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Dive Review of Six Passengers/Kia Ora in
French Polynesia/Rangiroa

Six Passengers/Kia Ora, Dec, 2011,

by Douglas C. Spencer, CA, US (Reviewer Reviewer 5 reports). Report 6387.

No photos available at this time

Ratings and Overall Comments 1 (worst) - 5 (best):

Accommodations 4 stars Food 4 stars
Service and Attitude 3 stars Environmental Sensitivity 4 stars
Dive Operation 5 stars Shore Diving N/A
Snorkeling 3 stars
Value for $$ 5 stars
Beginners 2 stars
Advanced 4 stars
Comments 6 Passengers-

Dive operation is not affiliated with Kia Ora. They seem to push Top Dive which is affiliated with Kia Ora. The company who has planned our dive trips for the past 10 years (www.worldofdiving.com)recommended 6 passengers and my wife and I really enjoyed it. They pick you up at the Kia Ora about 30 minutes prior to a scheduled dive. They have 4 scheduled dives per day. The operators have been running their operation for almost 20 years. They are French and Italian however speak English fluently. Most of the other divers during our 10 days of diving were French. The routine was 5 minute Avon ride through the Tipatu Pass drop divers in the same spot and you would end the dive depending on the direction of the 'very' strong current. I used a steel tank and always came up with plenty of air. The staff was exceptionally courteous and managed all of our diving needs. The operation is low key and very relaxing. We thoroughly enjoyed diving with Fred/Helen/Sinbad and videographer and dive operation founder Ugo. They are experts with significant experience and adept at managing divers of all dive levels. Dolphins and Reef Sharks are everywhere. We saw Mantas, huge Napoleans, and some folks saw a hammerhead. On one dive I had a sneaking suspicion that something was following me and I turned around to encounter a large Whale Shark. Dive master Fred indicated that in 10 years and 9000 dives there he had only seen 3-4, so I was a very lucky diver that day. Currents can be strong, but fun. I did not wear a wet suit the entire time, but most folks donned a 3MM. I would repeat with 6 passengers.

Kia Ora

Just reopened. We stayed in an over the water bungalow. The place is really beautiful. The staff was responsive to our needs and after looking at the web site for 2 years planning our trip, I can honestly say that it exceeded our expecataions. We paid for an all inclusive meal plan and after 10 days, we tried everything on the menu. The food was incredible.

One item to mention is that if you have a chance to go to Pink Sands, I would recommend it. It is a long 2 hour boat ride, but it is in the middle of nowhere and one of the most interesting geologic sites I have witnesses. We also snorkled with reef sharks, saw a booby bird preserve and had a great lunch on a derserted island.

Folks alwasy mention the price of this place on reviews. It is expensive but worth every nickle to me. Happy diving!
Websites Six Passengers   Kia Ora

Reporter and Travel

Dive Experience 501-1000 dives
Where else diving Carribean/Polynesia/South America/California
Closest Airport Getting There

Dive Conditions

Weather sunny Seas currents
Water Temp 81-83°F / 27-28°C Wetsuit Thickness
Water Visibility 85-130 Ft/ 26-40 M

Dive Policy

Dive own profile no
Enforced diving restrictions Dive limits of 100 ft. were generally enforced
Liveaboard? no Nitrox Available? yes

What I Saw

Sharks Lots Mantas 1 or 2
Dolphins Schools Whale Sharks 1 or 2
Turtles > 2 Whales None
Corals 3 stars Tropical Fish 4 stars
Small Critters 3 stars Large Fish 4 stars
Large Pelagics 5 stars

Underwater Photography 1 (worst) - 5 (best):

Subject Matter 3 stars Boat Facilities 3 stars
Overall rating for UWP's 3 stars Shore Facilities 2 stars
UW Photo Comments Camaras were handed to divers from Avon

Rinse tank on shore
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Note: The information here was reported by the author above, but has NOT been reviewed nor edited by Undercurrent prior to posting on our website. Please report any major problems by writing to us and referencing the report number above.

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