THE AQUASCOPE DESIGN
     The AQUASCOPE is a semi-submersible watercraft conceived and designed by Jacques Rougerie, a world famous shipbuilder, who, along with friend and Commandant Jacque Cousteau, carried on several experiments on undersea dwellings and unique watercraft in the mid and late 1980's. It has since become quite famous and been a staple of the Bora bora lagoonscape for over 15 years now, thrilling tourists, marine lovers, and the curious alike.   
  
      Working on simple ballast principles, this unique craft lowers its occupants to the perfect viewing depth for experiencing the wonderful sealife of the underwater surroundings (in this case the amazing Bora bora lagoon), without ever getting wet! This amazing feature makes the Aquascope a great experience for those who want to experience the fish and sealife of the lagoon, but may not have a chance or desire to scubadive or snorkel.    
    
INSIDE THE "AQUARIUM ROOM"
     Although Rougerie's unique design has stood the test of time, it is still considered quite an "avant garde" piece of machinery, even by todays standards. The 180 degree viewing chamber comfortably seats up to 6 persons at one time. Its occupants enjoy fantastic views of the sealife from the air conditioned comfort of the "aquarium room", all the while listening to wonderfully soothing and handpicked choices of music.

2 LOCATIONS OF FANTASTIC MARINE LIFE
      Moored at either of 2 carefully chosen locations for best viewing the pristine underwater world of the Bora bora lagoon, the Aquascope awaits your arrival. Our fast shuttle boats will meet you at your hotel (see section below for details) and, weather and time permitting, transport you to her current location. Each location has different topographical attributes and marine life living there:

     The first location is located inside the lagoon and is known as "Toopua", named after the Motu it lies just south of. Scuba divers know it well, as it ranks among one of the most sought after dives in the lagoon. A coral cliff drops vertically from 3 meters (9 feet) to 30 meters (90 feet) and the view is simply riveting... Here, you will cruise amid great coral heads and see tremendous varieties of fish in their natural reef habitat. Butterfly fish, parrot fish, trigger fish, and bluefin trevaillies swarm and swim together. If you are lucky, you may also see morays and spotted rays, literally "flying" in the deep blue...

    The second location is located outside of the lagoon and is known as "Tapu", named after another Motu of the same name nearby. This is a longer shuttle ride and only accessable if the weather is good, but it's well worth the ride if we can do it. Lying 500 meters (1500 feet) south of the channel, it's close to the barrier reef facing the ocean... Winds and surge have made it into an underwater "moonscape"- a breathtaking experience!

Here, you'll be surrounded by rays, black tip and grey sharks, and other large fish coming up from the deep blue as they search for food. You'll be awed and amazed as you sit in comfort behind the metecrylate walls of the Aquascope.
Note: This location is usually scheduled as an alternative, either in the morning or afternoon, because of the sometimes unpredictable weather conditions.

     No matter which location we end up going to, each trip is a little different and ALWAYS a unique experience for all of us!

TOURS, SCHEDULES & PRICES
THE SHUTTLE DEPARTS FOR AQUASCOPE TOURS 5 TIMES A DAY!
     Our fast shuttle boat picks you up at your hotel or specified location, and takes you directly to one of the 2 locations described in the section above, weather and time permitting. Scheduled pickup times are: 9:00 am, 10:30 am, 12:00 noon, 2:00 pm, and 3:30 pm.

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Proprieters Jean-marie et Annie PEQUIGNOT
P.O. Box 815- Vaitape 98730- BORA BORA, Polynesie Francaise