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French Polynesia
Fakarava & Bioshpere Reserve
Just say the words “French Polynesia” and what springs to mind are a plethora of small islands with stunning white beaches, surrounded by crystal clear warm water. Situated in the heart of the Pacific Ocean, this island archipelago is home to some of the most wondrous dive sites, where hundreds of hungry sharks gather in schools to be joined by manta rays and bottle-nosed dolphins. Diving Rangiroa’s reefs and channels you can expect to see grey reef hammerhead, black tips, silky, tiger and silver tip shark species cruising the reef, hunting on schools of snapper and fusiliers. Whilst drift diving through the 1200m wide channel at North Fakarava Island, you can experience incredible shark action, see huge Napoleon wrasses and witness marbled groupers spawning. A typical diving day will see you cruising through channels and exploring the outer reefs of the atolls, yet there are numerous of shallow dive sites within the Tuamotu Archipelago, each with stunning hard corals, sheltering all manner of crustaceans and molluscs.
French Polynesia Diving Itinerary
On a typical day we offer up to 4 day dives however the 4th day dive may be substituted for a night dive when the boat is anchored within a lagoon.
Generally, a typical diving schedule will be as follows:
- Light Breakfast followed by a briefing & Dive 1
- Full Breakfast, relaxation period, briefing & Dive 2
- Lunch, relaxation followed by briefing & Dive 3
- Snack, relaxation, period, briefing & Dive 4, where possible
- Dinner
Guests may also take the opportunity to visit the islands and walk upon the pristine beaches.
Dive sites are typically channel or “Pass” dives and the route planning for each trip is highly dependent upon the incoming and out-going tides for each island. We dive the optimum tide for each site to bring you the ultimate in pelagic fish action. Strong currents to be expected and it is therefore recommended divers have experience beyond beginner level to ensure maximum enjoyment. Dive sites also include outer reefs, plateaus and coral gardens found with the lagoon, where currents are less intense and many smaller creatures can be found.
Water temperatures throughout the year range from 24-28°C (60-82°F), with January-March being the warmest months and July-November the coolest. The cooler waters bring forth migrating humpback whales and the spawning of marbled groupers, with June/July being the optimum time to see them in large numbers.
What is the yacht like?
Built in 2016, the French Polynesia Master has joined the Master Liveaboards brand and is now a fully fledged member of the fleet. The build was overseen by the experienced yacht building team of Worldwide Dive and Sail, Jan & Frank Van Der Linde. Guests may choose between lower deck and upper deck cabins, each with en-suite and individual air conditioning units. Communal relaxation areas are split between the middle and upper decks comprising a spacious indoor lounge area, camera set up station and guest storage drawers, with comfortable bench seating and plasma screen. There is an extra shaded outdoor lounging area to the rear of the upper deck with more comfortable seating. Finally, there is a sun deck on the upper level with two jacuzzi’s where you can literally soak up the stunning views of the French Polynesian islands.
Diving deck is at the rear of the main deck in a dedicated shaded outdoor seating area. Dive equipment is set up and stored on the rear of the main deck. All guests are allocated an individual set up station, with under bench storage for masks, fins and other personal items. A camera table can be used to store prepared equipment ahead of the dive, with dedicated rinse tanks provided. Divers can take advantage of the on deck shower hoses or use the port side deck heads to rinse off between dives.
What does the package include?
xx days/ xx nights/xx days diving on M/V French Polynesia Master, double occupancy, transfer to the boat, daily breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks, non-alcoholic beverages daily, cylinders, weights, and trip brochure and packet, trip shirt, and travel leaders,
Ann Keibler will lead the group.
May I dive my rebreather?
This is a rebreather friendly trip. There will be an additional charge for rebreather cylinders, oxygen fills, helium and sorb. Rebreather divers need to notify us as soon as possible to make sure the boat brings the sorb and cylinders to the boat.
What is not included?
airfare, marine park fee (varies depending on stops) , hotels in transit, tips for local dive staff, sorb, rebreather cylinder rentals, , nitrox, meals and drinks, and shopping.
Fare?
2018: $ Z,ZZZ pp double discounted for cash and Club Aquarius Members, ( $Z,ZZZ pp double, regular price). Deposit of $1500 to hold space. Trip insurance required unless paid in full at time of deposit.
Are there any options?
- There are options for extending you stay in Hawaii or one of the other FSM Islands. Ask you tour professional for recommendations.
Available Dates
2018 | August 18-25, 2018 (Charter Dates) | |
What paperwork do I need to complete and return before I am on the trip?
A complete a Cruise Application and Waiver Agreement by each person will need to be completed at the time of booking.
Please complete the credit card form and return it to us.
We require diving insurance for all participants and strongly recommend trip insurance.
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All prices are subject to change until booked and ticketed.
As with most small island properties, cancellations are more of an issue so they have limited ability to fill unused spaces. We always recommend trip insurance to help avoid any unnecessary problems. There are no refunds for missed flights or changes in plans. Travel Insurance (ie: comprehensive accident, medical, baggage and trip cancellation and interruption insurance) purchased at the time their reservation is made, may help protect guests from financial disappointment if they are prevented from making their scheduled trip due to illness or family illness, or in the event that unforeseen circumstances prevent the airline or yacht from making its scheduled trip.
We require diving accident insurance. For your convenience below are links to Dive Assure . Both organizations offer Travel Insurance and Dive Accident Insurance and be purchased via our web site at https://oceanicventures.com/travel-insurance/. Both Dive Assure and Travel Guard have a family plan. Dive Assure is diving insurance and also has a travel insurance option.
Please review the other terms and conditions. Please remember, making a deposit means you agree with the terms.
Please plan to bring a copy of your logbook, c-card, and diving insurance.
As with all international travel, your passport Passport must have a minimum of 6 months validity at the end of your trip.
You are responsible to make sure your passport is valid for travel.