Asian Diver – March 2018

80

ECOTOURISM

http://www.tahiti-shark-expeditions.com

ABOVE: Blacktip reef sharks abound

in the waters of Tahiti

IMAGE: Shutterstock

TAHITI SHARK

EXPEDITIONS

Where: Mo’orea, Tahiti

Diving: This dive centre was founded

by Nicolas Buray, a shark expert

with over 20 years of experience,

to share his passion for sharks. On

dives with guests, Buray’s team

monitors the acoustic-tagged resident

tiger sharks’ behaviour and shares

the data with regional agencies,

such as Island Research Centre and

Environment Observatory (CRIOBE)

and Observatory of Sharks in Polynesia

(ORP). Guests are often impressed

with their ability to recognise individual

sharks with different personalities. Dive

sites range from 15 to 50 metres, with

gentle to moderate currents.

Classic Dives:

Reef Shark Expedition – A 20-minute

boat ride from nearby marinas (lucky

guests may see whales and dolphins

on the ride), this half-day expedition

at Vallée Blanche does not use bait.

Divers drift dive while exploring

the site with their guide. Expect a

variety of sharks, including grey,

blacktip, lemon, whitetip, and nurse

sharks. Eagle rays and barracudas

abound, as well as the occasional

tiger shark.

Tiger Shark Expedition – This dive

at Vallée Blanche uses bait to attract

tiger sharks, increasing sightings.

Buray himself accompanies divers,

sharing his knowledge about the

individual sharks. Expect the same

species as the Reef Shark Expedition.

Tours are limited to six divers for an

optimal experience. This dive requires

at least level two diving experience,

or a PADI Rescue Diver certification

equivalent. Experienced Advanced

Open Water Divers are permitted with

the guidance of a divemaster.

When: For sharks, year-round.

Humpback whales from June

to November.

Requirements:

• Open Water Diver certification


• Dive specific insurance
  such as DAN recommended