Already
famous for its black pearls, the symbol of Polynesia, Manihi is gaining
international acclaim for its fabulous diving. Located at the Manihi Pearl
Beach Resort and managed by Gilles Petre, Manihi Blue Nui is the only dive
center on Manihi. With its warm, limpid waters and mild currents in the
pass, Manihi offers excellent conditions for diving which are perfectly
suited to experienced divers as well as beginners.
Friendly, enthusiastic instructors who are internationally accredited
(PADI, CMAS, BEES) speak english, french and spanish. Paying careful
attention to safe diving practices, they will guide you through the
impressive seascapes where an incredible variety and density of sea life
are found. The dive sites are only five minutes away from the dive center
by a comfortable speed boat custom designed for diving.
In spite of its small size and remote location,
Manihi is easily reached by plane seven times a week from Tahiti, and
twice a week from Bora Bora. The climate is generally warm and sunny, with
a cooling influence of the trade winds. No crowds keep the atmosphere
relaxed and fun, and make the stay here very enjoyable. Because
the underwater attractions are continuous, the diving center operates
every day, all year long. Night dives and video services with a viewing
room are also available.
Dive Sites
- Tairapa
Pass: This moving liquid waterway
connecting the ocean to the lagoon offers exhilarating drift dives
on either inward or outward currents while the boat follows above.
Experience the unique sensation of soaring with tuna, sharks,
schools of barracuda, shimmering jack fish, rays, turtles and much
more.
- The
Drop Off: On the ocean side of Manihi there is a breathtaking
wall descending from 10 to 4,500 feet deep. This dive site abounds
with grey sharks, Napoleon fish, giant jack fish, impressive schools
of snapper and sea pike barracuda, plus fish from the deep sea like
huge tuna and marlin. Each year, around late June or early July,
thousands of groupers gather here to breed. It is one of the most
fascinating undederwater events in the world.
- The
Circus: Located at the mouth of the pass inside the lagoon, this
is the favorite spot for eagle and manta rays. Solitary or in
groups, the rays glide through the waters in an average depth of 30
feet. These graceful giants are always the most popular encounter
for divers. Photographers can get very close to them as the mantas
are curious and quite friendly.
- West
Point: On the ocean side, with visibility up to 200 feet the
incredibly clear water of this unspoiled atoll is the ideal habitat
for unique and healthy corals: Fire coral, antler coral and flower
petal coral to name just a few.
- The
Break: At a large cut in the reef on the ocean side, in a coral
amphitheater, you can be a spectator to a safe and exciting shark
feeding. A multitude of reef sharks including black tip, white tip,
grey sharks and the occasional hammer head can be seen.
For
more general information
on French Polynesia, go to: |
