French Polynesia Diving Itinerary

On a typical day we offer up to 4 day dives however the 4^th day dive may be substituted for a night dive when the boat is anchored within a lagoon. A 7-night itinerary provides for between 18-20 dives, whilst during our 10-night itineraries, up to 30 dives will be possible.

The diving day aboard the French Polynesia Master is scheduled as follows:- Light Breakfast followed by a briefing and Dive 1. Full Breakfast, relaxation period, briefing and Dive 2. Lunch, relaxation period, briefing and Dive 3. Snack relaxation period, briefing and Dive 4, where possible. Dinner. Guests may also take the opportunity to visit the islands and walk upon the pristine beaches.

Our diving itineraries take you through the Tuamotu Island chain, from Rangiroa to Fakarava, with a choice of 7 or 10 night safaris between these two hot spots, as well as a Fakarava-Fakarava 7-night loop which maximises the time spent in this UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.

Please note the following Rangiroa-Fakarava itinerary update per 27 September 2017: Instead of Rangiroa, embarkation or disembarkation point will be: Papeete Harbour in Papeete, Tahiti.

Dive sites are typically channel or “Pass” dives and the route planning for each trip is highly dependent upon the incoming and out-going tides for each island. We dive the optimum tide for each site to bring you the ultimate in pelagic fish action. Strong currents to be expected and it is therefore recommended divers have experience beyond beginner level to ensure maximum enjoyment. Dive sites also include outer reefs, plateaus and coral gardens found with the lagoon, where currents are less intense and many smaller creatures can be found.

Water temperatures throughout the year range from 24-28°C (60-82°F), with January-March being the warmest months and July-November the coolest. The cooler waters bring forth migrating humpback whales and the spawning of marbled groupers, with June/July being the optimum time to see them in large numbers.

Detailed itinerary information:
https://pax.wwdas.com/pax_si/downloads/pdf/fakarava_and_the_unesco_biosphere_reserve_itinerary.pdf
https://pax.wwdas.com/pax_si/downloads/pdf/tuamotu_archipelago_itinerary.pdf
https://pax.wwdas.com/pax_si/downloads/pdf/marquesas_islands_itinerary.pdf

Yacht Information

Built in 2016, the French Polynesia Master has joined the Master Liveaboards’ fleet and has now become a fully fledged member. The building process was managed by the experienced yacht building team of Worldwide Dive and Sail, Jan & Frank van der Linde. Guests may choose between lower deck and upper deck cabins, each with en-suite and individual air conditioning units. Communal relaxation areas are split between the middle and upper decks; comprising a spacious indoor lounge area, camera set up station and guest storage drawers, with pillowed bench seating and a plasma screen. There is an extra shaded outdoor lounging area to the rear of the upper deck with more cozy seating. Finally, there is a sun deck on the upper level with comfortable lounge chairs from where you can unwind and soak up the stunning views of the French Polynesian islands.

Dive equipment is set up and stored at the rear of the main deck in a dedicated shaded outdoor area. All guests are allocated an individual set up station, with under bench storage for masks, fins and other personal items. A camera table can be used to store prepared equipment ahead of the dive, with dedicated rinsing tanks provided. Divers can make use of the shower hoses on deck or rinse off between dives with the port side deck heads.

Schedule and Rates

Land excursions are included in your cruise free of charge and the following are available for an additional fee:
– Full dive equipment rental ( from US$22.50 per dive day)
– Nitrox (US$100 and 150 for resp. 7 and 10 nights)
– Alcoholic beverages (prices vary, with beer starting at US$2)
– Satellite internet
– Marine park & port fees and cruise surcharge
– Master Liveaboards merchandise (prices vary)

Getting there and away… The French Polynesia Master embarks and disembarks at either Fakarava Airport or Quai D’Ohotu in Rangiroa depending on your chosen cruise. Take your international flight into and out of Fa’a’ā International Airport in Papeete, Tahiti and, if possible, try to arrive in French Polynesia 1 day before cruise departure so you are well rested before the start of the cruise. There are 6-7 flights per week between Tahiti and both Fakarava and Rangiroa (depending on the season), which are only around 1 hour in duration.

Please note the following itinerary update per 27 September 2017:

Instead of Rangiroa, embarkation or disembarkation point will be: Papeete Harbour in Papeete, Tahiti.

Disembarkation at the end of the cruise will be just before 10am. If you are not remaining in French Polynesia for additional nights after your cruise, please allow plenty of time for the transfer to the airport and for check-in.

On arrival… French Polynesia is a set of islands that is an overseas country attached to France located in the South Pacific Ocean. Passport holders of the European Union, Andorra, Iceland, Lichtenstein, Monaco and Norway only need a valid passport for entry. Passport holders of most Western and Asian countries are exempt from visa requirements for stays of up to 90 days, however, we always advise our guests to check for updates and changes with their nearest French embassy. Please make sure that your passport has validity of at least 3-6 months depending on nationality beyond the period you intend to stay in French Polynesia. If you are travelling with medication please ensure to bring your physician‟s prescription with you

Staying there… The local currency in French Polynesia is the French Pacific Franc (CFP or XPF). You can exchange Euros or US Dollars against a commission at the exchange office located outside the arrival hall of Papeete international airport or at exchange offices on the main islands (Tahiti, Bora Bora and Moorea). Banks do not exchange money. Large international chain hotels, however, will provide this service against a commission and most of the main islands will have several working ATM machines in case you want to withdraw cash.
Most of the remote atolls (Tuamotu, the Austral and Gambier group, etc.) have no banking facilities, no exchange services and have very few ATMs. They also rarely accept credit/debit card payments and cash payments in other currency than CFP. Therefore, we recommend bringing cash USD or Euro and changing at the airport to cash CFP or alternatively withdraw the cash you may need for your stay in the remote islands when possible. In Tuamotu, exchange facilities are rare and hotels, pensions, restaurants and shops will accept cash CFP only.

