www.diveworldwide.com The Pacific islands of French Polynesia are indeed a world away and often considered only in terms of a stopover en route to the antipodes. However, as many have found, island life is addictive and a couple of nights respite from long-haul travel does no more than build a deep sense of regret that one is not staying longer. Dive Worldwide currently has a remarkable أ¢â‚¬ثœdouble-your-stayأ¢â‚¬â„¢ offer allowing a 12-night stay for the price of 6-nights based around the luxury Pearl Beach Resorts in Bora Bora and Tikehau, valid from November 2005 to April 2006 (excluding Christmas and New Year).

Bora Bora lies 240km northwest of Tahiti in the Leeward Society Islands and is reached after a short flight from Tahiti. The Pearl Beach Resort is located on Motu Tevairoa, 10 minutes by boat from Bora Bora airport.

The waters off Bora Bora are one of the rare places where Manta Rays may be observed year round together with Lemon and Black-tipped Sharks, turtles and schools of barracuda. There are a wide variety of different dive sites suited to all levels of experience within 15-minutes of the resort by boat.

A short flight effects a transfer to Tikehau in the Tuamotu Islands, population 382, where an almost circular atoll, with an interior lagoon 26km across, is considered by many to be one of the most beautiful atolls in Polynesia.

 The blue waters of the lagoon teem with marine life, and in fact the density of the fish in the lagoon is so high that Jacques Cousteau's 1987 research group declared Tikehau the richest atoll on the face of the earth. The Pearl Beach Resort here includes accommodation in Over Water Bungalows with a glass section of the floor through which the perpetual drama of underwater life may be observed (beats satellite TV!). Dive highlights here include Hammerhead Sharks, Eagle Rays, Barracuda, Dolphins and many deep-water species.