What is the
best time of the year for diving ?
What are the
local diving conditions ?
What type of
areas can I dive ?
How deep will
the dives be ?
How much
diving experience do I need ?
What
certification is required ?
Do I need to
bring my own equipment ?
Will I need a
dive buddy ?
What are the
major fish type encountered ?
How safe is
diving on the barrier reef ?
What about
sharks ?
If I do have
an accident, how will I receive help ?
Does my travel
insurance cover me while diving ?
What is the
best time of the year for diving ?
You can dive in French Polynesia all year around. However, you'll
have the best diving conditions between the months of April and November.
In Huahine : the diving conditions don't change a lot
throughout the year, although you will find less tourists on the island between
November and April.
What are the
local diving conditions ?
Local visibility often reaches 130 feet. Average temperature in the
ocean is 79 °F (26°C) in the winter season and 84°F (29°C) during summer.
With only a half degree difference, there is no notable temperature variation
between the surface and 166 feet (50m). A light weight wet suit, 1/8 inch (3mm),
or even a Lycra suit is largely sufficient for thermal protection all year
around.
In Huahine : if you wish, we will provide you a wetsuit (shorty)
at no extra charge.
What type of
areas can I dive ?
Should it be in the high volcanic islands or the atolls, three
different areas of exploration are offered :
The lagoon, nature's swimming pool, is generally shallow with very clear water,
which make it an ideal place for "Discover Scuba Lessons" or for developing
proficiency in scuba techniques.
The oceanic drop off, is the part of the reef that is the most alive with coral.
The water is crystal clear and of a deep oceanic blue color. It offers all of
the diverse sea life associated with coral reefs including the small colorful
fish and the larger predators.
The passes, natural opening in the barrier reef that connect the lagoon with the
ocean, are always areas of strong animal concentrations and the cruising zone of
big manta rays and sharks. Due to the currents that are present when the tide
changes, it is only possible to dive at certain hours of the day.
In Huahine : you will find all three type of dives,
but we prefer diving on the reef or in Avapeihi Pass (take a look at THE
DIVES page).
How deep will
the dives be ?
Most of the diving takes place between 60 feet (18m) and 80 feet
(24m). For very experienced divers, Tahiti and her islands offer deeper dives as
well, between 100 and 140 feet (30 to 42m) on ledges and on wall dives that drop
off to infinity. Some diving centers organize such exploration dives that are
truly spectacular but are suitable for experienced divers.
In Huahine : most of our dives are less than 25 meters (80
feet). Very experienced divers are also offered deeper dives (around 50 meters
- 150 feet).
How much
diving experience do I need ?
Diving centers follow very strict safety regulations but since most
of the diving in French Polynesia is rather easy in favorable conditions, even
newly certified divers will have no trouble finding good diving spots. For
divers who wish additional training, most centers offer continuing diver
education and deliver full certification : CMAS, FFESSM, ANMP/CEDIP, SSI and
PADI.
In Huahine : like everywhere else in French Polynesia, any
certified diver is allowed to dive up to 29 meters (95 feet) if accompanied by
an instructor. Again, deeper dives are available for those with more advanced
certification.
What
certification is required ?
In addition to your certification card, you should also furnish your
log book where your recent dives are mentioned. You should also be able to
furnish a recent certificate stating that you are fit for diving as it may be
requested at some diving centers.
In Huahine : a medical certificate is not required, but
for safety sake, it is always better to visit your doctor before a diving
vacation.
Do I need to
bring my own equipment ?
You should consider bringing your own equipment. However, it is not
required, since most diving centers rent all necessary equipment or include it
in their dive rate. Scuba tanks are generally furnished with stabilizing jackets
and regulators usually have a pressure gauge. The equipment that is rented is
subject to periodic check-ups and is thus very reliable.
In Huahine : we provide all the gear you need at no
extra charge.
Will I need a
dive buddy ?
On every dive, you'll be accompanied by an experienced dive guide who
is also an Instructor. The guide knows the different local conditions and
specific dive areas quite well and will greatly contribute to a very safe and
enjoyable dive holiday. In French Polynesia this service is included
automatically without extra charge.
In Huahine : you will be guided by certified instructors
with thousands of dives of experience (see THE CENTER page, INSTRUCTORS part).
What are the
major fish type encountered ?
There are numerous species of marine life in local waters, from small
butterfly fish with dazzling colors among attractive coral gardens to bigger
fish such as napoleons (lump head wrasses), manta rays, reef sharks, tunas,
large schools of jacks, snappers or barracudas. French Polynesia is among the
few place in the world where all these fish can be approached easily. Do not
forget your underwater camera !
In Huahine : you will find all the species listed above,
plus many more. One of the unique aspects of this island is the big diversity of
fish.
How safe is
diving on the barrier reef ?
Local diving conditions include shallow water, warm temperature,
great visibility, absence of current - except for the passes - and all this
contributes to making French Polynesia one of the safest diving locations in the
world. Physical contact with certain marine animals should be avoided, but this
will be described in pre-dive briefings.
In Huahine : dives are usually easy and we choose the spot of the day according
to the weather forecast.
What about
sharks ?
In French Polynesia sharks are not aggressive as they are in other
parts of the world. While diving, it is safe to get close to them for pictures
and observation.
In Huahine : we dive with sharks everyday and it is rare
that we don't see them. The sharks are non-aggressive and we have never had an
accident with them.
If I do have
an accident, how will I receive help ?
French Polynesia is composed of a multitude of islands and the
territory possesses one of the best sea search and rescue programs in the world.
In case of an accident in the outer islands, there is an accident evacuation
procedure, either by airplane or helicopter, available anytime of the day or
night. Tahiti has an ultra modern recompression chamber along with a team of
highly trained doctors in hyper baric medicine.
In Huahine : check the SAFETY part on THE DIVE CENTER
page.
Does my travel
insurance cover me while diving ?
Most Typical travel insurances exclude scuba diving from their
coverage. You should find out about this with your travel agent and include a
special clause in your insurance contract before your departure. However, divers
who practice the sport in French Polynesia are frequently covered for liability
insurance. It is also possible to contract an additional insurance at the diving
center of your choice, valid for your entire stay that covers any type of
accident.
In Huahine : we are fully insured with a major
international insurance
company through the French Association of Diving Instructors (ANMP).
