Diving in Southeast Polynesia
Quick Facts
- • Entry types: Mostly shore entries
- • Expect: Varies by conditions visibility
- • Highlights: Discover Southeast Polynesia's dive spots
Explore the underwater wonders of Southeast Polynesia, province. This region features 188 documented dive spots, each offering unique underwater experiences. Whether you're seeking calm snorkeling bays, challenging freediving depths, or exciting scuba adventures, Southeast Polynesia has something for every underwater explorer. Browse detailed spot information, check current conditions from recent dive logs, and connect with the local diving community to make the most of your visit.
Regional Context
🌍 Associated Countries
Countries in Southeast Polynesia (4)
Sub-regions in Southeast Polynesia (3)
Popular Spots in Southeast Polynesia (188)
Alibaba
Alibaba is a drift diving site located in the Fakarava north channel, specifically suited for diving during incoming currents. Divers begin in the open blue waters and can make a stop at the edge of the drop-off before drifting into the channel towards the lagoon. The dive features the 'Ali Baba Canyon,' which is rich in marine life. Common sightings include grey reef sharks, white tip lagoon sharks, snapper, and groupers. Occasionally, divers may encounter larger species such as great hammerhead sharks, tiger sharks, or manta rays.
Anau
Anau is a dive site in Bora Bora that features a coral garden and is known for manta ray encounters. Divers can expect to see at least five manta rays feeding and interacting in the area. The dive is accessible by boat and is best conducted in the morning during manta season from May to December.
Anau
Anau is a dive site in Bora Bora that features a coral garden and is known for manta ray encounters. Divers can expect to see at least five manta rays feeding and interacting in the area. The dive is accessible by boat and is best conducted in the morning during manta season from May to December.
Aquarium
The Aquarium is a coral garden situated on white sand, making it suitable for novice divers and those wishing to practice their skills. The site is home to a variety of reef fish, including butterflyfish, jackfish, and cornettefish. Divers may also encounter Javanese morays and stingrays during their exploration.
Aquarium
The Aquarium is a coral garden situated on white sand, making it suitable for novice divers and those wishing to practice their skills. The site is home to a variety of reef fish, including butterflyfish, jackfish, and cornettefish. Divers may also encounter Javanese morays and stingrays during their exploration.
Aquarium de Cook
Aquarium de Cook is a dive site located just a short distance from the dive shop, making it easily accessible for beginners. The site features shallow depths with a sandy bottom interspersed with coral formations, providing a habitat for diverse marine life. Notable species include anemones hosting clownfish, hawkbill turtles, stingrays, trumpetfish, schools of blue triggerfish, moray eels, stonefish, and pipefish. The conditions are generally calm, with little to no current, making it ideal for introductory dives, refresher courses, and initial training for Open Water Diver certification.
Aquarium de Cook
Aquarium de Cook is a dive site located just a short distance from the dive shop, making it easily accessible for beginners. The site features shallow depths with a sandy bottom interspersed with coral formations, providing a habitat for diverse marine life. Notable species include anemones hosting clownfish, hawkbill turtles, stingrays, trumpetfish, schools of blue triggerfish, moray eels, stonefish, and pipefish. The conditions are generally calm, with little to no current, making it ideal for introductory dives, refresher courses, and initial training for Open Water Diver certification.
Aroa Rā’ui
Aroa Rā’ui is located at coordinates -21.258000, -159.817900 and features a marine reserve known for its excellent snorkeling opportunities directly accessible from the beach. This site is popular for both recreational snorkeling and as a location for confined water scuba diving training. Marine life commonly observed here includes schools of goatfish, gold-lined seabream, and surgeonfish. Additionally, the area is home to large star pufferfish, flounders, octopus, and various species of moray eels.
Aroa Rā’ui
Aroa Rā’ui is located at coordinates -21.258000, -159.817900 and features a marine reserve known for its excellent snorkeling opportunities directly accessible from the beach. This site is popular for both recreational snorkeling and as a location for confined water scuba diving training. Marine life commonly observed here includes schools of goatfish, gold-lined seabream, and surgeonfish. Additionally, the area is home to large star pufferfish, flounders, octopus, and various species of moray eels.
Arorangi Drop Off
Arorangi Drop Off is located in front of Arorangi Passage and features a reef that gradually slopes with large coral bommies. The dive site ranges in depth from 18 to 30 meters. This area is known for its frequent currents, which attract larger marine species such as eagle rays, trevally, and lionfish.
