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Dive Review of Tahiti Aggressor in
French Polynesia

Tahiti Aggressor, Nov, 2002,

by Richard J. Troberman, WA, USA (Contributor Contributor 13 reports with 4 Helpful votes). Report 487.

No photos available at this time

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

Accommodations 4 stars Food 5 stars
Service and Attitude 5 stars Environmental Sensitivity N/A
Dive Operation 5 stars Shore Diving 1 stars
Snorkeling N/A
Value for $$ N/A
Beginners 1 stars
Advanced 5 stars
Comments The Tahiti Aggressor (formerly the Fiji Aggressor) began service in Tahiti in late September, 2002. It is a relatively stable 106 foot catamaran that takes up to 16 divers. All diving is done from a skiff that is hydraulically lowered into the water from the back of the dive deck. Each diver has a station on the skiff where all the dive equipment is stored. The tanks are refilled in place on the skiff. The Tuamotu atolls are famous for pass flying, and this trip was no exception. After a checkout dive in Rangiroa (where we met the boat) we began the all night crossing to Fakarava. The crossing through open water was rough, and seasickness medication is a must for most people. NOTE: Due to weather, this was only the second time in five weeks that the boat was able to make the crossing to Fakarava, but the diving was well worth the effort. A pass diving specialty course was given on the way to Fakarava, and each diver was equipped with a Dive Alert, a reef hook, and a safety sausage, and each buddy team was also provided with an EPIRB signalling device. Prior to each dive Pierre, the French divemaster, gave a briefing. The most important information from Pierre for the pass diving was "Follow me," but this was not as easy as it sounds. There can be up to seven different currents in a pass at the same time, depending on one's location. Many divers had a hard time staying behind Pierre due to the ripping currents. We encountered scores of sharks on every dive, as well as huge schools of surgeonfish and paddletails. On two of the dives at Fakarava, we were joined by a friendly dolphin that swam with us and allowed the divers to scratch its belly. In addition to the pass diving, we did reef dives and corner dives away from the current. Flame angels were everywhere, as were Napoleon wrasse, the occasional Mantas, a stonefish, and a huge variety of reef fish. Two fresh waters showers are located on the dive deck, and fresh towels were provided after every dive. We were fortunate to have Doms as our cook. Doms is a part owner in a resort and restaurant in Tahiti, and fills in on the Aggressor periodically to satisfy his diving urges. The food was excellent and plentiful, and Doms was always creative with the leftovers. Diving on the Tahiti Aggressor was an experience not to be missed.

Reporter and Travel

Dive Experience 101-250 dives
Where else diving Hawaii; Bahamas; Cayman Islands; Turks & Caicos; Australia
Closest Airport Getting There

Dive Conditions

Weather sunny, rainy Seas choppy, currents
Water Temp 83-85°F / 28-29°C Wetsuit Thickness 3
Water Visibility 75-150 Ft/ 23-46 M

Dive Policy

Dive own profile yes
Enforced diving restrictions In the passes, follow the guides (Pierre).
Liveaboard? yes Nitrox Available? N/A

What I Saw

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

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

Subject Matter N/A Boat Facilities N/A
Overall rating for UWP's N/A Shore Facilities N/A
UW Photo Comments [None]
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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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