Hi Everyone,

My husband and I are going on the PG 7/2 for 10days (2 days post cruise in Tahiti). We would like to do about 3-4 dives. I want to see sharks and he wants to see Coral.

We will be fully certified before the trip, but I haven’t decided on PADI or NAUI. If any body have any opinion on that please let me know also.

Here are the list on the shore excursion (I start making reservation today!!):

Huahine: Huahine’s outer reef
Raiatea: Mushroom Patch
Rangiroa (2days): Motu Nuhi Nuhi, Rangiroa’s Outer reef (experienced certified divers), Tiputa Pass Current Drift (Active advanced divers)
Bora Bora (2days): Table Top. Table top at night
Moorea (2days): The ledge, Shark Gallery

Which one are the must do? What type of equipement we will need to bring with us? We will be renting for our scuba class, so if PG is not providing something we would buy them for our class.

Also, any good dive in Tahiti?

Thanks!

Cindy

Cindi, am PADI, like them so recommend them...for sharks...first dive choice is sharks gallery, second is ledges (also did an dive with bora borad diving center with sharks (they fed them) and a dive witg Giant Manta Rays)..for coral..recommend Mushroom patch, then ledges.

The dive team on the PG is the best on the seven seas of any ship..they have brand new scubapro equipment...you don't need to bring any equip., tho, I brought a shorty, fins & mask. The dive team will take photos of your dives during the week and then at the Fri nite dive party (free drinks for divers) they show all your pics with a laptop...you can buy a CD and the DM will sign and stamp your log book.

Have Fun and report back on your dives pls.

r/wes

Thanks Wes,

What is the different between NAUI and PADI?

We will be in Tahiti for two days post-cruise. Any dive to do there?

Cindy

Cindy,

Check the websites

www.naui.org or www.padi.com for more info.

Ken (masaki mentioned him above) has dove with
aquatica, you can also try www.topdive.com

ps..grew up in SJ/Cupertino from 55-77

r/wes

Cindy, Whether PADI, NAUI, or SSI (Scuba Schools International) all scuba certifying agencies, must meet the same qualifying standards. Rodale’s Scuba Diving has done an excellent article about this subject. The most important thing you should consider is the course instructor and there own experience.
http://www.newdiver.com/learntodive/trainagency/

Although I am not on the PG until the June 4 cruise, when choosing dives just be careful about some of the more advanced drift dives. For a new diver with little buoyancy control, some of these dives can be a little tough, depending on how fast the current is. This is just my opinion though and others may feel differently.

Welcome to LCT and enjoy your dive course, you will have a blast.

Thanks everyone. I think I will go with a NAUI, since they have the best schedule offer right now.

I just got an e-mail from the instructor.
Requirement:
> -Surface swim test (250 yd. or 5 laps)
> -Underwater swim test (50 feet)
> -Treading water (10 minutes)

I don't think I can tread water for 10 minutes.... so is that mean I cannot dive?
Worry worry...

I must echo everything that Wes said.
The shark gallery dive is a must do! You need to bring nothing as their equipment is very good. But I would always bring my own mask, flippers & wet suit.
re: drift diving. I do not recall that being a problem. The current is not bad in FP.

I do recall my dive in Cozumel shortly after getting my cert. It may have been my 3rd or so dive. The current was wicked. A wee bit scary, but a hoot! & as Lisa correctly said, my bouyancy skills left something to be desired. I sure gave my BCD a workout that day!

Enjoy! Doug

re: threading water.

That is a survival skill & it is rather important.

That being said, I think that you will surprise yourself. Scuba is demanding. I'm sure that you can do it.

Go for it!

Doug

I have dove a number of times in French Polynesia and never experienced much of a current. There definitely is no drift diving. I agree with Doug, the most amount of current or drift I have experienced is in Cozumel.

In my experience you don't have to worry about seeing sharks in Tahiti. They are on most dives. I also have gone with Bora Dive Center when they fed the sharks and it was interesting, but I truly enjoy going with the experts on the ship. It is just easier to do straight from your cabin to the sports marina, out in the zodiac, and then back to your suite. If you go with an outside operator you have to tender to shore first and worry about arrival and departure times.

I would say the least interesting dive would be Table Top because it starts shallow and is more of a beginning dive.

Cindy, I am not a strong swimmer at all and I passed all the testing so I am sure you can do it. You will have more one on one attention from divemasters on the Paul Gauguin than I have in over 50 dives.

I would definitely recommend diving in Rangiroa. It is highly regarded in most dive magazines. Ask the dive masters which dives they recommend the most. The water and visibility can change and they are most up-to-date on current conditions. I have always found them to be most helpful.

Sorry, I guess I should have specified the drift diving is only in Rangiroa’s Tiputa Pass. This is a very famous drift dive that attracts divers worldwide. Divers refer to this dive as “shooting the pass”, and it has a fearsome reputation.

Cindy, Wes and Susan have been invaluable assets for me in gaining insight into the PG and its dive staff. I have a feeling after diving with them, we are both going to be spoiled.

Lisa,
You took the words right out of my mouth. I can truly say that while I have dove with some very quality divemasters in other ports I have never encountered the care I have experienced on the Paul Gauguin. Most recently when I was diving in Cozumel there were 24 in one group with only one dive instructor at the front and one helper at the back. We had to go in single file and at one point the dive instructor took off before some of us had even had time to equalize. This kind of thing has never happened to me on the PG. They dive in small groups and adjust to the group needs. I have been spoiled by the dive instructors on the PG and can say I truly appreciate it. Hope you have some great weather and great dives. It has been my pleasure to help in any way I can.

Hi Cindy,

We will also be on the PG 7/2 10-nighter. The four of us are all beginner divers so we will probably not be with the same dive groups as you. Time constraints won't allow us to be certified fully or even partially before the cruise-we will do that afterwards. I signed us up for all of the beginner/non-certified dives because I know we will absolutely love it! We are two couples: Steve & Leslie (we are celebrating our 30th anniversary) and Jim & Cathy. Maybe we will be able to meet you and your husband onboard!

Leslie

Thanks everyone,

I think our list of dives will be Mushroom Patch and shark gallery for sure. As for the Tiputa Pass, I will see how we do during our certification to determine if that is a go for us. Still looking on what to do in Tahiti.

Leslie, we are a group of 4, too. My husband and I are going to dive, but the other 2 will not. We are all in our 30s and love RSSC (husband & I went on Honeymoon on Diamond).

My suggestion is at least completed the classroom one at home first, you can buy the CD-ROM and take the test when you get onto PG. Or you can do private lesson a local vendor around your home and because there are 4 of you, the instructor will be willing to strike some deal.

Have fun!
Cindy