sale. You can have your films processed in Tahiti. However, delay may be long, and prices might be higher than in your home state.

FLYING AND DIVING

During your stay in French Polynesia, you will be most probably be traveling by flying between different Islands. After a dive, and before you go on a plane, please ensure that you wait 12 to 14 hours. In general terms, it is recommend not diving the last day of your stay. Take this time to visit or try one of the many other activities offered on the islands.

SHOPPING

There are no specialized shops on the islands (even though some shops do carry a very limited stock of diving equipment). The only shop in Tahiti, specialized in diving, sailing and most aquatic activities is: Nauti Sport.

TRAVEL INSURANCE

Of course, wherever you travel, it is highly recommended that you take out travel insurance before embarking on any vacation. Unfortunately, without insurance, you have little recourse if you have to suddenly cancel your trip due to illness or other unforeseeable circumstances. Realize that resorts like this will expect to be paid no matter what. However, with travel insurance, you can recoup some or all of your costs if travel and vacation plans change. Travel insurance is very affordably priced, so please check out your options.