Coral Restoration in French Polynesia
Learn about coral conservation and plant your own baby coral on the thriving restored reef in the waters around Bora Bora on this two-week French Polynesian holiday. Surrounded by turquoise waters, the islands of French Polynesia hold some of the most vibrant and diverse reefs on our planet. Combined with the stunning topography covered in lush jungles, luxurious spa and dining options and incredibly hospitable locals, the long journey is more than worth it!
Itinerary at a Glance:
- Learn about coral restoration and leave your mark on the reef with your own baby coral contributions.
- Receive updates on the progress of your coral over the next few years, as it grows and becomes part of the rehabilitated reef system
- Snorkel one of the richest underwater ecosystems in the world, swimming with manta rays, turtles, dolphins and more
- Visit Bird Island to see the iconic red-footed boobies
Why Book with Original Diving?
When To Travel
All of the holidays we create are completely tailor-made to you
Day 1: International Flights
This afternoon, you'll head off for the long journey to the other side of the world. You'll connect via Los Angeles with a four-hour layover to stretch your legs and relax before your next long-haul flight to Tahiti. The journey should take approximately 23 hours, so be sure to get plenty of zzzz's on your flights.
Day 2: Onward to Bora Bora
After landing in Tahiti today, you'll have a few hours to relax at a luxury hotel before catching your domestic flight to Bora Bora. Enjoy a spa treatment or nap by the pool under the Polynesian sun before heading back to the airport for your quick flight to Bora Bora. Once you land in Bora Bora, a driver will be waiting to privately transfer you to your lagoon-front resort. After checking in to your overwater bungalow, adjust to island time by having a leisurely afternoon around the resort, exploring the beach or snorkelling in the warm gin-clear waters beneath your room.
Day 3: Private Coral Restoration Workshop
Today, you'll embark on a tour to delve into the wonders of coral conservation. After a briefing led by the resident marine biologist, you'll head out to collect coral samples from the aquatic garden on site. This is your special opportunity to contribute to the preservation of coral in Polynesia and make a meaningful difference. Precise GPS coordinates will be documented for the cuttings you make, and, upon completion, 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 your coral's growth, sending you periodic follow-ups so you can watch their growth.
Days 4 & 5: Sink into Island Life
You have the next two days to explore the sapphire lagoons and emerald jungles of Bora Bora at your leisure.
Day 6: Onward to Tikehau
Today, you'll be collected from your resort and privately transferred back to the airport to catch your domestic flight to Tikehau, via Tahiti (Papeete). Once you land on Tikehau, you'll be collected from the airport and taken to the marina for a short 15-minute boat ride to your next luxurious accommodation. Built in traditional Polynesian style, your overwater bungalow exudes charm with its thatch roof and walls and know you'll be lulled to sleep each night by the gentle lapping of water underneath. After checking into your bungalow, head to the on-site dive shop to collect your snorkel gear and discuss your options for the next few days.
Day 7: Snorkel to Your Hearts’ Content
This morning, you'll have the opportunity to explore the pristine reefs inside what Jacque-Yvez Cousteau declared to be 'the richest atoll on the face of the earth.' The abundance of marine life seen from the surface will astound you as manta rays, barracudas, grey sharks, dolphins and all manner of reef fish are common residents. So grab a snorkel and start exploring…
Day 8: Fly Away to Bird Island
Known for the red-footed boobies and blue-grey noddies, 'bird island' is aptly named and makes for a wonderful wildlife excursion visiting the many bird colonies that call this atoll home. You'll head off by motorboat, cutting across the turquoise water, to the nearby island where your expert guide will point out a plethora of fascinating species. This is a shorter activity, lasting approximately two hours in total, so you'll have plenty of time to dip back in the sea (should you wish) for more underwater encounters this afternoon.
Days 9-11: Dive, Snorkel, Explore
The last few days of your French Polynesian dive holiday are yours to fill. We can arrange dives for you to get a little deeper on the vibrant reefs, or you can luxuriate with spa treatments and paddle board trips around the lagoon. No matter how you spend your final days, soak in the last bits of this sumptuous destination, ready to return home refreshed and rejuvenated (and dreaming of when you can move away to an island paradise).
Days 12-14: Homeward Bound
Today begins your long journey back to reality as you're picked up from your lovely bungalow after breakfast and driven, by motorboat, back to the Tikehau Airport. After a quick hop to Tahiti (Papeete), you'll have several hours to enjoy the last bits of your tropical holiday before catching your international flight home tonight, again via Los Angeles. Your flight home will take approximately 24 hours in total, so make sure the iPad is charged, movies are downloaded and your wine glass is full, as you settle into the long journey home.
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
£6,521pp
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
£5,670pp
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
£8,151pp
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Emily C, Rachel and Jacqui are our experts for this itinerary and as seasoned travellers they have the inside track on the most memorable adventures.