Mangareva and Gambier Lagoon

No licensed, active recreational scuba operator, course or tank supply was verified within this visitor scope. Do not plan independent technical, cave, wreck-penetration or decompression diving based on marine geography. For any future independently confirmed recreational operator, verify certification, insurance, gas supply, oxygen, first aid, emergency transport, radio/phone response, boat manifest and planned entry. DAN advises at least 12 hours before a flight after one no-decompression dive and at least 18 hours after repeated or multiday dives, with longer intervals for decompression dives; these are minimum guidance, not guarantees. For apnea, DAN requires a trained in-water buddy and no hyperventilation. For snorkeling, avoid open channels, strong water movement, pearl lines and moving boats; turn back when visibility or conditions worsen.

The Polynesian Health Department lists Centre medical de Rikitea facing the gendarmerie, telephone +689 40 97 82 16, ordinarily Monday-Thursday 07:30-15:30 and Friday 07:30-14:30. This does not verify 24-hour staffing, a hospital bed, decompression treatment capability, a chamber or immediately available air evacuation. Call medical emergency 15, maritime rescue 16, police 17, or firefighters 18 as appropriate. JRCC Tahiti is staffed 24/7 at +689 40 54 16 16 for maritime emergencies. The JRCC site specifically limits its stated VHF channel 16 coverage to the Society Islands, so do not rely on handheld radio reception in Gambier; have a communications plan suited to the route. Ensure travel insurance covers remote medical evacuation and the named activity. Local health authorities warn about dengue/chikungunya risk, stonefish/coral injury, food and water precautions and ciguatera in lagoon fish.

French Polynesia protects marine mammals and has government authorization rules for professional observation. The June 2026 reform adds Mangareva to eligible regulated observation areas, but does not establish a local tour or any permission to enter the water with whales. Avoid pursuing, feeding or crowding marine animals. Tahiti Tourisme asks visitors not to take coral, shells, sand or other natural items, to avoid wildlife feeding and to respect sacred or private places. Lagoon coral and pearl-farm structures are sensitive; keep fins and anchors clear. Some areas may have additional local access, fishing and mooring rules not established by this guide. The offshore Tainui Atea managed area is not a documented lagoon entrance ticket, nor proof every coastal activity is free of regulation.