Discover: French Polynesia

French Polynesia is a diver’s dream: 118 islands scattered across the South Pacific, each fringed by coral reefs and steeped in mythic beauty. From the shark-filled passes of Fakarava to the manta highways of Bora Bora, the region offers an unmatched variety of underwater experiences. What sets French Polynesia apart is the mix of adrenaline-pumping drift dives, high biodiversity, and visibility that often exceeds 30 meters (100 feet). Add in the warmth of Polynesian culture and the remoteness of the atolls, and you’ve got a place that’s equal parts paradise and playground for serious divers.

• Shallow Reefs for Beginners: The lagoon reefs of Moorea and Bora Bora are ideal for new divers. Calm waters, sandy bottoms, and colorful coral gardens make for relaxing dives with plenty of tropical fish and occasional eagle rays gliding by.
• Advanced Deep Wall Dives: Rangiroa’s Tiputa Pass is legendary for its powerful drift dives along deep walls, frequented by dolphins, grey reef sharks, and schooling barracuda. Fakarava’s South Pass (Tumakohua) is another standout, especially during the grouper spawning in June, when thousands of fish gather and attract large predators.
• Wreck Diving Opportunities: While not the main draw of French Polynesia, wrecks like the Nordby (near Raiatea) offer historical intrigue with coral-encrusted structures sitting in recreational depths.
• Night Diving Spots: Tikehau’s lagoon offers surreal night dives with bioluminescent plankton, hunting octopuses, and moray eels on the prowl. It’s a different world after dark, and well worth exploring.

Expect encounters with blacktip and whitetip reef sharks, hammerheads, manta rays, dolphins, sea turtles, and vibrant reef fish species. In deeper channels, you may spot tiger sharks or great hammerheads. Between August and October, humpback whales migrate near Rurutu, and snorkelers can observe these giants in action. The Tuamotus, in particular, offer unmatched biodiversity, designated by UNESCO as a biosphere reserve. Coral health remains strong across most sites, although warming seas pose a threat in the long term. Many islands enforce marine protected areas to safeguard their ecosystems.

Diving is possible year-round, but conditions vary by season. The dry season (May to October) brings cooler water (24–27°C / 75–81°F), stronger currents, and better pelagic encounters. The wet season (November to April) sees warmer water (up to 29°C / 84°F), calmer seas, and increased plankton. Visibility often exceeds 30 meters (100 feet), particularly in the atolls. Currents in passes like Tiputa and Garuae can be strong and fast, ideal for experienced divers but potentially challenging for novices. Always dive with local guidance to navigate tides safely.

Professional dive centers are found on most tourist-friendly islands, particularly in Tahiti, Moorea, Bora Bora, Rangiroa, and Fakarava. These centers offer equipment rentals, guided fun dives, PADI/NAUI/CMAS courses, and full-day excursions. Safety is generally high, with staff trained in emergency protocols and oxygen administration. Many operators actively participate in coral reef monitoring and shark conservation programs. Expect multilingual instruction, small dive groups, and hotel pickups. Advance booking is recommended during peak season (June–August).

Divers can base themselves in hubs like Papeete (Tahiti), Moorea, Bora Bora, and the Tuamotu atolls. Options range from dive-friendly guesthouses and eco-lodges to high-end overwater bungalows. Fakarava and Rangiroa host several pensions close to major dive sites, making them ideal for dive-focused travel. Budget travelers can find dorm-style hostels and family-run inns, while luxury seekers will be drawn to Bora Bora’s iconic resorts. Most accommodations can assist with arranging dive packages or transfers to nearby dive centers.

International flights arrive at Faa’a International Airport in Tahiti, with domestic connections via Air Tahiti to outer islands. No visa is required for stays under 90 days for most travelers, including those from the EU, USA, Canada, Australia, and Japan. Internal travel is primarily by plane or ferry, depending on the distance. On smaller islands, bicycles, scooters, and 4x4 rentals are available. Be aware that ferry schedules can be limited, and booking inter-island flights early is essential due to small aircraft capacities.

A 7–10 day stay is ideal for combining diving with surface-level exploration. Most dive shops offer multi-dive packages, which reduce cost per dive. Liveaboards are limited but may operate in the Tuamotus for specialty expeditions. Group travel often brings discounts, but solo divers can usually join scheduled trips with ease. Book dives early, especially if targeting specific events like the Fakarava grouper aggregation. Allow for at least 24 hours between your last dive and flying out.

French Polynesia offers a wealth of land-based adventure and cultural immersion. Hike volcanic peaks in Moorea, explore ancient marae (temples), or take part in traditional tattooing and weaving workshops. Lagoon tours with shark and ray encounters are popular, as are sunset cruises and whale-watching excursions. For food lovers, the islands serve up poisson cru (raw fish in coconut milk), fresh seafood, and French-influenced pastries. Nightlife is quiet but lively around Papeete, with live music and beachside bars.

Hyperbaric chambers are available in Tahiti (Papeete) and Nuku Hiva. Always confirm chamber access with your dive operator. GPS and marine charts are helpful for navigation, especially if planning private dives or boat excursions. French Polynesia has strict environmental laws: touching coral, feeding sharks, or removing marine life is prohibited in many areas. Dive briefings often cover local regulations. Make sure your dive insurance covers evacuation from remote atolls, where medical services may be limited.

Dive trips and courses can be booked directly through local dive centers or through hotels offering dive packages. Most operators allow online reservations, with flexible cancellation policies, particularly outside of high season. A 20–30% deposit is often required to secure your spot. Be sure to confirm what’s included: gear rental, transfers, taxes, and marine park fees can vary. It’s best to carry a copy of your certification card and logbook. For multi-island dive itineraries, coordinate flights and lodging well in advance.