Lagoon snorkels, shark dives, and humpback whale season a ferry ride from Tahiti
Updated Apr 20, 2026 • 37 sources
Top species linked to approved dive spots in Moorea.
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Moorea shore canyon dive with sharks, turtles, and coral relief.
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Last updated: April 20, 2026 • 37 sources
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Overview
Moorea is the easy-access Society Islands classic: a lush volcanic island where divers boat to outside-reef shark sites in the morning, snorkelers drift over Temae and Tiahura coral gardens in the afternoon, and non-divers still have Belvedere views, pineapple valleys, spas, and Polynesian culture. The signature in-water experiences are the Opunohu Canyons, Tiki Point shark dives, shallow ray and blacktip reef shark sandbars, and licensed humpback whale watching from roughly August to November. Conditions are generally warm and tropical year-round, with the driest, easiest travel window from May to October and a wetter, greener season from November to April. Moorea is not a liveaboard destination. Plan around land-based dive centers, small boats, rental cars or scooters, and the frequent Tahiti to Moorea ferry.
Moorea is usually planned with local dive centers, lagoon tours, and rental transport rather than liveaboards. The ferry from Tahiti keeps arrivals flexible and makes split stays with Tahiti simple.
Outside-reef dives can bring lemon sharks, blacktip reef sharks, grey reef sharks, turtles, eagle rays, and occasional dolphins. From August to November, licensed whale tours add humpback whale watching and, when conditions and rules allow, in-water encounters.
Temae Beach, Ta'ahiamanu, Tipaniers, Tiahura, and the northwestern sandbar give snorkelers real independent options, with guided boat tours for rays, blacktip reef sharks, turtles, coral gardens, and outer-reef visibility.
Belvedere d'Opunohu, Opunohu Valley, Magic Mountain, Tiki Village Fenua, pineapple farms, spas, and beach cafes mean a mixed dive and non-dive group can stay busy without long transfers.
Chelonia mydas
8 linked spots
Best time to go
May to October
Drier tradewind season, comfortable air, warm water around 26°C to 28°C, and easier outside plans.
Main caution: Peak holiday weeks feel busier and book faster.