Arorangi Drop Off
Arorangi Drop Off is located in front of Arorangi Passage and features a reef that gradually slopes with large coral bommies. The dive site ranges in depth from 18 to 30 meters. This area is known for its frequent currents, which attract larger marine species such as eagle rays, trevally, and lionfish.
Arorangi Passage
Arorangi Passage is the smallest and shallowest of the passages in Rarotonga, characterized by frequently strong currents. The main passage has been recently dredged to accommodate smaller vessels and cruise ship tenders. Divers can explore various canyons and swim-throughs located on the outer edges of the passage. Marine life commonly observed includes lionfish and reef sharks.
Arorangi Passage
Arorangi Passage is the smallest and shallowest of the passages in Rarotonga, characterized by frequently strong currents. The main passage has been recently dredged to accommodate smaller vessels and cruise ship tenders. Divers can explore various canyons and swim-throughs located on the outer edges of the passage. Marine life commonly observed includes lionfish and reef sharks.
Avaavaroa Drop Off
Avaavaroa Drop Off features a series of sand channels that traverse the reef in front of Avaavaroa Passage. The dive begins along a sand channel that leads to a significant drop-off, providing an opportunity to explore the edge or venture into deeper waters to observe pelagic species. On favorable days, divers may encounter a variety of marine life, including sharks, eagle rays, turtles, lionfish, and schooling tunas. This site is particularly noted for sightings of tiger sharks and hammerhead sharks, making it a notable location for divers seeking these species.
Avaavaroa Drop Off
Avaavaroa Drop Off features a series of sand channels that traverse the reef in front of Avaavaroa Passage. The dive begins along a sand channel that leads to a significant drop-off, providing an opportunity to explore the edge or venture into deeper waters to observe pelagic species. On favorable days, divers may encounter a variety of marine life, including sharks, eagle rays, turtles, lionfish, and schooling tunas. This site is particularly noted for sightings of tiger sharks and hammerhead sharks, making it a notable location for divers seeking these species.
Avaavaroa Passage
Avaavaroa Passage features a unique dive experience as you navigate through a reef passage that connects the outer reef to the lagoon. The dive includes tunnels and steep canyons, creating an adventurous underwater landscape. Depths range from 24 to 26 meters. This site is known for strong currents, making it suitable for experienced divers. Marine life includes reef sharks, turtles, and eagle rays, with fish activity often enhanced by the currents.
Avaavaroa Passage
Avaavaroa Passage features a unique dive experience as you navigate through a reef passage that connects the outer reef to the lagoon. The dive includes tunnels and steep canyons, creating an adventurous underwater landscape. Depths range from 24 to 26 meters. This site is known for strong currents, making it suitable for experienced divers. Marine life includes reef sharks, turtles, and eagle rays, with fish activity often enhanced by the currents.
Avana Passage
Avana Passage is located on the east coast and provides access to Ngatangiia Harbour. Divers can choose to explore the sandy passage's exterior or venture through it into the lagoon. The site is notable for its diverse marine life, including lionfish and eels. Surrounding the passage are impressive rock formations that create an ambiance reminiscent of underwater ruins.
Avana Passage
Avana Passage is located on the east coast and provides access to Ngatangiia Harbour. Divers can choose to explore the sandy passage's exterior or venture through it into the lagoon. The site is notable for its diverse marine life, including lionfish and eels. Surrounding the passage are impressive rock formations that create an ambiance reminiscent of underwater ruins.
Avarua Passage
Avarua Passage begins at Edna’s Anchor mooring, where divers can follow the sandy edge of the reef towards the shore. This sandy channel extends into Avarua Harbour. The site is characterized by notable coral formations and a diverse array of marine life, including scorpion fish, moray eels, and flounders. Additionally, it serves as a mating site for parrotfish.
Avarua Passage
Avarua Passage begins at Edna’s Anchor mooring, where divers can follow the sandy edge of the reef towards the shore. This sandy channel extends into Avarua Harbour. The site is characterized by notable coral formations and a diverse array of marine life, including scorpion fish, moray eels, and flounders. Additionally, it serves as a mating site for parrotfish.
Avatiu Drop Off
Avatiu Drop Off is situated just west of Avatiu Harbour, featuring a notable drop-off that begins at approximately 18 meters and descends into deeper waters, reaching depths of 12 to 40 meters. The shallower areas are rich in fish life, while divers can encounter larger predatory species along the edge of the drop-off. This site is accessible from the shore.
