There are tens of thousands of tropical islands in the world's oceans, but few can match the unimaginable beauty of Tahiti. One of its most revered islands is Bora Bora, where the vertical peak of Mount Otemanu rises majestically out of an aquamarine lagoon surrounded by tiny motus — islets and barrier reefs. The motus' reefs and marine life draw divers from around the world.
The Tuamotu Islands also attract many divers who want to experience some of the world's most amazing pass dives. In particular, Fakarava atoll offers two of the region's best pass dives: Garuae Pass on its north side and Tumakohua on its south side. The atoll was designated a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 2006.
For those who wish to explore Tahiti for the first time, and for those who hope to return after experiencing how much this region has to offer, three stay-and-dive packages are currently available. The first incorporates five-star luxury at the Bora Bora Lagoon Resort & Spa, Tahiti's only Orient-Express property, which offers a view of Otemanu from its motu location just inside the Teavanui Pass. Five-night packages start at $2,929, and include a motu bungalow and eight dives with TOPdive Bora Bora.
The second package features six nights' accommodations at Bora Bora Dive Resort, the island's only dedicated dive resort, which is located on the mainland just a short walk from Vaitape village. TOPdive Bora Bora is on site, and offers free nitrox and daily departures just steps from the resort's Tahitian bungalows. Package prices start at $3,149, and they include eight dives.
The final package allows divers to warm up in Bora Bora's legendary waters and then head out to remote Fakarava in the Tuamotus to dive its famous passes — Napoleon wrasse, mantas and walls of sharks are common sights. The eight-night package includes four nights in an air-conditioned, ocean-view room at the Le Maitai Polynesia in Bora Bora; four nights at the Le Maitai Dream in Fakarava, including breakfast and dinner daily; and a 10-dive pass with TOPdive. Prices start at $3,999.
All rates are per person, based on double occupancy, are valid for travel April 1 - May 31 and Nov. 16 - Dec. 12, and are subject to currency fluctuation and availability. The packages include airfare from Los Angeles (guests may depart from New York for an additional $275), inter-island airfare and airport transfers. Rates do not include U.S. arrival and departure taxes or airport fees.
FOR MORE INFORMATION call Trip-N-Tour Pacific at 800-348-0842, send e-mail to info@trip-n-tour.com or visit sportdiver.com/ebrochure/tripntour.
