Accor French Polynesia's Novotel Resorts Promote Diving and Snorkelling in Bora Bora and Rangiroa

Sept. 21, 2007 - PRLog -- Accor, the world's largest hotel and tourism group, operates two exclusive luxury resorts in French Polynesia under the Novotel brand, at which guests can experience snorkelling and diving in the crystal-clear waters of the South Seas..

Many of the world's great must-see sights stand above the land: the Eiffel Tower, the Taj Mahal, the skyscrapers of Manhattan. But as any experienced diver knows, some of the world's greatest wonders exist below the waves. The lagoon at Rangiroa is one of these.

In the Pantheon of great diving sites, Rangiroa is one of the greatest gods. Divers from throughout the world flock here to explore its majesty. The largest atoll in the South Pacific, its lagoon measures a staggering 65 km long, 32 km wide and up to 45 metres deep. Two major passes exist and at the exit of these, divers can explore a plunging ocean depth.

Where the Tipitura Pass meets the ocean, divers will find the Shark Cave - one of several great attractions. Divers descend to a depth of 35 metres and enter the cave (the sharks frequent the area outside this cave). From this vantage you can gaze upon a swirling assortment of sharks - from blacktips to hammerheads. Upon exiting the cave, divers enter the channel. A strong current propels you along this spectacular pass towards the lagoon. Along the ways encounter snappers, surgeonfish sharks surging through the pass. And hiding within the folds of its walls - lion fish, stone fish, eels and small caves.

When the current flows in the opposite direction, L'Eolienne is a popular dive, especially known for its dolphins. The Six Passengers Diving Centre guides visitors in exploring these sites as well as other popular dives including the Aquarium and Avatoru Pass.

The expansive lagoon of Bora Bora is alive with brightest colours of the ocean. World famous for its rays, the lagoon is home not only to manta rays - the elegant giants who ply the waters here year-round - but also bat, eagle and leopard rays, among other species. Unlike many reefs, the lagoon here is also home to deep canyons. Within the canyons, you find a wide variety of sea life from mantas to morays.

Just beyond the reef, divers can explore ocean walls plied by the stars of the ocean - giant Napoleons, dolphins, sharks, jackfish, barracuda, turtles. Shark life includes black and whites, greys and lemons. From August to October, you may also have the chance to encounter humpback whales as they pass by on their annual migration route.

The Teavanui Pass is the superhighway of Bora Bora. The only channel between the lagoon and the open ocean, it hosts a continuous flow of immense splendour. The flow of water brings a constant supply of nutrients - and with it, vast schools of fish.

Nemo's World, the PADI dive centre at Sofitel Bora Bora Beach Resort, allows you to explore the ocean riches. Expert dive masters guide you in discovering the must-see spectacles of Bora Bora's lagoon, ocean and pass.

For more information about Accor's properties in French Polynesia, please visit http://www.accorhotels.pf?DCSext.dept=2&WT.mc_id=100040

About Accor French Polynesia
Accor, the world's largest hotel and tourism group, operates six exclusive French Polynesian resorts. Sofitel Tahiti Resort offers the elegance of a bygone era framed by Tahiti's natural beauty. By a spectacular lagoon, Sofitel Moorea Beach Resort boasts sparkling waters and a white sand beach. Elegantly refurbished, Sofitel Bora Bora Resort was built to house a Hollywood movie. Sofitel Motu Bora Bora, an exquisite private island paradise, combines outstanding natural beauty and 5 star luxury. Novotel Bora Bora Beach Resort is a few steps from one of the world's most beautiful lagoons. Novotel Rangiroa Lagoon Resort sits amidst a coconut grove by the biggest lagoon in the Tuamotu atolls.

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Six exclusive luxury Sofitel and Novotel resorts in French Polynesia - http://www.accorhotels.pf -, offering outstanding natural beauty, sparkling turquoise waters, and all the romance of the South Seas to travelers and honeymooners in search of the ultimate paradise island experience.

Website: www.accorhotels.pf