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The islands that make up
the South Pacific include Polynesia and
Melanesia. Polynesia encompasses numerous
island groups, including French Polynesia
(commonly referred to as Tahiti) and Tonga.
It is made up of scattered volcanic and
coral land forms. Melanesia, which encompasses
Fiji, New Caledonia, Vanuatu and the Solomon
Islands, is composed of chains of fairly
large, mountainous islands. With differing
peoples, cultures and environments, all
these islands offer wonderful diving.
TAHITI
Tahiti, and the other islands of French
Polynesia, represent the epitome of how
tropical islands are imagined. Made famous
by the paintings of Gauguin, Tahiti has
always held a legendary place in romantic
minds. Exquisitely beautiful Bora Bora,
idyllic Moorea, and the huge atoll of Rangiroa
are also held in high esteem in the minds
of divers. Here you will find reefs loaded
with tropicals—and shark feeding encounters
that will knock your fins off. Bringing
in Blacktips and Gray Reef Sharks, the feedings
range from hand-offerings in stand-up depths,
to explosive chum bucket frenzies in wild
atoll passes.
TONGA
The Kingdom of Tonga sits adjacent to one
of the deepest trenches in the Pacific Ocean.
Consequently, encounters with big animals
are common. One of the highlights is the
winter arrival of Humpback Whales. Divers
and snorkelers can predictably meet these
animals via live-aboard trips or shore-based
operations.
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FIJI
Fiji has been described as the “soft
coral capital of the world,” and for
good reason. Here you will find these other-worldly
formations in a riot of colors. The Great
White Wall, in the Somo Somo Strait, is
literally covered with soft corals. Other
prime diving areas include Beqa Lagoon,
where coral bommies are loaded with colorful
soft corals and seafans; Astrolabe Reef,
where dramatic drop-offs meet big animals;
Namena and Matagi Islands, where schooling
fish meet pelagics and coral gardens; and
Nigali Passage, where tidal exchanges bring
sharks.
VANUATU
The lush, green islands
of Vanuatu offer a mixture of cultures topside,
and a wealth of diving opportunity underwater.
There are caves and swim-throughs at Tutuba
Point, black coral along a wall at Tubana,
cave diving, shark feeding and diving on
one of the largest wrecks in the world,
the President Coolidge. This 654-foot passenger
liner-turned troop carrier was sunk by mines
during WW II and now offers a varied selection
of experiences for divers, depending on
the level of their skill.
NEW
CALEDONIA
The islands that
make up New Caledonia give up a diverse
selection of underwater delights. You can
dive wrecks, such as La Dieppoise, which
is home to many large fish; enjoy barrier
reef diving, with current-filled passes;
plus visit tunnels and other formations,
including limestone caverns, complete with
ancient stalagmites and stalactites.
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We sell value Dive-PAKS to include
Airfare, diving, and all travel components.
Easy Booking!
Call for details
800-GO-DIVING
Moorea: $1,315 p/p
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Vava’u,
Tonga
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Join Sailing Safaris and Beluga Diving for
a lifetime experience * free-diving with
Humpback whales! Incredible photo opportunities
with dedicated speedboat and whale expert.
Scuba dive the walls, caves, drop-offs and
spectacular coral in this remote, undiscovered
Pacific Paradise. Complete diving and whale
accommodation packages. www.sailingsafaris.com
or www.belugadivingvavau.com
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MV
PRINCESS II - FIJI
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Experience the finest diving in Fiji while
cruising in comfort and style. The MV Princess
II, Fiji’s most affordable liveaboard
dive boat, visits world class dive sites,
and is the only liveaboard to visit Fiji’s
amazing north. Taking only 12 divers, the
MV Princess II provides friendly, personalized
service.
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www.princessii.com
info@princessii.com
800-576-7327
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TokaToka
Resort Hotel - Fiji
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TokaToka Resort Hotel, right opposite Nadi
Airport. Accommodations vary from studios
to two bedroom villas. Overnight or day
rooms available. Great pool, great bar,
great place, great price. Already catering
to a number of dive groups. Contact your
local travel agent or the hotel
direct.
Ph: 011 679 720222
Fx: 011 679 720400
Email: tokatokaresort@is.com.fj
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Cruise
in luxury with
Blue Lagoon Cruises and dive with Westside
Watersports.
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They will transport you to numerous spectacular
dive sites in the South Pacific. Enjoy drift
and wall dives, coral gardens, shark viewing,
multi-coloured fish and green
toned sponges in clear turquoise water with
PADI instructors and
state-of-the-art equipment.
Inquiries:
www.archipels.com
Westside Watersports
Tel: (679) 661462
Fax: (679) 661462
Website: www.fiji-dive.com
Email: westside@is.com.fj
Blue Lagoon Cruises
Tel: (679) 661622, 661268
Fax (679) 664098
Website: www.bluelagooncruises.com
Email: blc@is.com.fj |
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BLUE
NUI DIVE CENTERS
AT PEARL RESORTS
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Blue Nui Dive Centers • Bora Bora •
Manihi • Tikehau
The best way to discover the amazing variety
of the underwater world in the Tahitian
Islands. Sharks, mantas rays, baracuda and
much more! Dive with the experts chosen
by the most beautiful chain of hotels in
French Polynesia.
www.pearlresorts.com
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NAME
YOUR OWN DIVE SITE on the third largest
barrier reef in the world! Explore this virgin
barrier reef with other privileged scuba diving
guests at Nukubati Island - the ONLY resort
in Fiji with access to this awesome diving
fantasyland! Nukubati Island is a small luxury
resort with just seven beachfront bungalows
catering to a maximum of fourteen adults.
For more information
call 888-345-4669 or website www.nukubati.com. |
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LIVE
ABOARD TAHITI & THE TUAMOTU ATOLLS
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Explore the Tuamotu atolls in the heart
of French Polynesia - Exclusive cruises
of 8 divers max aboard the "deluxe"
57' sailing catamaran ORAVA, managed by
ARCHIPELS - 8d / 7n itinerary between Fakarava
&RANGIROA. consult www.archipels.com
for schedules or call for further info or
informative CD-rom.
Tel (689) 56 36 39
Fax (689) 56 35 87
www.archipels.com
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Located on one of the world's most beautiful
beaches, MATANA BEACH RESORT / DIVE KADAVU
is surrounded by spectacular, pristine coral
reefs. Thirty two world class dive sites
are just minutes by boat from your intimate
beachfront bure at Matana Beach Resort.
Whole day excursions to the outer reefs
are available by arrangement.
MARAVU PLANTATION RESORT on Taveuni
is truly an "Experience of a Lifetime".
Dive sites like Rainbow Reef and the Great
White Wall in the heart of Somosomo Strait
leave even the most jaded divers awestruck.
If you're looking for a first class Boutique
Resort and absolutely spectacular diving,
plan your next dive trip at Maravu Plantation
Resort.
SUN AIR, Fiji's "diver's airline",
provides daily service to all of Fiji's
exciting destinations. Let us show you Fijian
hospitality on your next dive trip. For
custom accommodation, travel and dive trip
planning contact the world's Fiji diving
experts: Destination World at 1.888.DIVEFIJI.
(1.888.348.3345) www.diveandsurffiji.com
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We sell value Dive-PAKS
to include
Airfare, diving, and all travel components.
Easy Booking!
Call for details
800-GO-DIVING
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