Recommendations for French Polynesia

Hi all,

I'm planning a trip to Tahiti in Jan 09 for about 3 weeks, and was hoping to get a bunch of diving done, as well as visit a few of the other islands. Only intending to stay on Tahiti itself for a few days, was hoping someone here could recommend which islands are best for diving, any reputable dive ops you know, and any non bank-busting accomodation? From what I gather everything is pretty expensive out there so I'm ready for the worst, but if anyone knows any bargains I'd love to hear them! I've considered a liveaboard, but will likely be traveling with non-divers, and I myself don't want to be diving constantly, so a good mix of mostly diving, with some land-based stuff to do would be great! Oh, and is Jan a good time for diving?

Thanks!

Bryn

Diving at Moorea was quite nice and used Top Dive and like them a lot. Lots of sharks on all dives. Grey reef, black tips, white tips sometimes, Lemons. Usually 20-40 sharks in view most all the time.

Loved the folks at Top dive at Moorea.

Dove Bora Bora and liked it as well.

Did Top dive there and CANNOT recommend them. They stuck me with new divers every dive for a week regardless of what I said or did. They all ran out of air while I was still at 1500 psi or more and I was forced to cut the dives short.

Try tripadvisor and getting a Lonely Planet book on that area. Amazon carries the book.

Novatel is the lowest price around on Bora Bora and is a nice area.

Food is expensive and nothing special. If there, DO buy banana's from street vendors in the village area of Bora Bora - they are to die for.

All was pricey when the dollar was equal to the euro so its about 50% higher now, I suspect.