Avatiu Drop Off
Avatiu Drop Off is situated just west of Avatiu Harbour, featuring a notable drop-off that begins at approximately 18 meters and descends into deeper waters, reaching depths of 12 to 40 meters. The shallower areas are rich in fish life, while divers can encounter larger predatory species along the edge of the drop-off. This site is accessible from the shore.
Avatoru Pass
Avatoru Pass is a drift dive located on the northwestern side of the Rangiroa lagoon. Divers enter on the eastern side of Motu Fara and drift through the pass, observing marine life such as silvertip, blackfin, and whitetip sharks, along with groupers, jacks, and snappers. The dive reaches a maximum depth of around 30 meters before finishing in the lagoon.
Blackrock
Blackrock is located directly in front of its namesake and features a series of reef plateaus that rise from the seafloor. The site is characterized by healthy coral bommies and offers intriguing swim-throughs. Divers can also explore shallow caverns at the conclusion of their dive. The depth ranges from 12 to 28 meters. Marine life commonly observed includes angelfish, moray eels, crayfish, and lionfish, particularly in the shallow caverns.
Blackrock
Blackrock is located directly in front of its namesake and features a series of reef plateaus that rise from the seafloor. The site is characterized by healthy coral bommies and offers intriguing swim-throughs. Divers can also explore shallow caverns at the conclusion of their dive. The depth ranges from 12 to 28 meters. Marine life commonly observed includes angelfish, moray eels, crayfish, and lionfish, particularly in the shallow caverns.
Canyons - Moorea (Tahiti)
The Canyon dive site is situated near Ōpūnohu Bay in Moorea. This location is known for its diverse marine life, including anemones that host clown fish, as well as sightings of turtles and blacktip sharks. The entry to the site is from the shore, making it accessible for divers looking to explore the underwater ecosystem.
Canyons - Moorea (Tahiti)
The Canyon dive site is situated near Ōpūnohu Bay in Moorea. This location is known for its diverse marine life, including anemones that host clown fish, as well as sightings of turtles and blacktip sharks. The entry to the site is from the shore, making it accessible for divers looking to explore the underwater ecosystem.
Dérivante aux tortues
Dérivante aux tortues is a drift dive known for frequent encounters with turtles. Divers may also observe various species such as jack mackerels, striped bonitos, and dog-toothed tuna in the deeper waters. Sightings of grey sharks and even an Indo-Pacific sailfish have been reported, highlighting the diverse marine life present at this site. The dive offers a chance to explore the rich underwater fauna and flora while drifting along the current.
Dérivante aux tortues
Dérivante aux tortues is a drift dive known for frequent encounters with turtles. Divers may also observe various species such as jack mackerels, striped bonitos, and dog-toothed tuna in the deeper waters. Sightings of grey sharks and even an Indo-Pacific sailfish have been reported, highlighting the diverse marine life present at this site. The dive offers a chance to explore the rich underwater fauna and flora while drifting along the current.
Eden Park
Eden Park is a shore entry dive site suitable for divers from Level 1 or Open Water certification. The maximum depth at this location reaches 29 meters. Divers can explore a coral garden that is home to various marine species, including lemon sharks, blacktip sharks, turtles, barracudas, and clownfish residing in anemones.
Eden Park
Eden Park is a shore entry dive site suitable for divers from Level 1 or Open Water certification. The maximum depth at this location reaches 29 meters. Divers can explore a coral garden that is home to various marine species, including lemon sharks, blacktip sharks, turtles, barracudas, and clownfish residing in anemones.
Edna’s Anchor
Edna's Anchor is a shore dive that follows the edge of the sand and reef, leading towards a significant drop-off. At a depth of approximately 22 meters, the sand begins to slope downwards. The large anchor from the schooner Edna, which sank near Atiu, can be found at 24 meters nestled between two coral bommies. The reef continues to descend steeply, reaching depths of about 65 meters at 30 meters. Marine life in the area includes parrotfish, scorpionfish, lionfish, turtles, crocodile needlefish, peacock groupers, damselfish, christmastree worms, pineapple sea cucumbers, and porites corals.
