F.A.Q ( Frequently asked Questions)
Where is Moorea?
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Moorea is one of the Tahitian Islands, located in the Southern Hemisphere about half way between Australia and South America. It is in the same time zone as Hawaii. The flight from Los Angeles to Tahiti is about 7 1/2 hours. Air Moorea provides a 7-minute flight every hour from Papeete, the Capitol of Tahiti, to Moorea.
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What is the best time of year for scuba diving in Moorea?
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Scuba diving is good all year round in French Polynesia. The best diving conditions are between April and November. The humpback whale season is from July to October.
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What are the local diving conditions?
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Local visibility often reaches 130 feet. The average temperature of the ocean is 76 degrees F (26 C) in the winter season and 84 F (30 C) during the summer. There is no noticeable temperature variation between the surface and a depth of 166 feet (50 m). A light wetsuit, 1/8 inch (3 mm), or even a lycra suit is sufficient for year-round thermal protection.
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What types of diving will I find in Moorea?
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There are three basic types of dives: lagoon dives, outside-the-reef dives, and pass dives. The Lagoon — Dives within the lagoon are generally shallow with clear water. These conditions make them ideal for scuba lessons or for brushing up on your diving skills. However, there is a deep dive site within the Moorea lagoon: a canyon filed with eagle rays and tropical fish. This deeper site is for certified divers only.
Outside the Reef — Just outside Moorea’s reef, the coral is alive with a variety of corals and colorful fish, including the larger predators: lemon sharks, grey sharks, black & white tip sharks, moray eels, Napoleon fish, jack fish, barracuda, tuna and turtles.
Taota Pass — The most interesting opening in the coral reef between the lagoon and the ocean. There are always a large number of fish in this area, as the tidal flows provide abundant nutrients. It is a cruising zone for large schools of eagle rays and white tip sharks. The current here can be strong at times.
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How deep will the dives be ?
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Most of the dives are between 60 feet (18 m) and 80 feet (24 m). For experienced divers, there are deeper dives outside the reef. The Moorea fun Dive’s policy is to seek longer dives, rather than deeper ones, in order to see as much as possible.
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Do I need to have a lot of diving experience to dive in Moorea ?
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Most of the diving in Moorea is fairly easy in favorable conditions and does not require a lot of diving experience. Many people learn to scuba dive for the first time in Moorea, and it is a wonderful spot for newly certified divers to improve their skills. For divers who wish to obtain additional training, Moorea Fun Dive offers continuing education and full instruction for PADI, SSI, CMAS, and FFESSM certification.
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What certification is required ?
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Except for beginning divers, you must provide your diving certification card and your dive log.
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Will I need a dive buddy ?
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You will not need a dive buddy. On every dive, you will be accompanied by an experienced dive guide who is also an instructor. The guide knows the different local conditions and specific dive areas well and will contribute to a very safe and enjoyable dive holiday. This service is included at no extra charge.
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Where is the Moorea Fun Dive located?
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Moorea Fun Dive is located on a great white sand beach, a few steps away from Moorea Camping in Haapiti on the north coast, right next to a shopping area and restaurants. You can even plan a day of diving if you stay in Tahiti. Non divers are also welcome and can stay on our beach during the dive.
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How do I get from my hotel to Moorea Fun Dive ?
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Moorea Fun Dive provides free transportation to and from your hotel (except Moorea pearl Resort). Our cars pick up divers at most island hotels at 8:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. every day. If you are scheduled for a dive, simply wait in the lobby of your hotel for one of our car to arrive.
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Do I need to bring my own equipment ?
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No. Moorea fun Dive provides all the equipment you will need for a great diving experience. This includes BCD, regulator, octopus, depth and pressure gauges, wetsuit, weights, mask, fins, and snorkel. Of course, you can bring your own equipment. Most divers prefer to bring their own mask, fins, and snorkel.
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I haven’t dived in several years. Can you provide an initiation dive to help me brush up on my diving skills?
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Of course! Several of the dive sites are ideal for this purpose. Papetoai, located in the lagoon, provides a great refresher dive. Here you are likely to see eagle rays on your very first dive! Our dive masters pay very close attention when taking you out for the first time. They will ensure that your first dive is a safe and rewarding experience.
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What types of fish will I encounter ?
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Moorea is home to many types of fish, and Moorea Fun Dive strives to make sure that divers get to see as many of them as possible. You can expect to see moray eels, lemon sharks, grey sharks, black & white sharks, Napoleon fish, and barracuda. Most divers also encounter tuna, jack fish and turtles. Occasionally divers are rewarded with a close look at humpback whales.
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What about sharks ?
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In Moorea, the sharks are not as aggressive as they are in other parts of the world. While diving, it is safe to get close to them for pictures and observation.
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If I have an accident, how will I receive help ?
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French Polynesia possesses one of the best sea search-and-rescue programs in the world. In case of an accident, there is an evacuation procedure, either by plane or helicopter, available around the clock. In Papeete, there is an ultra modern decompression chamber along with a team of doctors highly trained in hyperbaric medicine.
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Does my travel insurance cover me while diving ?
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Most travel insurance policies do not cover scuba diving. You should enquire with your travel agent and include a special clause in your insurance contract prior to departure. Moorea Fun Dive provides you automatically and at no charge a liability release insurance.
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How is the snorkeling in Moorea ?
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Moorea provides some nice areas for snorkeling, with crystal clear, warm water filled with colorful fish. At many of the hotels, it is possible to walk right from your room to the beach and find excellent snorkeling. If you are staying in an overwater bungalow, great snorkeling is just a few steps away!
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Is spear fishing allowed ?
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French law prohibits spear fishing or collecting anything while wearing scuba tanks.
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