Kim,
Yes the crown of thorns really have heavily damaged the reefs which won't regenerate for 8-10 years. Quite sad but there are still lots of sharks and marine life. I highly recommend either the 11 or 12 day as the diving in Rangiroa is the best.
Eugene and Gail,
The best news is that French Polynesia is as beautiful as ever. It continues to elude heavy commercialism.
