Where to dive when sailing through Tuamotos and Society Islands?

[shark girl]

How should I balance my dives between the Tuamotos and Society Islands? Should I dive my heart out round Fakarava and Rangiroa, or are there 'must see' sites I should try to do round the Societies?

I'm spending this year sailing from New Zealand to Canada, with French Polynesia as our first stop to cruise through. We'll have 4 or 5 months in the islands and can go pretty much anywhere there's an anchorage, so we're time rich but operating on a tight budget. We'll be visiting Raivavae, the Tuamotos (Fakarava, then island hopping up to Rangiroa and Tikehau) and finally the Society Islands. I'm looking at a Te Moana pass (or two!), with the possibility of a few extra dives here and there (with the dive centres on the South of Fakarava, for example). I was intending spreading my diving out throughout FP until I read the trip reports here- but I want to make sure I'm not missing out on anything life-changing if I do all my diving in the Tuamotos!

Are there any Society Island sites that are 'must dos' or will I regret not doing all my dives in the Tuamotos? Which sites are you favourites?

Thanks!

Andrea

 

[t-mac]

Hi Andrea,

We sailed and dove around Raiatea, Taha'a and Bora Bora on a bareboat charter. Not much to complain about there, but then we spent a week on Rangiroa and at least for diving, it was a step above. Heard great things about Fakarava, but haven't been. I think the Tuamotos will probably get the nod for diving, but the societies are spectacular.

Fair winds and following seas!

 

[shark girl]

Thank you- that's good to hear! At the very least, I can snorkel the Societies to my heart's content- and nice to know it won't be disappointing if I do save a dive or two

 

[t-mac]

You should dive wherever you can! I'm envious of your trip and can't wait to go back myself.

 

[shark girl]

Thanks! I'll certainly be underwater with tanks as much as my budget allows (the rest of the time I'll be under water with a snorkel!). Hope you get back soon!