Safety · Destination Guide
Sharks, wrecks, whale songs, and wild volcanic valleys from French Polynesia's easiest base
Updated Apr 20, 2026 • 32 sources
Tahiti combines warm, accessible diving with serious ocean conditions. Treat drift dives, surf-facing reefs, whales, and valleys as guided activities when conditions are variable. French Polynesia's conservation framework is substantial, including Tainui Atea and protected marine wildlife, so traveler behavior matters on every dive, snorkel, and boat day.
Use professional guides for Vallee Blanche, deep wrecks, wall dives, and any site with current or blue-water exposure. Carry an SMB, computer, and audible signaling device on boat dives. Keep conservative no-decompression and no-fly margins, especially before late-night international departures from PPT. Beginners should start at Aquarium or other protected lagoon sites. Freedivers should never train alone and should use a trained safety buddy or instructor. Snorkelers should avoid surf zones, respect boat lanes, and use flotation when tired.
Tahiti has the strongest medical infrastructure in French Polynesia, including the French Polynesia Hospital Center and emergency transfer capacity from outer islands. Official dive information notes medical evacuations by helicopter and airplane day and night and modern recompression chambers with hyperbaric-qualified doctors. Carry dive-specific insurance that covers recompression, evacuation, and missed connections. UK EHIC and GHIC cards do not provide visitor health cover in French Polynesia.
Whale rules are strict and seasonal
Do not approach whales privately, outside the official season, or without an accredited guide. Respect distance, group-size, guide, and non-entry decisions.
Wet-season runoff and flash-flood risk
November to April rain can reduce lagoon visibility and make valleys, waterfalls, and river crossings unsafe. Keep flexible land and water backups.
Current, surf, and pass exposure
Vallee Blanche, reef edges, Teahupoo, and some lagoon passes are not casual swim zones. Follow operator calls, carry an SMB when diving, and avoid surf-facing entries.
Look, do not touch at wreck and reef sites
Aquarium and wreck sites can shelter stonefish, lionfish, scorpionfish, and fragile coral growth. Maintain trim, keep fins off the bottom, and never put hands into holes.
French Polynesia's Tainui Atea MPA now spans nearly the whole exclusive economic zone and includes measures such as seabed exploitation restrictions and drifting FAD prohibitions. At traveler level: do not touch coral, do not feed or chase wildlife, keep distance from turtles and sharks, and maintain neutral buoyancy at wrecks. Whale observation is seasonal and guide-controlled. At Pointe Venus aquatic trail, the area is regulated for fishing, so respect posted rules and local guidance.
Do Not Do This
Avoid entering when whale rules are strict and seasonal. Confirm local briefings before committing.
| Contact | Role | Phone | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|
| SAMU | Medical emergency and ambulance | 15 or +689 40 48 59 06 from landline | 24/7 |
| Sea Rescue | Maritime emergency and rescue | 16 or VHF Channel 16 | 24/7 |
| Police Emergency | Police assistance | 17 | 24/7 |
| Fire Service | Fire and rescue | 18 | 24/7 |
| General European Emergency Number | General emergency fallback | 112 | 24/7 |