Moorea,
like most other Polynesian Islands, has legendary scuba diving opportunities to discover within her Surrounding waters. |
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Encountering a huge Napoleon Fish
(a species of wrasse), is an amazing experience! |
DIVING
MOOREA ISLAND
Nearly surrounded by a calm, warm, relatively
shallow and crystal clear lagoon, the waters within the Moorea lagoon are inviting... Many
species of fishes, magnificant corals, and sea crustaceans of a thousand colors
will amaze you with their diversity and numbers.
(It is
reported that there are nearly 500 different species of fish living around
the various Tahitian Islands, and, although you won't see them all, you'll
certainly be able to glimpse a good amount of them diving around Moorea!)
The
scuba diving around Moorea, however, is not limited to diving the lagoon...
the open waters of the deep sea are just outside, wherein the majority of
the most popular of Moorea's dive sites are located.
Lots more interesting and amazing sea creatures await your discovery, including sea
turtles, larger and ever more species of fishes such as barracuda, tuna, jackfish,
red snapper, napoleon fish, surgeon fish, impressively sized moray eels, trigger
fish, various rays, dolphins, numerous species of sharks such as the black tipped,
grey, and lemon, among others, and the migrating humpback whales during the months
of August through October!
The powerful and graceful Manta Rays, more common
around the open waters of Bora Bora and the outerlying Tuamotus, are also seen
in Moorea waters, but very rarely.
|
|
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Black Tipped Sharks are commonly
seen and easily approachable. |
HOW
IS MOOREA DIVING DIFFERENT THAN THE OTHER ISLANDS?
Each Island in French Polynesia has one or more particular scuba traits or special things that make it different from the rest... Bora Bora has the Mantas and wonderful driftdives. Manihi and Tikehau have the pristine lagoon and enormous schools of fish. Raiatea has the wrecks, deep lagoon, and octopus dives, etc, etc.
In Moorea's case, it's likely to be shark feeding, Moray eels, Sea Turtles, and the magnificent Humpback whales, when they're around.
Shark feeding
Shark feeding has become a rather well known scuba activity for all Polynesian Islands, and in the case of Moorea, has developed to an extreme over the years due to 2 particular divers having pioneered and mastered this rather impressive and seemingly scary underwater shark encounter.
|
|
Philippe Molle, pioneer shark feeder, at work in Moorea
waters.
|
Philippe Molle, (founder of the now non-existent M.U.S.T. Dive) along with Bathy's Scuba Center founder, Bernard Begliomini, (currently manager of TOPdive Tahiti) began experimenting with Shark feeding behavior back as early as 1985, and consequently passed the knowledge down to their other, well trained divemasters. From there, other divemasters caught on, and now it's a virtual diving mainstay among qualified Moorea divemasters.
Essentially, it involves taking a large fish carcass down to shark depths, and, after several
sharks (well accustomed to this by now) gather round, cutting it up and hand
feeding them. It's a controlled feeding frenzy, all being viewed by the thrilled
scuba diver nearby. (No, you don't get to feed the sharks yourselves...)
It's arguably quite safe, due to the fact that its been done thousands of times over with nary an injury, and also due to the fairly predictable behavior of the resident sharks. It is, however, a major thrill to any diver, especially those that haven't had the chance to encounter good sized sharks underwater (average size is between 3-5 feet, and for Lemon sharks, 9-12 feet!). Of course, there's always a detailed briefing and question and answer class pre-viewing the entire adventure back at diving headquarters before you get to accompany the sharkfeeders and experience this wild adventure.
|
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Sea turtles are not an uncommon
sight in the Moorea waters.
|
Other features
During the months of August thrue
late October, the annually migrating humpback whales are also a feature of Moorea
diving. The scuba operators enjoy the whales as they commonly see them in
the open waters of the ocean and are also extremely respective of their space,
knowingly treating them with professionalism and proper distance. Moray eels,
huge Napoleon fish, and big Trigger fish are also frequently encountered in
and outside of the lagoon. (Dolphins also exist in Moorea waters, however it
is extremely rare to encounter them.)
Any of these creatures, when encountered,
such as a large, ancient, and wise sea turtle swimming freely, will leave a
lasting impression on your life...
That's what diving is all about, and Moorea waits for you to experience her
underwater magic!
THE SCUBA
OUTFITTERS WHO MAKE IT ALL POSSIBLE
There are four major scuba diving businesses
on Moorea as well as a few other "scuba centers" located at select
hotels.
Here, we list them all for you, along with basic information on
their credentials, experience, etc. They are all top quality scuba outfitters
that can take you places underwater you've never imagined, but as with all businesses
listed on TST, we always recommend you contacting them direct with your questions
and bookings.
TOPdive- Moorea
Main scuba center based at Cooks Bay, Moorea
P.O. Box 336- 98 728,
Pao Pao- Moorea, French Polynesia
with a second base inside the Sheraton Moorea Resort and Spa
Phone: (689) 56.17.32 Fax: (689) 56.15.83
PADI certified dive centre # S-6409,
NITROX dive centre
DIVE
BOOKINGS OR DIVE TRIP QUESTIONS?