Climate and weather… Climate in French Polynesia is tropical, but moderate. Very humid. The average ambient temperature is 27°C (80°F). Summer is from November through April, with a warmer and more humid climate and winter is from May through October, when the climate is slightly cooler and drier

Time zone… The local time is 10 hours behind UTC (GMT).

Health… In French Polynesia, medical care is generally very satisfactory and medical infrastructure is comparable to what you would find in most developed countries. The most modern facilities are located in Tahiti and mostly concentrated in Papeete

Travel Advisories… For more in-depth advisories on travel in French Polynesia, please take the time to read the following travel advisories and heed their advice:
– US State Department
– UK Foreign & Commonwealth Office
– Australian Government Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade
– Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada

Detailed trip information:
https://pax.wwdas.com/pax_si/downloads/pdf/fakarava_trip_info.pdf
https://pax.wwdas.com/pax_si/downloads/pdf/tuamotu_archipelago_trip_info.pdf
https://pax.wwdas.com/pax_si/downloads/pdf/marquesas_trip_info.pdf

French Polynesia FAQs – Whilst we have much information on our website you may find you have additional questions about our dive liveaboard, the diving in French Polynesia or general location information. Below are the answers to some commonly asked questions, should you have other questions or queries, please contact our reservations team who will be pleased to assist you.

Are there any diving regulations I should know about? Diving regulations within French Polynesia differ slightly from many areas of the world. Please note that Open Water divers can dive to max. 18 meters, while Advanced Open Water and Rescue divers (or equivalent) are limited to 29m maximum depth, regardless of whether you carry the Deep Diver Specialty. Master Scuba Divers (or equivalent) and above are permitted beyond 29m to a maximum of 40m. There are regular checks by the authorities that these limits are being maintained so our guides will be very strict with them. In connection with this, you will be asked to sign the following sheet upon boarding: https://pax.wwdas.com/pax_si/downloads/pdf/fpm_diver_agreement.pdf

Diving in French Polynesia can be challenging, even for the experienced diver. As such, we highly recommend our guests to be qualified to a min. of Advanced Open Water level with a minimum of 50 logged dives, preferably in similar conditions.

***Please ensure that you bring all your certification cards, including any certifications that you currently hold for diving on Nitrox.

Can I dive with Nitrox? Yes. All Nitrox qualified divers may opt to dive with Nitrox for an additional charge.

I am not Nitrox certified. May I take a Nitrox course whilst on board? We do not currently offer any dive training courses aboard the French Polynesia Master. For those wishing to take a Nitrox certification course we recommend you contact your local dive centre or consider PADI e-learning.

What should I bring with me? Liveaboard lifestyle is relaxed and informal. Essential items include T-shirts, shorts, swim wear, long trousers / sarong/ long skirt, sturdy footwear for island visits and a warm jacket or pullover for cooler nights. Shower gel is provided on board, however guests should bring any hair care or personal beauty products they require, along with sunscreen. We have a fully stocked first aid kit on board, but guests should bring any personal prescription medications with them (with doctor’s note).

Does the French Polynesia Master have internet on board? Yes, we have Wifi high speed satellite internet available on board and offer interesting pre-booking specials.

Can I rent scuba equipment whilst aboard? Yes. We offer Aqualung BCD, regulator, wetsuit, mask/snorkel and fins for rental on board. Prices per item vary however we also offer a package price of US$40 per day of diving. Computer and torch (flashlight) may also be rented for a daily fee of US$5 per item.

Must I pay National Park fees? Yes, the amount depends on routing and trip duration and is to be paid on the boat.

I’m travelling alone. Must I pay a single supplement or may I share a cabin? For solo travelers we offer 2 options. You may choose to have a cabin for yourself for which we charge  a single supplement of 100% of the cabin cost. However if you wish to share a cabin, we will place you in a twin cabin with a member of the same sex. We do not mix cabins without express permission of both guests.

Must I spend an additional night in Tahiti either side of my liveaboard trip? We recommend guests spend an additional night 1 day before cruise departure so you are well rested before the start of the cruise. There are daily domestic flights between Tahiti and Rangiroa and 6-7 times per week between Tahiti and Fakarava (depending on the season), which are only around 1 hour in duration. Disembarkation at the end of the cruise will be just before 10am. If you are not remaining in French Polynesia for additional nights after your cruise, please allow plenty of time for the transfer to the airport and for check-in.

Do I need dive insurance? Yes. All divers travelling aboard the French Polynesia Master must ensure they are fully covered for all diving accident and emergency situations, including coverage for air evacuation. We also strongly advise our guests to obtain comprehensive travel insurance to cover against unforeseeable delays and potential missed flight connections.  A combination dive and travel insurance, which includes the option for additional liveaboard cover, may be booked through our Worldwide Dive and Sail office or online through DiveAssure.