Experience personalised service aboard the spacious Aqua Tiki III as you explore the remote waters of French Polynesia. Dive the Tuamotu Islands and renowned Garuae and Tumakohua passes with giant schools of sharks.
The Aqua Tiki III is an Algeria type catamaran, using a combination of on-board engines and sails. The vessel is French owned and operated, welcoming passengers from around the world. There are five cabins; a twin bunk-cabin and two flexi-cabins which can be arranged as a double or twin with the bed separated by a privacy screen. There are a further two double “VIP Cabins” with rectangular panoramic windows. All cabins have en suite bathrooms, sufficient storage, and charging facilities. Air-conditioning is available for a few hours each day, the cabins are primarily air-ventilated, which keeps them cool.
The open U-shaped galley kitchen is situated in the covered, open-air saloon where meals are served. Here there's also a cosy seating, lounger area, small library and cocktail bar. The bow has a seating area and 'trampoline' netting across the two forward hulls, ideal for relaxing in the sun and spotting passing dolphins and other cetaceans. The sun deck has a partially covered seating area and loungers. WiFi is available at additional cost.
Meals served on board are mostly fresh fish, caught during the sailing, and incorporate local ingredients. There's a limited availability of fresh produce due to the remote location, however a selection of breads, brioches, and French 'home' comforts are available. All meals plus water, tea, coffee, and selected fruit juices are included. All other beverages come at additional cost.
Depending on weather conditions and currents, two dives per day are offered (excluding arrival and departure day). The dive guide speaks English and conducts briefings in English when required. Diving groups are typically limit to five per guide, and entry is staggered to keep each site uncrowded. Dives are either conducted from the supporting Zodiac, which has a ladder, or via the platform lift at the stern of the vessel. Maximum dive time is one hour using steel cylinders; dives can be as deep as 35m to increase shark sightings, which is why Nitrox is free of charge and recommended. A third dive can be discussed locally with the crew and is subject to additional cost. All divers must have their own computer and SMB, and night dives aren't permitted at any time.
Itineraries typically start and finish in Fakarava, offering seven to 14 night sailings focusing on the northern Tuamotu Islands. Visibility is exceptional surrounding the atolls. The currents that push through the channels bring in huge schools of reef sharks, barracuda, marble groupers, and large tuna. It's also possible to see tiger sharks, lemon sharks, and nurse sharks. A highlight of almost all itineraries is the Garuae Pass, locally known as Te Ava Nui. This is the largest channel in French Polynesia with a width of 1.6km and is home to world-famous dive sites with hammerhead sharks, grey reef sharks, manta rays, tuna, and shoals of solider fish. Throughout the year, itineraries may venture to the outer Marquesas Islands and other areas of French Polynesia. The region typically experiences strong currents and is only suited to advanced divers, with Deep and Nitrox certification and experience in similar conditions.
Sailing is usually conducted early morning when conditions are at their calmest. During the itinerary, land excursions are conducted in addition to the option for cooking lessons, snorkelling, fishing, and use of kayaks. The catamaran may not move every day during each itinerary, allowing time to slowly soak in the French Polynesian surrounds in full.
Cruise the islands of Tahiti in style on Aqua Tiki's spacious catamaran, sailing throughout the year to experience world-class diving, spectacular shark-filled dive sites and classic South Pacific locations across French Polynesia. Find Out More about French Polynesia Liveaboard
