Hi Experts,
My wife and I are planning a trip for this upcoming July. Neither of us has ever been anywhere near French Polynesia, and we've been doing a lot of research. I think the island of Moorea would suit us well. We're considering staying in the Opunohu Bay area, which looks lovely beyond belief.
This will be a trip with diving, as opposed to a diving trip. My wife does now dive, but we love snorkeling together. So, I will book morning boat trips on half the days and we'll spend the rest of the time together - exploring, snorkeling, and hiking. Moorea seems like a good balance. Not too developed, but not too rustic. Not 100% focused on diving, but plenty of dive ops. Plenty to do on land and in the water.
I'd like to know if others agree with this assessment. Any great snorkeling places or dive op recommendations are welcome too. I gather from SB that Top Dive is not well liked.
I know it's crazy to go all the way there and not do Rangiroa/Fakarava, but our trips together have to be about balance. And it seems easier to pick one place rather than island hop. I'm happy whenever I'm underwater, so as long as Moorea has good diving, I'll be happy, even if it's not as good as Rangiroa/Fakarava. Also, I love sharks, rays, and dolphins, but I'm more passionate about macro. One other question - I've seen so many pictures where people seem to be feeding fish in the lagoon, handling rays, feeding sharks, etc. Are the standards just different there? None of that would fly most of the places I've been.
Thanks a bunch for any inside info.
My wife and I are planning a trip for this upcoming July. Neither of us has ever been anywhere near French Polynesia, and we've been doing a lot of research. I think the island of Moorea would suit us well. We're considering staying in the Opunohu Bay area, which looks lovely beyond belief.
This will be a trip with diving, as opposed to a diving trip. My wife does now dive, but we love snorkeling together. So, I will book morning boat trips on half the days and we'll spend the rest of the time together - exploring, snorkeling, and hiking. Moorea seems like a good balance. Not too developed, but not too rustic. Not 100% focused on diving, but plenty of dive ops. Plenty to do on land and in the water.
I'd like to know if others agree with this assessment. Any great snorkeling places or dive op recommendations are welcome too. I gather from SB that Top Dive is not well liked.
I know it's crazy to go all the way there and not do Rangiroa/Fakarava, but our trips together have to be about balance. And it seems easier to pick one place rather than island hop. I'm happy whenever I'm underwater, so as long as Moorea has good diving, I'll be happy, even if it's not as good as Rangiroa/Fakarava. Also, I love sharks, rays, and dolphins, but I'm more passionate about macro. One other question - I've seen so many pictures where people seem to be feeding fish in the lagoon, handling rays, feeding sharks, etc. Are the standards just different there? None of that would fly most of the places I've been.
Thanks a bunch for any inside info.