Edna’s Anchor
Edna's Anchor is a shore dive that follows the edge of the sand and reef, leading towards a significant drop-off. At a depth of approximately 22 meters, the sand begins to slope downwards. The large anchor from the schooner Edna, which sank near Atiu, can be found at 24 meters nestled between two coral bommies. The reef continues to descend steeply, reaching depths of about 65 meters at 30 meters. Marine life in the area includes parrotfish, scorpionfish, lionfish, turtles, crocodile needlefish, peacock groupers, damselfish, christmastree worms, pineapple sea cucumbers, and porites corals.
Eolienne
Eolienne is characterized by a well-preserved coral plateau situated between depths of 10 and 14 meters, leading to a steep drop-off. This site serves as the starting point for a drift dive that can conclude at the Angle site or within the pass. It is suitable for divers of all experience levels. Marine life includes common bottlenose dolphins, grey and coral sharks, and there is a possibility of encountering hammerhead and silky sharks during dives in the deeper waters. Schools of various tropical fish are also present.
Fafapiti
Fafapiti is a dive site located in Bora Bora, known for its shallow depths and the opportunity to observe manta rays. The dive occurs along a drop-off, providing an easy diving experience with minimal current. Divers can encounter mantas at various cleaning stations, where these creatures can be approached with ease.
Fafapiti
Fafapiti is a dive site located in Bora Bora, known for its shallow depths and the opportunity to observe manta rays. The dive occurs along a drop-off, providing an easy diving experience with minimal current. Divers can encounter mantas at various cleaning stations, where these creatures can be approached with ease.
Fausse Passe de Paea
Fausse Passe de Paea features a notable drop-off with various fissures and overhangs located at the edge of a vibrant pass. This site is characterized by a significant presence of turtles, which are commonly observed in large numbers. Additionally, divers may encounter Napoleon wrasses and leopard rays, which are prominent in this area. The site is accessible from the shore.
Fausse Passe de Paea
Fausse Passe de Paea features a notable drop-off with various fissures and overhangs located at the edge of a vibrant pass. This site is characterized by a significant presence of turtles, which are commonly observed in large numbers. Additionally, divers may encounter Napoleon wrasses and leopard rays, which are prominent in this area. The site is accessible from the shore.
FV Maritime Reefer
The FV Maritime Reefer is a shipwreck located off the coast of Rarotonga, having been intentionally sunk in 1981 to serve as a dive site. The wreck lies at a depth of approximately 24 meters, although the surrounding area ranges from 20 to 30 meters. Over the years, the wreck has experienced significant damage due to various storms, resulting in scattered debris across the reef. This site is home to a variety of marine life, including moray eels and numerous lionfish, which have made the wreck their habitat.
FV Maritime Reefer
The FV Maritime Reefer is a shipwreck located off the coast of Rarotonga, having been intentionally sunk in 1981 to serve as a dive site. The wreck lies at a depth of approximately 24 meters, although the surrounding area ranges from 20 to 30 meters. Over the years, the wreck has experienced significant damage due to various storms, resulting in scattered debris across the reef. This site is home to a variety of marine life, including moray eels and numerous lionfish, which have made the wreck their habitat.
Garuae Pass
Garuae Pass is the largest pass in French Polynesia, reaching depths of 30 meters (100 feet) with visibility ranging from 20 to 60 meters (66 to 196 feet). Divers can encounter grey reef sharks, hammerhead sharks, manta rays, and a variety of other marine life including humphead wrasses, nurse sharks, and dolphins. This site requires boat entry due to its location in the Tuamotu Islands.
Goldmine
Goldmine is situated directly in front of a local jewellery shop. The dive site features substantial coral bommies, characterized by numerous overhangs and crevices that divers can explore. The depth ranges from 15 to 25 meters. Common marine life includes scorpion fish, moray eels, trigger fish, trevally, and pufferfish. Turtles are also frequently observed in this area.
Goldmine
Goldmine is situated directly in front of a local jewellery shop. The dive site features substantial coral bommies, characterized by numerous overhangs and crevices that divers can explore. The depth ranges from 15 to 25 meters. Common marine life includes scorpion fish, moray eels, trigger fish, trevally, and pufferfish. Turtles are also frequently observed in this area.
Haapiti
Haapiti offers a drift dive experience characterized by a coral plateau featuring three significant holes. Divers can explore various excavations and small caves in the area. Outside the lagoon, visibility is often exceptional, reaching up to 60 meters. Common marine life includes blacktip sharks, large Napoleon wrasse, and trevallies.
