On Fri, 22 Dec 2000 10:44:18 -0800, John Hauer <[log in to unmask]> wrote:

>Hi folks. Perhaps some one can help out a bit.
>
>Right now, I have week to burn in Tahiti in early February.
>I need a place to go diving for 5 to 7 days.
>So far it's pretty dear to spend a week there.
>Rangiroa- Kia Ora Village is looking like a $1200US/person plus diving
>($65/per dive) sort a of approach. In this time frame, I'd expect we'd
>take about 20+ dives between the two of us.
>I got this quote through Tahiti Vacations That is not so good for us, I
>must say. My - non diving-  travel agent quoted me even higher rates.
>
>Anyone out there with a more modest approach to Tahiti.
>Maybe I'm delusional and should pick another spot. I'm open to suggestions.

John, I visited Tahiti and Rangiroa in March/April this year, and I can
confirm that French Polynesia is a remarkably expensive place (both to
visit and to live) but it is certainly possible to spend time there a lot
more economically than your quote above.  It depends how much luxury you
(and spouse? - since you mention 'we' above) are prepared to do without! :-)

For Example, the cheapest accommodation on Rangiroa is at Rangiroa Lodge,
at about 15 dollars US per night, which are basic wooden huts on the
beach.  Very friendly and laid back, no meals, but cooking facilities and
plenty of Magasins (general stores) just down the road.  This suited me
just fine, but may not be your cup of tea!  Booking diving through Rae
Manta Club (2 per day) worked out about 60 dollars US per dive inc. all
equipment, and the diving was simply exceptional.  I've tried to do it a
little justice at:

http://www.geocities.com/huwporter/rangiroa.html

A return flight from Tahiti Fa'aa to Rangiroa on Air Tahiti should be
something like 170 dollars US, if I remember correctly.

In contrast, I found Tahiti more expensive, a lot less friendly and the
diving (Through Taina Plongee on Marina Taina - around 50 dollars US per
dive) was OK but not spectacular.  For a second opinion (from one who
visited French Polynesia on a rather different budget ;-)) have a look at
Da Feeesh's trip reports for Tahiti/Moorea/Bora Bora etc in the archives:

http://raven.utc.edu/cgi-bin/WA.EXE?S2=scuba-
se&q=&s=Diving+French+Polynesia&f=large_nassau_grouper&a=&b=

I didn't dive at Moorea, but from what I've heard it is superior to Tahiti,
and the island is certainly more pleasant than Tahiti itself.

Hope this helps. :-)

Cheers,
Huw
--
http://www.huwporter.com
"A wise diver will refrain from written descriptions of his experiences"
- William Beebe