Hi all,
I'm hoping to go to Tahiti again some time before March of next year. I've noticed some local wisdom appearing on the boards from time to time (eg: the weather is typically better around the full moon although obvs it can do anything at any time).

We're probably going to stick to the Tuamotos (Tikehau, Rangi, Fakarava) this time, and focus on diving. May possibly swing by Vahine but we're not sure. Does anyone have insight about the optimal time for a dive vacation? Are swells more or less likely at various times of the year? Are there other natural phenomenon which are seasonal (ex: fish mating) that we might want to take into account?

Thanks for any wisdom. Between all of us, we have a ton of Tahiti knowledge. :o)

I think Gary and Cath are the ones who suggested the moon phases and the weather.

Hi YG2

Here is the link to the moon phases - best to travel over a full moon according to the locals

http://lunaf.com/english/moon-phases/lunar-calendar-2012/

Diving in the atolls is best around Oct/Nov when the giant hammerheads are there to breed. You'll get all other species - especially mantas, all year round, but I've found that October/November to be the best, with June/July the slowest for the mantas and the winds are in the opposite direction, so it can get a little rough.

But please note that the hammerheads are in deep water (the passes) between 30 and 65 metres (100 - 210ft) usually. You do see them occassionally shallower, but the REALLY big ones are deep.

Check out the link for TopDive which shows the sites for each island/atoll and what's there at different times of the year (plus you can buy the multi-island pass which is great). They also do free Nitrox.

http://www.topdive.com/

Thank you! I would _love_ to see the hammerheads en masse. We spotted one years ago in Tiputa pass, about 10 meters deeper than us. It was quite a thrill!

Have you ever used the Raie Manta Club? I think they're only on Rangi and Tikehau, but it's been a while since I've checked. We used Top Dive on Fakarava and found them less than friendly, but the staff on Rangi was nice (we used Top Dive before discovering Raie Manta).

No, I haven't dived with them.

Top Dive Bathy's have taken over Blue Nui, and they were my favourites. They've kept the staff, so I'd go with them. Not sure if they have put in Nitrox on Tikehau and Manihi, so you may need to check. Their website is excellent and their staff on Tahiti and Moorea were excellent. They also have the dive passes, which can save you some money (always good on a trip to FP).

Thanks!