Polynesian Dream: Snorkeling the Tuamotus Oct 19-30 & Oct 29-Nov 9, 2021

We are all eager to travel again and return to pristine reefs. Health and safety issues are of primary concern to all of us.  All travelers who sign up must be vaccinated. French Polynesia has strict entry requirements and hotels and yacht charter have safety protocols in place.
Testing and entry requirements for French Polynesia are detailed on the Tahiti Tourism website : https://tahititourisme.com/en-us/covid-19/

 Renowned for incredible marine life, the Tuamotus are made up of 77 islands and atolls located 200 miles from the island of Tahiti.
This relatively undiscovered archipelago is super-fishy, super-shark-y and has crystal clear turquoise lagoons surrounded by pristine reefs and stunning white sand beaches.

Our snorkel adventure takes place between Rangiroa and Fakarava, the two largest atolls.  During our 10 day snorkel adventure between Rangiroa and Fakarava we’ll swim through channels, explore the dramatic outer reefs of the atolls and snorkel in aquarium-like lagoons full of hard coral gardens.
Fakarava has been classified as a nature reserve by UNESCO as the rich ecosystem contains exceptionally rare fauna and flora both above and below the water.
The Tuamotus are teeming with marine life. Schools of butterfish, angelfish, groupers, sharks, eagle rays and manta rays grace the reefs and channels of these remote and beautiful islands.
Pods of friendly bottle-nose dolphins are known to seek out interactions with snorkelers.

One of the highlights will be fun drift snorkels riding the current through the channels. The atolls in the Tuamotus feature narrow passageways connecting the inner lagoons to the open ocean.  As the tides change vast quantities of nutrient-rich water squeeze between these passes. This water movement creates current. The nutrients create a smorgasbord for marine life and the current creates a thrilling opportunity for us to ride the current through the channels and be one with the fish!  We may be accompanied by everything from jacks, barracudas, huge napoleon wrasses to mantas, sharks and dolphins.

Itinerary on Trip One
October 19, 2021 Arrival in Papeete. Transfer to hotel Manava where you will stay in a lagoon view studio.

October 20, 2021 Have breakfast at the hotel and transfer back to Papeete airport for the flight to Rangiroa.

October 20-23, 2021 Three nights in paradise at the Kia Ora Resort.  At the center of Rangiroa atoll is a large, relatively calm lagoon that is fed by just a few channels from the open ocean. Rangiroa is renowned for encounters with large pelagics. We’ll have time to relax on the beach and enjoy the house reef. We’ll have an exciting drift snorkel excursion through Tiputa pass. We may encounter  rays, turtles, moray eels, schools of barracuda, grey reef sharks, black tip sharks as we go through the pass.

October 23-October 30 We’ll board our private catamaran in Rangiroa and begin our 7- night voyage towards Fakarava. Our 12-passenger boat has 6 en-suite cabins. Each cabin has ONE queen-sized bed.
Note: the boat generator and A/C operates between 8am and 10pm only. 

The one way voyage between Rangiroa and Fakarava is about 130 nautical miles. Located half way between Rangiroa and Fakarava we’ll visit Apataki, another beautiful atoll with a small village surrounded by healthy reefs.
During our off the beaten track adventure we’ll snorkel each day, enjoy secluded beaches, kayak if desired and meet the local islanders.
Back on board at the end of the day we’ll have time to enjoy the setting sun, sip a glass of wine and share the day’s adventures with our amiable companions before we settle into a delicious dinner. Star gazing the clear night sky is the perfect way to end a wonderful day.
Weather, tides and currents will determine our routing and day to day itinerary and safety always comes first.

COST:
$6500 per person based on double occupancy.
Upgrade to overwater bungalow at Kia Ora available for $300 per night
***Note: The October 29-November 9 trip operates in reverse order. Fakarava-Rangiroa***

Price Includes:
♦ All transfers to/from airports, hotel and catamaran
♦ Airfare between Papeete/ Rangiroa and Fakarava/Papeete.
♦ 1 night in Papeete at the Manava Beach Resort in a lagoon view studio. Breakfast included.
♦ 3 nights at the Kia Ora in a beach bungalow or villa with pool. Breakfast and dinner included
♦ 7 nights accommodation on our private catamaran
♦ Breakfast, lunch, dinner on board the catamaran. Tea, coffee, water and juices (with breakfast) included
♦  Service of the multilingual catamaran crew: captain, cook/hostess on board

Price Excludes:
♦ International airfare and airport fees
♦ Soft drinks and alcoholic beverages
♦ Laundry
♦ Tips for the crew
♦ Travel Insurance. Essential
♦ Items of a personal nature

I hope you will be able to join me on this exceptional journey!
For further information and an application please contact Wendy@SnorkelingEtc.com  

 

 

 

 

Wendy Simon/CEO and fellow snorkel addict
Snorkeling Etc. Inc.
831 254-5001
Wendy@SnorkelingEtc.com