With sparkling blue lagoons, crystal- clear waters, and magnificent coral reefs, Tahiti and her Islands, as French Polynesia is also known, is perfect for all manner of water play. The waters here average a steady 82°F/28°C year-round, making for a tempting invitation to jump in and play. And when traveling aboard the m/s Paul Gauguin—purpose built with a shallow draft to navigate these lagoons—you can enjoy complimentary water sports including kayaking and paddleboarding directly from the ship’s own marina (as conditions allow), or embark on an optional excursion
from outrigger canoeing and catamaran sailing to zipping around on wave runners or enjoying a glass-bottom boat ride.
The most
amazing discoveries, however, tend to await below the water line, where a world brimming with vibrant coral gardens and pelagic life—think everything from Napoleon wrasse, butterfly fish, angelfish, and eels to sharks, rays, turtles, and more—invites snorkeling and SCUBA dive excursions for both novice and experienced guests alike. Some say that the best diving (and of course, snorkeling!) in French Polynesia is in the low-lying Tuamotu Archipelago. Fakarava is home to a UNESCO-listed Marine Biosphere Reserve rife with underwater canyons, coral heads, turtles, dazzling schools of fish, a variety of different sharks, and
more. Widely considered to be one of Polynesia’s most beautiful reefs, the underwater discovery is second to none. Also in the Tuamotus is Rangiroa, the
Complimentary snorkel equipment can be picked up at the retractable watersports marina.
world’s second largest atoll which is also revered as the world’s largest ‘natural’ aquarium. Fringing Motu Nui Nui is a reef teeming with colorful tropical fish and perfect for both beginner and advanced snorkelers. Bora Bora’s famous lagoon is surrounded by one of the world’s most pristine reefs boasting cauliflower, elkhorn, and finger corals. The shallow sheltered waters are perfect for snorkeling and novice divers. Bora Bora is also famous for diving with manta rays and sharks (there are at least 16 shark species found here!). Meanwhile, Moorea’s lagoon, a dissected shield volcano with a caldera surrounded by peaks, can be
explored on an Aquablue excursion that allows you to walk underwater wearing an air-supplied helmet. Covered in a thick jungle, Huahine is quiet and under the radar compared to some of her French Polynesian sister isles. The island offers excellent snorkeling among coral gardens in its lagoon. Finally, a visit to Taha’a rewards with two unique water experiences: drift snorkeling over the island’s west coast coral gardens; and kayaking and paddle boarding at The Gauguin’s private islet, Motu Mahana. Treat yourself to magical
underwater discoveries with French Polynesia’s destination expert.
Paul Gauguin Cruises |
www.pgcruises.com 61
French Polynesia: A Diver's Paradise
It’s always a great day to breathe underwater!
Whether you’re an experienced diver or just getting your feet wet, a journey with Paul Gauguin Cruises reveals the Technicolor wonders and dazzling sea secrets of one of the world’s premier dive destinations with skilled expertise. The Gauguin’s optional SCUBA diving adventures throughout French Polynesia and the South Pacific are designed for all levels of experience and can be enjoyed directly from the ship’s retractable marina.
The ship is fully equipped for diving with an onboard practice pool, a tank- filling station, and two inflatable dive boats with ladders. Each boat holds eight divers and two instructors—and all dives are guided by a professional PADI (Professional Association of Diving Instructors) Dive Master/ Instructor. Experienced divers will appreciate the availability of Enriched Air Nitrox for longer dives, and beginners can take a PADI-Certified Discover SCUBA Diving class on board and get in the water at some point during their voyage, too.
Learn more about The Gauguin’s SCUBA diving programs
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