Praying for Tutae Moa

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MUST DO IN TAHITI
Lava Tubes Adventure
Polynesian Adventure will take you by 4x4 deep into the volcanic heart of Tahiti, where you’ll hike up a river and waterfalls in the lush interior rain forest and through several lava tubes.

MUST DIVE

1. Catalina Flying Boat

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2. The Faults of Arue

3. St. Etienne Drop-Off

4. Aquarium

5. Marado

MUST DO IN MOOREA
Personal Photo Safari
Here’s the drill: Get a rental car for the day, grab plenty of film or digital media and be prepared to stop every 10 feet for a once-in-a-lifetime shot. Every inch of Moorea is a postcard waiting to happen.

MUST DIVE

1. Stingray World

2. The Tiki

3. Opunohu Canyon

4. The Roses

5. Taotoi

MUST DO IN BORA BORA
Mandara Spa treatment
On a hilltop overlooking the Bora Bora Nui Resort, Mandara Spa offers an extensive line of treatments — a great start is the Bora Bora Indulgence, two hours of pure Tahitian bliss.

MUST DIVE

1. Anau (for giant mantas)

2. The White Valley

3. Toopua

4. Tupitipiti

5. Tapu

DECO STOPS: TAHITI
The Society Islands offers plenty to do beyond the famous sybaritic passions. If you’re fit and like a good adventure, hike the Lava Tubes with Polynesian Adventures while on Tahiti. For shopping, check out the market in Papeete, where you’ll find everything from shell leis and vanilla to Tahiti’s renowned black pearls. Sea kayaks can be rented from any resort, and a tour of the crystalline lagoon is a must. Of course, Gauguin fell in love with Tahiti, and a museum of his works is in the town of Taravao. Dozens of stone temples (marae) dot the mountainsides. Surfing is available, or for something more sedate, check out the Botanical Gardens. On Moorea, everything is stunningly beautiful, but start out on an outrigger with snorkel gear and indulge in the amazing colors of the lagoon. Rent a car and take the road to Belvedere for some nice marae and one of the world’s best scenic overlooks of both Cook’s and Opunohu Bay. Hike the lush forests along the Three Coconut Trees Pass (advice: take a guide). On Bora Bora, take a four-wheel-drive excursion into the interior. A motu picnic provides a great romantic getaway. Indulge in some spa pleasure at the Mandara Spa at the Blue Nui Resort.

Special thanks to TOPdive, Le Taha’a Resort and Spa,Sheraton Moorea and Sheraton Tahiti, Mandara Spa, Le Meridien Bora Bora, Tahiti Tourism, Air Tahiti Nui, Avis-Tahiti and the gallant Bernard Begliomini.

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As the official publication of the PADI Diving Society, Sport Diver is the magazine divers turn to each month to find out what’s going on in their world. Sport Diver is the ultimate source for up to date information on dive culture, equipment, travel, training and PADI Diving Society activities.

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