The Central Pacific Ocean
The largest expanse of water on the
Earth, the Pacific Ocean contains the greatest diversity of marine
life. Temperatures range from the 60s to the 80s as you near the
equator. Islands emerging from the depth atract big animals: whale
sharks, hammerheads sharks, and manta rays. Winter is the whale season
for
Baja, Socorro islands and Hawaii.
HAWAII
Divers can enjoy the tropical environment of the Hawaiian Islands, just
a 5-hour flight from San Francisco. The Kona Coast is known for
the gathering of the large manta rays, turtles and exotic lava tubes
created by lava flowing into the waters. Turtle Cove at Maui, Molokini
Crater and Kauai offer enjoyable vacations for divers and snorkelers.
Summer is the best time to dive in Hawaii, but water temperature is in
70s not as warm as in the Caribbean. Humpback whales visit Hawaiian
water to mate from December to April and their song fills the water in
Maui and Big Island.
'Kona Aggressor'
Dive Makai
Jack's Diving Locker
TAHITI
The island of Tahiti, towering over the ocean like a
proud and royal Queen, is crowned by a circle of majestic peaks. The
mountainous interior shelters deep valleys, clear streams, and high
waterfalls, all bathed in the green iridescence of Mother Nature's
light. The flat coastal lands, edged with a rugged coastline, are home
to fields of tropical flowers and most of the island's population.
Around all the islands of Tahiti, dramatic views continue below the
water. Divers and snorkelers are amazed by the density of large marine
life. Regular encounters include manta rays; schools of dolphin dancing
along the surf; sharks seemingly at every turn; and, in the Austral
Islands, humpback whales thrill the lucky spectators in their annual
parade. Out of Los Angeles, Air France, Air New Zealand and Air Tahiti
Nui fly to Tahiti.
'Tahiti
Aggressor'
TONGA
East of the Fiji Islands lie the Tongan Island. In the VaVa’u
Islands to the north is the sight of the best diving. Shallow
channels between numerous islands, much like Palau, harbor rich life in
the warm waters. Sailors can charter bare and crewed boats from the
Moorings there. Migrating from their summer feeding grounds in the the
Antarctic -- humpback whales make their appearance in Tongan waters
every June through November. Air Pacific and Air New Zealand take you
to Tonga.
Vava’u Islands
Sandy Beach Resort
Tongan Beach Resort and Dolphin Pacific Divers
VANUATU
Vanuatu is an archipelago of 83 islands
with a
unique blend of intact tribal communities, resorts, beaches and
geography ranging from accessible volcanoes to pristine underwater
environments, offering unique and memorable experiences. The
landscape beneath the waters mirrors that found
above: mountainous terrain with plunging cliffs, grottoes
and overhangs, huge caves and intricate interconnecting
underwater tunnels formed by frozen lava -and life abundant
over all. Sea fans, soft corals and acropora gardens, plate
corals and sponges and thousands of curious fish. Then there are
wrecks! Planes, an old square rigger sailing ship, a destroyer and of
course the mightiest shipwreck in the world, the SS "President
Coolidge". Out of Los Angeles Air Pacific provides transfer to Vanuatu.
Dive Santo with Aqua Marine
