500 Adrenaline Adventures (Frommer's) - Lois Friedland [71]
Most flights to this off-the-beaten-track destination arrive from Papeete, French Polynesia. Visitors expecting wild nightlife or deluxe shopping may be disappointed to learn that the two towns of Avatoru and Tiputa really don’t offer much more than an incredibly relaxing tropical paradise and world-class watersports. There are exceptions, however; Avatoru is home to Boutique Ikimasho, which specializes in exquisite black pearl jewelry, and other shops turn out charming handicrafts.
But it’s the water that draws people and other creatures to this Eden of the South Seas. Riding the riptide through the pass at Tiputa is a great rush, and makes “Rangi” one of the world’s premiere diving and snorkeling destinations. Rubber Zodiac boats drop thrill-seekers in the drink outside Tiputa Pass right before the tide is scheduled to change. When the tide surges, fish, dolphins, and humans alike are swept into the lagoon on the under-water ride of their lives.
The surge lasts several minutes, and if that’s not exciting enough for you, some tour operators will let you swim with the sharks. No, not in a protective steel cage—that’s for sissies—but next to a chum line where dozens of sharks, including those known to attack humans like hammerheads, tiger sharks, lemon sharks, and black-tips are engaging in a feeding frenzy just a few feet away from your unprotected flesh. If you still need more adrenaline after that, get an injection. —ML
Tours: Caradonna Dive Adventures ( 800/328-2288;www.caradonna.com). TOPdive ( 689/96-05-60;www.topdive.com). Dive Tahiti Blue ( 310/507-0211;www.divetahitiblue.com).
When to Go: Year-round.
$$$ Hotel Kia Ora Sauvage, P.O. Box 198-98775, Avatoru ( 689/96-04-93;www.hotelkiaora.com). $$ Novotel Rangiroa Lagoon Resort, P.O. Box 17-98775, Avatoru ( 689/96-02-00;www.novotel.com).
10 Places to Ride the Curl: Surfing Around the World
Ask 10 avid surfers about their favorite surf spots and you’ll get 10 different answers. But, no matter where you decide to surf, always check with the locals and lifeguards before entering the water for advice on where to find the best waves for your skill level and where the danger zones are. For more great surf spots and reports on daily swells visit www.surfline.com and www.wannasurf.com. —LF
Oahu, Hawaii, U.S.A.: Some surfers make the case that the North Shore of Oahu is the best surfing location on the globe. In the winter, thunderous waves have been known to reach 30 to 40 feet (9–12m), especially around Ehukai Beach, often called The Pipeline. The massive tubes formed by curling waves are only for the very experienced. Closer to Waikiki and Honolulu, the South Shore has numerous breaks where beginners can learn the sport, and experienced surfers will have fun. Waimea Beach is the site of the annual Quicksilver Eddie Aikau Invitational, held when the wave height is 20 feet (6m) or higher. This beach attracts the “big wave” surfers in the winter. While in Oahu, be sure to stop by the Honolulu Surfing Museum in Jimmy Buffett’s at the Beachcomber in Waikiki. www.visit-oahu.com.
Oahu is a surfing mecca.
Santa Cruz, California, U.S.A.: Steamer Lane in Santa Cruz is one of the most popular surf spots in California, so expect an audience when you paddle out from shore. Because of its location, the big waves from the west and the northwest even out here as they slide into Monterey Bay. Locals say that Cowells, nearby, is a better choice for the less experienced surfer. www.ci-santa-cruz.ca.us.
Jeffreys Bay, South Africa: The waves roll onto the shore with a rhythmic intensity at Jeffreys Bay, one of the most popular surfing spots among the many favored in South Africa. An increasingly popular place for weekend and summer homes set amidst some of South Africa’s wildest coastline, J-Bay on the Indian Ocean is an easy drive from Port Elizabeth. The best time for waves here is the end of May through August. In July, a Billabong Pro stop is held at Supertubes beach, where the waves continually roll in perfectly formed for championship surfing. www.infojeffreysbay.com.