Slip on your fins, de-fog your mask, and get ready to experience some out-of-this-world snorkelling while island-hopping in French Polynesian paradise! We must offer a friendly forewarning though—the waters surrounding Tahiti and the neighboring Society Islands are so crystal-clear that it’s easy to mistake this most pristine part of the Pacific Ocean for Mother Nature’s very own massive swimming pool. And that’s certainly not a bad problem to have, as long as you don’t accidentally take in a mouthful of salt-saturated seawater!
Now, let’s dive headfirst into Tahiti’s top four snorkelling spots and see where you should most definitely make a splash duringyourFrench Polynesian sailing holiday...
BORA BORA
Arguably one of the world’s most desirable destinations, Bora Bora is a name that goes hand-in-hand with the South Pacific. Known for its iconic glass-bottom bungalows hovering over unspoiled turquoise waters, Bora Bora is also home to some truly spectacular snorkelling sites, where manta ray encounters are common. The warm, serene conditions that surround the island make it easy to spot vibrant coral gardens, colorful tropical fish, and other marine creatures, especially at the “Lagoonarium.”
HUAHINE
A less well-known French Polynesian jewel, Huahine is not only fun to say but it is also nicknamed the “garden island” for its lush tropical vegetation, which includes abundant banana groves, coconut plantations, and vanilla orchids. And the island’s surrounding waters are just as splendiferous! Kick up your fins in Huahine’s unspoilt harbours and feast your eyes on the many wonders that await below the surface at this uncrowded snorkelling location.
RAIATEA
The main lagoon on Raiatea island may be small, but what it lacks in stature, it makes up for ten-fold in natural underwater beauty. There is one place in particular—Motu Ofetaro on the edge of the Teavapiti Pass—which is considered a hot-spot for snorkelling. Here, you can follow the gently-sloping reef while marvelling in colour-rich coral mounds and a wide variety of marine life such as: butterflyfish, lionfish, clownfish, wrasse, and sea anemones to name a few.
TAHA’A
The quaint and traditional island of Taha’a is known for three things—black pearls, vanilla farms, and top-notch snorkelling. The best-kept secret Coral Garden offers an especially unique underwater exploration experience that allows you to “drift” all the way from one end of a motu to the island’s lagoon by effortlessly riding the moderate current. You won’t even need to use your fins. Just enjoy the breathtaking view of vivid coral reefs accompanied by a variety of sea creatures in their natural habitat.
No matter where you drop your fins during a French Polynesian sailing holiday, superb snorkelling conditions await. In fact, the sights below sea level throughout the Tahitian islands are so stunning that you simply have to see them for yourself to believe them. So, what are you waiting for Sunsailor?
Photo Credit:
Mathieu flickr.com
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