Just send us an email.
Discover the fascinating
world of the TOPdive Moorea:
We are one of 5 existing TOPdive
centers in French Polynesia based
in Bora Bora, Moorea, Rangiroa,
Tahiti, and Fakarava (opening soon)
Moorea dive center is managed by a young, dynamic, and professional team of divemasters.
Our specialties include exploring Moorea's fascinating shark world and getting a special Polynesian Shark Diving certification!
We are easy to find on Moorea: If you arrive by cruise ship, we're only a one mile walk from the dock...
If you're staying at a hotel, we provide FREE TRANSPORTATION
to and from our dock to your hotel.
From the dock, we'll take our 30 foot, high performance scuba boats equipped with the most modern safety and diving equipment to the best dive spots with the most excellent conditions allowing for the best quality dives possible.
Nitrox, exploration, certification,
introductory, night, lagoon, ocean
dives? We can make all
your dive dreams come true. We provide
all levels of training and scuba
instruction and certify PADI, CMAS
and NITROX.
(* Nitrox will be available in Moorea and Rangiroa end of 2003)
Want to dive all around
French Polynesia? We can
offer you our 10 dives INTERISLAND
dive package. You can use it in
any of the TOPdive centers (Bora Bora,
Moorea, Rangiroa, Tahiti, Fakarava)
and also share it with your partner.
Ask us for details...
TOPdive
also offers
TOP
level lodging on Bora Bora island at very competitive
rates. See our link for details.
BATHY'S CLUB
Located at the Intercontinental Resort and Spa of Moorea
(P.O. Box 1247- 98 729, Papetoai- MOOREA)
Contact: Mr.Paul RAMOS
E-MAIL & RESERVATIONS
We Accept Amex, Visa, and Mastercard!
Telephone- (689) 56.31.44, Fax- (689) 56.38.10.
Dive with quality and expertise.
International CMAS, BEES 1, ANMP Instructor- MF1 and MF2- Dive Master PADI.
Examinations given: all PADI and CMAS certificates- ANMP1,2,3
and also a diving school for children.
SCUBAPITI
Located at Les Tipaniers Hotel
P.O. Box 563- 98 728 Maharepa- Moorea,
Telephone / Fax- (689) 56.20.38, Contact: Mr. Daniel CAILLEUX
BEES 1- Federal Instructor 1st level, International Instructor CMAS,
Divemaster, PADI, OWSI, CEDIP.
Examinations given: all federal certificates (except level 4), PADI,
and CEDIP certificates. Diving school.
Open every day.
We Accept Amex, Visa, and Mastercard! |
MOOREA
FUN DIVE
Based at the Moorea Beach Club Hotel
P.O. Box 737- 98 728 Maharepa- Moorea,
Telephone- (689) 56.40.38 / 78.92.10, Fax- (689) 56.40.74
Contact: Mrs. Pascale SOUQUIERES
International CMAS, BEES 1, Dive master PADI.
Examinations given: FFESSM, CMAS,
and PADI certificates.
We Accept Amex, Visa, and Mastercard! |
SOFITEL
CORALIA IA ORA,
NAUTICAL ACTIVITIES CENTER
Located at the Sofitel Coralia Hotel,
P.O. Box 28- 98 728 Maharepa- Moorea
Telephone- (689) 56.12.90, ext. 982, Fax- (689) 56.12.91,
Contact: Mr. Marco ROOMETUA
Activities center featuring SCUBA DIVING trips, among other activities
such as deep-sea fishing, glass bottom boat rides, lagoon dolphin watching,
snorkeling, outrigger canoeing, and windsurfing.
We Accept Amex, Visa, and Mastercard! |
THE
MOST FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT MOOREA DIVING:
| Where is Moorea? |
Moorea is one of the Tahitian Windward Society Islands,
located in the Southern Hemisphere about half way between Australia
and South America. It is in the same time zone as Hawaii. The flight
from Los Angeles to Tahiti is about 7 1/2 hours. Daily ferry transport and airplanes will take you from Papeete,
the Capital of Tahiti, to Moorea. |
| What's the best time of
year for diving in Moorea? |
Scuba diving is good all
year round in French Polynesia. The best diving conditions are between
April and November. |
| When can I see humpback whales? |
Moorea is visited by whales
from July to early October. They come to mate and to care for their newborns.
You may spot them jumping on your way to a diving site and possibly see
them under water too. The experience is always magical! |
| What are the local diving conditions? |
Local visibility often reaches 130
feet. The average temperature of the ocean is 79 degrees F (28 C)
in the winter season and 84 F (30 C) during the summer. There is no
noticeable temperature variation between the surface and a depth of
166 feet (50 M). A light wetsuit, 1/8 inch (3 mm), or even a lycra
suit is sufficient for year-round thermal protection. |
| What types of diving will I find in
Moorea? |
There are three basic types
of dives: lagoon dives, outside-the-reef dives, and pass dives. The Lagoon
Dives within the lagoon are generally shallow with very clear water. These
conditions make them ideal for scuba lessons or for brushing up on your
diving skills. However, there are also some deep dive sites within the
Moorea lagoon: canyons filed with rays, moray eels and many tropical fish.
