Safety · Destination Guide
Lagoon snorkels, shark dives, and humpback whale season a ferry ride from Tahiti
Updated Apr 20, 2026 • 37 sources
Moorea is approachable but not casual. The lagoon has heavy boat traffic, coral shallows, wildlife rules, pass currents, and regulated zones. Serious dive medical care is centered on Tahiti, so conservative profiles, surface intervals, hydration, and evacuation-capable insurance matter.
Use local dive centers for outside-reef sites, carry an SMB, and listen to site swaps. Tiki Point, Rose Garden, and pass-adjacent dives can involve depth, current, or blue-water exposure. Snorkelers and freedivers should use a visible float or flag away from beaches because Moorea's lagoon hosts boats, jet skis, fishing traffic, and shuttles. Do not touch coral, stand in coral gardens, enter passes without a guide, or freedive alone.
Moorea has local medical support, including Hospital of Moorea, but serious dive injuries normally require evacuation or transfer to Tahiti. Papeete has the French Polynesia Hospital Center and hyperbaric referral capacity. Carry dive accident coverage, confirm whether your policy covers whale tours and freediving, and call emergency services early for suspected decompression illness, near drowning, chest pain, or neurological symptoms.
Heavy lagoon traffic
Moorea's lagoon has tour boats, ferries, fishing boats, jet skis, shuttles, kayaks, and swimmers. Use a surface marker or float when snorkeling or freediving away from the beach.
Wildlife feeding is prohibited
Do not feed or attract sharks, rays, morays, fish, turtles, dolphins, or whales. Choose operators who brief passive encounters and avoid food-based wildlife interactions.
Pass current and reef-edge surge
Dive and snorkel sites near passes or outside the barrier reef can change quickly with wind, tide, and swell. Follow the local guide and accept site swaps.
Rain makes trails slippery
Afareaitu, Opunohu Valley, and unpaved viewpoint routes can become muddy and slick after tropical showers. Wear shoes with grip and avoid solo hikes in uncertain weather.
Moorea's PGEM manages lagoon uses and protected areas. Follow yellow buoy and posted-zone guidance, anchor only where allowed, and avoid damaging coral with fins, anchors, cameras, or standing. French Polynesia rules prohibit attracting wildlife with food, sounds, splashing, or gestures, including sharks, rays, and morays. Whale and dolphin observation is regulated; use accredited guides, do not encircle or chase animals, and accept that respectful trips may remain boat-only.
Do Not Do This
Avoid entering when heavy lagoon traffic. Confirm local briefings before committing.
| Contact | Role | Phone | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|
| All emergencies | General emergency access | 112 | 24/7 |
| SAMU | Medical emergency and ambulance | 15 | 24/7 |
| Fire brigade | Fire and rescue | 18 | 24/7 |
| Police or Gendarmerie | Police emergency | 17 | 24/7 |
| Maritime rescue and coast guard | Emergency at sea | 16 | 24/7 |
| Hospital of Moorea | Local hospital | +689 40 55 22 22 | Call ahead for current emergency instructions |
| French Polynesia Hospital Center, Papeete | Major hospital and dive emergency referral on Tahiti | +689 40 48 62 62 | 24/7 emergency department |
| DAN Emergency Hotline | Dive accident medical advice | +1 919 684 9111 | 24/7 international collect calls accepted |