Haapiti
Haapiti offers a drift dive experience characterized by a coral plateau featuring three significant holes. Divers can explore various excavations and small caves in the area. Outside the lagoon, visibility is often exceptional, reaching up to 60 meters. Common marine life includes blacktip sharks, large Napoleon wrasse, and trevallies.
Hydravion et Goelett
Hydravion et Goelett is notable for its wreck site, featuring the remains of a Catalina PBY-5A aircraft. This plane was previously operated by the US Navy and later transferred to the RAI, where it served in Polynesia during the 1950s. The dive site has a depth range of 20 to 25 meters, providing an environment that supports a diverse array of marine life. The wreckage offers an opportunity to observe various species that thrive in this underwater habitat.
Hydravion et Goelett
Hydravion et Goelett is notable for its wreck site, featuring the remains of a Catalina PBY-5A aircraft. This plane was previously operated by the US Navy and later transferred to the RAI, where it served in Polynesia during the 1950s. The dive site has a depth range of 20 to 25 meters, providing an environment that supports a diverse array of marine life. The wreckage offers an opportunity to observe various species that thrive in this underwater habitat.
L’ile bleue/Blue Island
L’ile bleue, also known as Blue Island, is an isolated underwater peak located at the entrance to Cook’s Bay. Divers typically access this site from the shore. The dive involves swimming out into the open water before ascending into a coral canyon. At depths of 25 to 30 meters, divers can observe large anemones and clownfish, along with white-tip sharks. The area is also frequented by schools of jacks and hawksbill turtles, making it a diverse site for marine life observation.
L’ile bleue/Blue Island
L’ile bleue, also known as Blue Island, is an isolated underwater peak located at the entrance to Cook’s Bay. Divers typically access this site from the shore. The dive involves swimming out into the open water before ascending into a coral canyon. At depths of 25 to 30 meters, divers can observe large anemones and clownfish, along with white-tip sharks. The area is also frequented by schools of jacks and hawksbill turtles, making it a diverse site for marine life observation.
L' Aquarium, Tahiti
L'Aquarium in Tahiti is an excellent dive site for beginners, featuring a coral ring that provides a safe environment for first-time divers. The site is home to three wrecks located on the sandy bottom: a Cessna at a depth of 5 meters and two boats. Divers can expect to encounter a variety of small, colorful tropical fish that inhabit the area, enhancing the underwater experience.
L' Aquarium, Tahiti
L'Aquarium in Tahiti is an excellent dive site for beginners, featuring a coral ring that provides a safe environment for first-time divers. The site is home to three wrecks located on the sandy bottom: a Cessna at a depth of 5 meters and two boats. Divers can expect to encounter a variety of small, colorful tropical fish that inhabit the area, enhancing the underwater experience.
La Baie de Paea
La Baie de Paea offers a diverse coral plateau that is accessible from the shore, making it suitable for divers of all experience levels. The site features a gentle slope leading to a drop-off, providing opportunities to explore various marine habitats. The coral garden is rich in biodiversity, serving as a habitat for numerous lagoon fish and notable species found in Tahiti.
La Baie de Paea
La Baie de Paea offers a diverse coral plateau that is accessible from the shore, making it suitable for divers of all experience levels. The site features a gentle slope leading to a drop-off, providing opportunities to explore various marine habitats. The coral garden is rich in biodiversity, serving as a habitat for numerous lagoon fish and notable species found in Tahiti.
La Dérivante du Phare
La Dérivante du Phare is located approximately 20 minutes by boat from Taina marina, situated at the northwest tip of Tahiti’s coral plateau. The site is marked by a lighthouse that assists boats in navigating towards the coral reef and the lagoon's entrance. This dive site features a drift dive, allowing divers to cover significant distances while being carried by the current, which enhances the likelihood of encountering various marine species. The conditions here can vary, and divers should be prepared for the currents typical of drift dives.
La Dérivante du Phare
La Dérivante du Phare is located approximately 20 minutes by boat from Taina marina, situated at the northwest tip of Tahiti’s coral plateau. The site is marked by a lighthouse that assists boats in navigating towards the coral reef and the lagoon's entrance. This dive site features a drift dive, allowing divers to cover significant distances while being carried by the current, which enhances the likelihood of encountering various marine species. The conditions here can vary, and divers should be prepared for the currents typical of drift dives.