These deeper sites are for certified divers only. Outside the Reef, just
outside Moorea's coral reef, the ocean floor drops off dramatically. Here
the reef is alive with a variety of corals and colorful fish, including
the larger predators: lemon sharks, grey sharks, black & white sharks,
moray eels, Napoleon fish, jack fish, barracuda, tuna, turtles, and dolphins.
The Pass dives are at the openings in the coral reef- those which connect
the lagoon with the ocean. There are always a large number of fish in
these areas, as the tidal flows provide abundant nutrients. |
| How deep will the dives
be? |
Most of the dives are between
50 feet (15 m) and 70 feet (22 m). For experienced divers, there are deeper
dives both within the lagoon and outside the reef. |
| Do I need to have a lot
of diving experience to dive in Moorea? |
Most of the diving in Moorea
is fairly easy in favorable conditions and does not require a lot of diving
experience. Many people learn to scuba dive for the first time in Moorea,
and it is a wonderful spot for newly certified divers to improve their
skills. For divers who wish to obtain additional training, TOPdive- M.U.S.T. of Moorea offers some of the finest courses in continued education and
full instruction for PADI, CMAS, and FFESSM certifications, all under
the tutilage of Philippe Molle. |
| What certification is required? |
Except for beginning divers,
you must provide your diving certification card and your diving log. |
| Will I need a dive buddy? |
You will not need a dive
buddy. On every dive, you will be accompanied by an experienced dive
guide who is also an instructor. The guide knows the different local
conditions and specific dive areas well and will contribute to a very
safe and enjoyable dive holiday. This service is included at no extra
charge. However, if you wish to dive with a particular buddy, that
is always possible as well. |
| Do I need to bring my own
equipment? |
No. All the Scuba centers
of Bora Bora provide all the equipment you will need for a great diving
experience. This includes BCD, regulator, octopus, pressure gauge,
wetsuit, weights, mask, fins, and snorkel. Of course, you can always
bring your own equipment. Most divers prefer to bring their own mask,
fins, and snorkel. |
| I haven't dived in several
years. Can you provide an initiation dive to help me brush up on my
diving skills? |
Of course! We'll insist on
it for safety reasons and also to make your dives more pleasurable. TOPdive M.U.S.T. has a great refresher course that will take you as far back to scuba
school as you want to go! When you're ready, we'll take you to any number
of great dives perfectly suited for this purpose. On your first dive you
are likely to see just as many animals as any other spot on Moorea! Turtles,
sharks, eels, huge fish, etc! TOPdive- M.U.S.T.'s dive masters pay very close
attention when taking you out for the first time. They will ensure that
your first dive is a safe and rewarding experience. |
| What types of fish will
I encounter? |
Moorea is home to many types
of fish, and TOPdive- M.U.S.T. Center on Moorea island will strive to make
sure that divers get to see as many of them as possible. You can expect
to see varied species of sharks, such as black and white tip, grey, and
large lemons, large moray eels and Napoleon fish, Sea turtles, and so
many other species of fish you will lose count. Barracuda, triggerfish,
jackfish, wahoo, snappers, tuna, etc. Occasionally, during the right seasons,
divers are rewarded with a close look at humpback whales and sometimes
even dolphins. |
| What about sharks? |
When you dive with TOPdive- M.U.S.T.,
or Bathys, you're diving with shark specialists, so you are sure to see many species
of sharks. Sharks are not as aggressive in French Polynesian waters as
other parts of the world, so you will be quite safe. You will also get
to see them feeding! Its an amazing and very safe experience that many divemasters perform
daily for their divers. You will be able to take pictures and
video at close range. |
| If I have an accident,
how will I receive help? |
French Polynesia possesses
one of the best sea search-and-rescue programs in the world. In case of
an accident, there is an
evacuation procedure, either by plane or helicopter, available around
the clock. In Papeete, there is an ultra modern decompression chamber
along with a team of doctors highly trained in hyperbaric medicine. It's
only a 7 minute helicopter ride from Moorea. |
| Does my travel insurance
cover me while diving? |
Most travel insurance policies
do not cover scuba diving. You should inquire with your travel agent and
include a special clause in your insurance contract prior to departure.
It is possible to contract for insurance at TOPdive- M.U.S.T., Bathy's, or some of the other scuba centers on Moorea, valid
for your entire stay that covers any type of accident. Ask the individual outfitters for details. |
| Is spear fishing allowed? |
French law prohibits spear
fishing or collecting anything while wearing scuba tanks. |
(a compilation of questions
and answers from a variety of different sources: Philippe Molle of M.U.S.T. Dive,
Anne & Michel Condesse of the Bora Diving Center- Bora bora,
and Tahiti Sun Travel's notes)
DIVE
THE OTHER ISLANDS!
See all the
SCUBA INFORMATIONS, details and outfitters on the other Islands of
An Internetwork of Travel
and Tourism Guides for the Main Islands of Tahiti Polynesia.
PHOTO
CREDITS: All photos on this page
courtesy of Philippe Molle- Moorea.
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