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DivingThe South Pacific rightly enjoys a reputationas being amongst the very best destinations inthe world for scuba diving. There’s a wealthof exotic marine life here including turtles,sharks, rays and even whales, and a stunningseascape populated by coral formations,colourful reef walls and numerous wrecks.With such a vast range of underwater siteswe would recommend taking the plunge atleast once. The water temperature rarelydrops below 26C and the visibility is generallyvery good. With such favourable conditionsthere are few better places to take scubalessons and you can qualify as a PADIcertified diver in a few days, which allows youto take on more advanced dives. Dive centresoperate at most hotels and resorts across theregion and cater for the novice through tothe most experienced diver.ClownfishDiving in FijiHere is a selection of our favourite South Pacificdive sites. Each one is very accessible and we canprovide information on which site is suitable basedon your experience.Beqa Lagoon, FijiClose to Viti Levu, the calm waters of BeqaLagoon are a renowned dive site and well-suitedto all standards of diver. Surrounded by 300kilometres of coral, the lagoon is one of theworld’s largest barrier reefs and home to a wealthof marine life. Blue ribbon eels, triggerfish, lion fish,leaf scorpions, octopuses and sharks can all bespotted along with vivid anthias and sea turtles.Tapu, French PolynesiaTapu, on the edge of the Bora Bora lagoon, is oneof the most famous dive sites in French Polynesia.Although reasonably shallow, several dramaticcoral formations harbour a multitude of life.Bright schools of parrotfish, angelfish andbutterflyfish of different varieties dance acrossthe coral whilst caves and craters hide turtlesand eels. Blacktip reef sharks and gracefullemon sharks are also a common sight.Somosomo Strait, FijiThe strait of ocean that separates Taveuni andVanua Levu in the north of Fiji is regarded asone of the best diving locations in the world.With excellent visibility and warm waters, thestrait is particularly famed for the abundanceof soft colourful coral. The nutrient-rich watersattract a great variety of pelagic species andhere schooling fish meet sharks, barracudas,manta rays and huge groupers.The Marquesas IslandsOver the years the verdant Marquesas, threehours by air from Tahiti, have been an escape forartists, writers and adventurers. Travel here andyou will quickly understand why. Unprotected bybarrier reefs, the Marquesas Islands are altogetherdifferent from their neighbours with dramaticcoastlines of cliffs, rock needles and giant volcanicamphitheatres all created by the relentless Pacificsurf. The interiors are intensely beautiful withjungle-clad peaks, herds of goats and horsesrunning wild and trees laden with tropical fruit.There are several distinct groups of islands eachwith its own particular charm and distinctivecharacter. Fiercely proud of their Marquesanculture, the friendly islanders offer a genuinewelcome to the small numbers of visitors whocome here.Keikahanui Pearl Resort, Nuku HivaVirgin Bay, Fatu HivaKeikahanui Pearl Resort,Nuku HivaLocated 50 steps above a quiet, black-sand beach,this wonderful small lodge is set in luscioustropical gardens overlooking the bay and villageof Taiohae in the Marquesas. The 20 spacious,air-conditioned guest bungalows are built fromlocal materials and are individually decorated bylocal artists. Each offers mesmerising views fromthe verandas, while the restaurant opens onto theterrace and swimming pool. Guests can takeadvantage of the superb local diving and explorethe island with a Marquesan guide who willintroduce and explain the archaeological sitesand natural wonders of the region.Tikis, Nuku Hivawww.audleytravel.com/southpacific l 01993 838 830 l The South Pacific 81