Manihi

No independently operational scuba or dedicated freedive provider was verified. Tourism marketing describes the Turipaoa pass as accessible but elsewhere explicitly calls its drift and The Circus suitable for experienced current-aware divers; the latter characterization governs conservative planning. No self-guided pass access, solo breath-hold dives, overhead/technical dives or whale swims should be promoted. Any operator must demonstrate valid professional credentials, checked rental/compressed-gas equipment, rescue oxygen, flotation, surface monitoring, weather and current assessment, remote emergency communication and a working evacuation protocol. A June 3, 2026 DJS notice warned that the Tahiti hyperbaric chamber was temporarily operating under an exceptional procedure after a May 28 incident; a June 7 news account reported it operational again on June 5. Neither establishes its status in late October, which must be reconfirmed before scuba. Follow dive-computer no-fly guidance, with conservative flying-after-diving planning reviewed by a qualified operator.

The Polynesian Health Directorate lists Infirmerie de Manihi in Turipaoa beside the mairie opposite the landing pier, telephone +689 40 96 43 67, weekday reception 07:30-12:00 and emergency care 24 hours a day, seven days a week. This is not an acute-care hospital or a decompression chamber. CHPF coordinates SAMU calls and inter-island medical evacuations; the specialist hyperbaric service is in Papeete. Call 15 in a medical emergency, inform the guesthouse immediately and do not assume a boat, aircraft or chamber can arrive within a predictable time. Carry prescriptions, travel health cover and explicit inter-island medical-evacuation benefits. A 2024 territory audit found problems with communal water distribution and potability, so do not assume tap water is safe without current proof from the host.

The Direction des Ressources Marines identifies a Zone de Peche Reglementee (ZPR) on Manihi. Its extension through 31 December 2026 was reported by TNTV from the council of ministers, with restrictions in the village and pass region, but the entire lagoon has not been verified as a no-fishing marine park. Confirm exact zones, species restrictions and current legal text before any fishing or spearfishing; never use an unverified brochure as legal clearance. Environment Department protections apply to manta rays, sharks, turtles and marine mammals, and Tahiti Tourisme's regulatory guidance warns against feeding or otherwise attracting wild marine animals. Maintain distance, do not chase or touch wildlife, do not stand on living coral, and leave shells and pearl-farming installations undisturbed. No Manihi-specific manta or turtle encounter season was verified.