Coral Restoration in French Polynesia: From Bora Bora to Tikehau
Rachel, Jamie and Jacqui are here to help give you the inside track.
If there's one thing us divers care about, it's protecting the vibrant underwater world we love to explore. On this two-week holiday to French Polynesia, combine incredible dive sites and marine marvels with lessons in coral conservation, planting your own baby coral in the thriving reefs and contributing to the archipelago's vibrant ecosystem.
Begin in Bora Bora, a postcard-perfect paradise nestled less than an hour's flight from French Polynesia's capital. In between exploring the island's best snorkelling spots and venturing out into the deep blue, take part in a coral restoration workshop, learning about the intricacies of Bora Bora's underwater ecosystem and earning yourself a coral conservation certificate.
Next, head to Tikehau for a week of spotting manta rays, sharks and dolphins in its sparkling waters. When you're not donning your mask and snorkel, embark on a sailing trip across Tikehau Lagoon, soak up the sun on the beach and tuck into French Polynesian fare with your toes in the sand.
Itinerary at a Glance:
- Learn about coral restoration and leave a positive mark on the reef with your own baby coral contributions
- Discover Bora Bora's most beautiful snorkelling spots
- Spot manta rays, turtles, grey reef sharks and dolphins in Tikehau's thriving waters
- Set off on a boat trip across Tikehau Lagoon, visiting Bird Island to see its iconic feathered residents
Why Book with Original Diving?
- 100% Carbon Off-setting
- UK Departure Assistance
- Fast Track UK Check-in
- Fast Track UK Security
- UK Airport Lounge Access
- Pre-booked Airline Seats
When To Travel
All of the holidays we create are completely tailor-made to you
Days 1 & 2: Bora Bora bound
Head to the airport, speed through security and settle in for some peace and quiet in the lounge: your French Polynesian diving getaway begins today. Flights to Papeete, French Polynesia's capital, connect through Los Angeles and take approximately 22 hours, landing early the next morning.
When you touch down in Tahiti today, you'll have a few hours to stretch your legs and grab a spot of breakfast before catching a 45-minute domestic flight to Bora Bora. Here, a driver will be waiting to whisk you to your lagoon-front resort, your home for the next four nights.
You'll likely be tired after all that travelling, so check in, drop your bags and spend the rest of the day relaxing, whether you'd rather soak up the sun on the beach or enjoy a siesta in your overwater bungalow.
Day 3: Snorkelling hotspots
Dive straight into Bora Bora (see what we did there?) with a day dedicated to its most spectacular snorkelling spots. After a hearty breakfast, grab a mask, snorkel and fins and venture out into the island's sparkling waters, keeping your eyes peeled for vibrant fish and dazzling corals.
Along the way, be sure to stop at Matira Beach, where thriving coral reefs are home to a world of tropical fish. Alternatively, kayak out to the Coral Garden site, where you can spot colourful clams, sweeping anemones and even the occasional ray gliding past.
Suitably wowed, head back to your hotel for an evening of sundowners and seafood.
Day 4: Take part in a coral restoration workshop
After appreciating the beauty of Bora Bora's reefs yesterday, today you'll embark on a tour to learn all about coral conservation.
Following a briefing led by your resort's resident marine biologist, head out to collect coral samples from the aquatic garden on site. This is an incredible opportunity to contribute to French Polynesia's coral preservation initiatives and make a meaningful difference to the country's beautiful underwater landscapes.
Once you've collected your coral cuttings, they'll be recorded using precise GPS coordinates and you'll receive a coral certificate along with a photo album showcasing your tiny corals. After you go home, the local team will continue to track them, sending you periodic follow-ups so you can watch their growth. Talk about a special souvenir…
Day 5: Let the diving begin
The real diving begins today. Fuel up with a hearty breakfast before you're privately transferred to a local dive centre, where an expert dive team will be waiting to kit you out and whisk you into the water.
Spend your dive exploring the sapphire lagoons and emerald jungles of Bora Bora. Mad about manta rays? Be sure to stop at Anau, a popular site in Bora Bora's lagoon.
Day 6: To Tikehau
Wave goodbye to Bora Bora today as you're collected from your resort and privately transferred back to the airport. From here, it's a quick domestic flight back to Papeete, then another to Tikehau - a journey which takes around two and a half hours in total.
Once you land on Tikehau, it's another private transfer (lucky you) to your new resort. Check in, drop your bags and flop onto the beach, preferably with a cocktail in hand - the underwater adventures begin again tomorrow…
Day 7: Dive Tikehau
Today is all about exploring the pristine reefs of Tikehau, a pristine coral atoll set in the Tuamotu Archipelago. Fuel up with a hearty breakfast, then head out for a day of diving from a local dive centre, working with their expert team to create the perfect underwater itinerary.
Known for its abundance of marine life, Tikehau is perfect for beginners and pros alike, with five distinct dive sites. Novices can begin at the Aramuramu site, home to kaleidoscopic coral basins and a whole horde of macro critters, while more seasoned divers can continue to Tikehau Pass and the Coral Garden, both teeming with manta rays, barracudas, grey sharks, dolphins and all manner of reef fish.
Day 8: Sail Tikehau Lagoon
Lather on the SPF and don your sunglasses this morning as you set off on a sailing trip across Tikehau Lagoon. With an expert guide, board a motorboat and hop between the lagoon's motus (islets), stopping to explore the thriving underwater world.
Along the way, you'll have the chance to swim in the crystal clear waters, don a snorkel at a manta ray hotspot and even try your hand at fishing to catch your lunch (it doesn't come much fresher than this). You'll also stop at Bird Island, named for its thriving red-footed booby and blue-grey noddy populations. What better opportunity to snap some wildlife shots above the surface?
Days 9 & 10: Dive, snorkel, explore
The last two days of your French Polynesian dive holiday are yours for the taking. If you haven't quite had your fill of diving, we can arrange a few more exciting underwater excursions; if you'd prefer to simply relax, enjoy rejuvenating spa treatments, dips in the pool and sundowners on the sand.
Come evenings, head to local restaurants for ultra-fresh seafood and sunset views, toasting to your final few days in paradise.
Days 11 - 13: Homeward bound
Today sadly marks the beginning of your long journey back to reality. After one last beachfront breakfast, you'll be picked up and privately transferred 15 minutes back to Tikehau Airport, where you'll catch the one-hour flight back to Papeete.
Thanks to flight timings, you'll be spending the night in Papeete (what a shame), so when you land, you'll be privately transferred 15 minutes by boat to another dreamy island resort. Spend your final evening indulging in a delicious meal before settling in for a good night's sleep, ready for your early flight tomorrow.
The next morning, rise bright and early and head to the airport for your international flight home, again via Los Angeles. Overall, the journey will take just over 22 hours, and you'll land back in the UK the following afternoon, ready to plan your next diving adventure…
All of the holidays we create are completely tailor-made to you
A Rough Idea of Price
This Itinerary
If you would like to book the exact itinerary mentioned above, with economy flights, during mid-season and staying in our preferred room category at our preferred hotels.
From
£12,950pp
Bare Necessities
If you would like to pare back the above itinerary by travelling at non-peak times, staying in a standard room and removing some or all of the guided activities.
From
£10,800pp
Bells & Whistles
If you are looking for something extra special and would like to add business or first class flights, stay in top room categories at some of the most luxurious hotels we work with, and add more activities and guiding.
From
£14,000pp
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Rachel, Jamie and Jacqui are our experts for this itinerary and as seasoned travellers they have the inside track on the most memorable adventures.