This 9 day tour will be spent exploring one of the world’s most coveted tropical locations – French Polynesia, in the stunning South Pacific. This iconic archipelago is made up of one-hundred and eighteen islands, sixty seven of which are uninhabited, with Tahiti being the most populated. Given that there are so many different islands and atolls to choose from, we will focus our time in the water on the Tuamotus Archipelago which we think is the best for a snorkeling specific tour such as this. It is made up of eighty islands and atolls and forms the largest chain of islands in the world. Needless to say, this provides the perfect setting for some incredible coral reef and shark snorkeling.
Like most of the reefs in French Polynesia, the Tuamotos are characterized by fringing hard coral reefs which gently slope away from the island, providing us with a seemingly endless shallow reef to explore. We can expect excellent visibility ranging from 25 – 35 meters (70 – 100 ft) on average and since French Polynesia has created one of the largest shark sanctuaries in the world, the area has become famous for it’s healthy shark population. As we cruise over the stunning reefs you can expect to see lots of black and white tip reef sharks as well as grey reef sharks, along with plenty of stingrays such as Eagle, Blue Spotted and Manta. Outside of these larger pelagic creatures, there are lots of beautiful reef fish that school over the sloping reefs.
Please note:
If you are at all hesitant about snorkeling with sharks, despite their shy nature, that we expect to encounter many whilst in the water.
This tour involves drift snorkeling, sometimes in relatively fast moving water (always with boat support), and is only suitable for those with confidence and experience in similar drift snorkeling conditions.
Marine Life Guide
Additional information
| Tour Style | Liveaboard |
|---|---|
| Destination | French Polynesia |
Day 1 - Meet in Tahiti
The tour begins in Tahiti, where we meet up at the Tahiti Pearl Beach Resort. Upon arrival you can relax at this stunning ocean front resort, complete with huge swimming pool, beach access, onsite restaurant and pool-side bar. After a good night’s rest we will have breakfast and depart on our locally-guided land tour. Tahiti is a lush island with waterfalls, tropical rainforest and beautiful viewing spots peppered around. We’ll also have some time to learn more about the culture and history of the island.
In the evening we will relax and prepare to travel together to the airport for our group flight to Fakarava Island in the morning.
Day 2 - Travel to Fakarava and board The Aqua Tiki II
Our liveaboard adventure will begin on Fakarava Island where the Aqua Tiki II will be moored up just next to the small airport hanger. During this safari we’ll be visiting 4 different regions of the Tuamotu Archipelago – Fakarava, Tetamanu, Kauehi and Toau.
Day 2 - 8 - Snorkeling from the Aqua Tiki II
Please note the itinerary below should be used as a guide, our route depends on the tide conditions.
After an orientation on board we’ll enjoy some time around Fakarava Island with a beach visit and lagoon swim before a sunset drink and presentation on the trip to come. The following day we’ll travel south to Tetamanu for some ‘pass snorkeling’. A pass is where water flows into and out of a lagoon and with it excellent chances of encountering large marine life. There are a number of passes to explore around Tetamanu and we’re likely to encounter plenty of different species of shark as well as Napoleon Wrasse, Eagle Rays and schooling jacks.
We’ll spend a 2nd day moored up close to the remote village of Tetamanu with more time snorkeling the reefs and exploring deserted islands, whilst allowing for some time for lagoon swims in between on board relaxation.
From Tetamanu we’ll enjoy some early morning sailing north east to Kauehi Island. Here we’ll explore shallow fringing reefs busy with colorful fish life such as angel and butterfly fish, various species of wrasse whilst big predators can also be seen in the water column. This is another good location for spotting sharks and perhaps a passing manta ray.
Our next stop will be Toau Atol for more fabulous reef snorkeling. This is also a great location to watch the sunset over the lagoon accompanied by a beach BBQ.
Passing back into the north of Fakarava we’ll take some time to snorkel the famous ‘North Pass’ which at the right time can offer the ‘wall of sharks’ experience where hundreds of grey reef sharks school in the blue waters below. A truly magnificent way to end our time in the Tuomotus.
Day 9 - Disembarkation and departure
Upon disembarkation we fly together back to Tahiti. The tour ends upon return to Tahiti airport.
There are late night flights from Tahiti to Los Angeles or we can arrange hotel stays for those wanting to extend their trip.
Tahiti Pearl Beach Resort
The Tahiti Pearl Beach Resort is located on Lafayette Beach in the famous Matavai Bay. It’s surrounded by sparkling waters and offers outstanding on-site amenities. We will be staying in their Ocean View rooms, each with a private balcony overlooking the bay. The resort has a big and beautiful pool, as well as a good restaurant and a bar. There is a full spa available for those who wish to be pampered and a fitness center for those who want to remain active. There is also a small on-site gift shop for souvenirs and locally produces crafts.
Resort Guide
Aquatiki II
This a very comfortable sailing catamaran. It easily accommodates six guests, our tour leader and its three professional crew. Each of the private air-conditioned rooms is equipped with comfortable beds and private restrooms complete with hot water showers. You should note that the guest cabins are relatively compact – as is the nature of a catamaran. The community space is carefully laid out with it’s wrap around sofas, large dining tables, and bar. These areas are air conditioned and there is wifi available as well as a stereo. All of our meals will be prepared for us by the amazing onboard chef and of course the boat will be fully stocked with soft drinks and alcohol.
It is a good idea to keep in mind that this is a liveaboard trip, and while this boat is spacious and the twin hulls do keep it very stable, space is more limited than our resort style safaris and there will always be a bit of motion while on the ocean. If you have any sort of issues with claustrophobia or sea sickness please let us know, so that we can discuss suitability of the trip and how we’ve dealt with this in the past with guests.
Vessel Guide
On this page you will find our tour dates, a contact form and details of payment schedule including deposit and final balance. If you have any further questions please complete the form and we will reply within 24-48hrs.
Make an enquiry or Book this Tour
Tour Dates
2022
French Polynesia | 2 – 11 May
French Polynesia | 11 – 20 May
2022: $5,565 / £4,452 per person (Twin/Double Share)
How to book your place?
Initial deposit: US$800 per person
12-months from departure: US$1000 per person interim deposit
6-months from departure: US$1500 per person interim deposit
Final balance: Due 12-weeks before departure
Inclusions:
- 2 nights Tahiti Pearl Beach Resort Ocean View Deluxe Room with breakfast
- 7 nights onboard Aqua Tiki II Liveaboard with full board and unlimited snorkeling (typically 3-4 sessions per day)
- Full day tour of Tahiti Island with local guide
- All land & beach excursions
- Return flights from Tahiti to Fakarava with 20 KG’s / 44 Lbs luggage
Exclusions:
- Pick up from Tahiti Airport on arrival. 25 USD (day rate) / 35 USD (night rate) paid in USD to licensed taxi
- Alcohol and soft drinks
- Tips
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