Diving in French Polynesia

A pristine crystal clear blue ocean, dramatic underwater scenery, magnificent coral reefs, exquisite lagoons, perfect water temperatures and a fantastic array of marine life, all make French Polynesia the most perfect dive zone in the world. Offering scuba diving for both novices as well as experts, this region is the ultimate dive site. A great place to learn how to dive, the waters here are clean and pollution free, offering a secure environment where one can get up close and personal with the world down under.

Diving in French Polynesia is truly exceptional as the Pacific is always an ideal 26oC, and the underwater visibility is superb. Here, divers are able to see up to 40m away! And aside from the brilliant and varied marine life, you can even explore underwater shipwrecks off the coast of Tahiti and Raiatea. For the more adventurous, there are underwater shark-feeding expeditions, as well as dives with manta rays, whales and schools of dolphins.

If you are one of those people, who are looking for something exceptional underwater, then drift diving is a must. A fantastic experience, drift diving is best enjoyed in the Tuamotu and Rangiroa. Here, the diver is carried by the ocean currents into the safety of a lagoon, while taking in some truly marvelous sights along the way. It gives one the impression of flying through the ocean.

With over 50 dive sites in French Polynesia, it’s hard to describe any one as the best. However, many people consider Rangiroa to be one of the most superb dive sites in the Pacific. Dominated by strong ocean currents, Rangiroa is one of the largest atolls on the planet. A phenomenal place to dive, you can spot schools of fish, tuna, sharks, jacks, rays, barracudas, dolphins, and sea turtles out here. The best places to dive in this atoll are at Shark Cave in Tiputa Pass, and at Mahuta in the Avatoru Pass. There are also many excellent diving sites off the Tahitian Coast as well as in Bora Bora, Huahine and Moorea.

Some good dive sites around Tahiti include; the Aquarium, which is great for beginners, La Source, Les Failles d’Arue, Trou du Lagon, Grotte de Tetopa, Papa Whisky and St. Etienne. With clear waters, bright coral, sunken ships and many species of dazzling fish, diving here is a dream.

In Moorea, Tiki, Couloir des Raies, Jardin des Roses and Stingray World are excellent dive zones. In Huahine, dive at the Avapeihi Pass near Fare, as well as at the Parea Pass and Fa’a Miti for a wonderful time. In Bora Bora, the lagoons of Toopua and Toopua Iti are amazing, while Anau, Muri Muri, Tapu and Tupitipiti are also incredible places to spot a huge variety of underwater marine life.

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