La Faille d Arue
La Faille d Arue features a vertical wall that begins at a depth of 5 meters, leading divers across a coral plateau. At approximately 25 meters, there is a notable cave resembling a church door. The site is populated with various coral tables and a diverse array of marine life, including bonito, numerous parrotfish, groupers, and duck beaks.
La Faille d Arue
La Faille d Arue features a vertical wall that begins at a depth of 5 meters, leading divers across a coral plateau. At approximately 25 meters, there is a notable cave resembling a church door. The site is populated with various coral tables and a diverse array of marine life, including bonito, numerous parrotfish, groupers, and duck beaks.
La Faille Pomare
La Faille Pomare features a prominent drop-off adjacent to Arue’s fault, often experienced as a drift dive. The site is known for its rich marine life, with potential encounters including sharks and turtles. Although infrequent, divers may also spot a Tiger Shark. The dive site is accessible from the shore.
La Faille Pomare
La Faille Pomare features a prominent drop-off adjacent to Arue’s fault, often experienced as a drift dive. The site is known for its rich marine life, with potential encounters including sharks and turtles. Although infrequent, divers may also spot a Tiger Shark. The dive site is accessible from the shore.
La Faille St Etienne, Tahiti
La Faille St Etienne is characterized by a notable drop-off with significant vertical features. The upper section of the drop-off is rich in marine life, showcasing a variety of colorful tropical fish and the possibility of encountering resting turtles in the crevices. The site is best enjoyed during periods of good visibility, enhancing the overall diving experience.
La Faille St Etienne, Tahiti
La Faille St Etienne is characterized by a notable drop-off with significant vertical features. The upper section of the drop-off is rich in marine life, showcasing a variety of colorful tropical fish and the possibility of encountering resting turtles in the crevices. The site is best enjoyed during periods of good visibility, enhancing the overall diving experience.
La Grotte de Arue
La Grotte de Arue is located on the outer edge of the coral reef that faces the lagoon of Arue. This dive site features a small cave that starts at a depth of 27 meters and extends down to 30 meters. The cave provides a habitat for various shrimp and fish, making it an excellent location for underwater macro photography. Divers can expect to observe a diverse range of marine life within this unique underwater environment.
La Grotte de Arue
La Grotte de Arue is located on the outer edge of the coral reef that faces the lagoon of Arue. This dive site features a small cave that starts at a depth of 27 meters and extends down to 30 meters. The cave provides a habitat for various shrimp and fish, making it an excellent location for underwater macro photography. Divers can expect to observe a diverse range of marine life within this unique underwater environment.
La Grotte du Pari
La Grotte du Pari is situated within a lavatube, positioned between Teahupoo and Tautira. This extensive tunnel measures slightly over 100 meters in length and varies between 20 to 30 meters in width. Divers can explore the cave's floor, where a variety of marine life can be observed, including numerous sponges, sea cucumbers, shrimps, and bioluminescent fish. The site is accessible via a shore entry.
La Grotte du Pari
La Grotte du Pari is situated within a lavatube, positioned between Teahupoo and Tautira. This extensive tunnel measures slightly over 100 meters in length and varies between 20 to 30 meters in width. Divers can explore the cave's floor, where a variety of marine life can be observed, including numerous sponges, sea cucumbers, shrimps, and bioluminescent fish. The site is accessible via a shore entry.
La Marado
La Marado offers a diverse underwater landscape characterized by chimneys and a prominent peak known as Oti Point. The site is known for its clear waters, which enhance visibility for divers. Marine life includes gorgonians, octocorals, anemones, sea slugs, jackfish, moray eels, and Napoleon fish. Notably, divers may encounter a red-eyed cod during their exploration. At the conclusion of the dive, divers can relax in the naturally formed canyons within the coral reef.
La Marado
La Marado offers a diverse underwater landscape characterized by chimneys and a prominent peak known as Oti Point. The site is known for its clear waters, which enhance visibility for divers. Marine life includes gorgonians, octocorals, anemones, sea slugs, jackfish, moray eels, and Napoleon fish. Notably, divers may encounter a red-eyed cod during their exploration. At the conclusion of the dive, divers can relax in the naturally formed canyons within the coral reef.
La passe de TIaia
La passe de Tiaia is characterized as a drift dive with steep drop-offs on both sides. Divers can expect to encounter schools of eagle rays, jacks, and various shark species, including nurse sharks and white tip sharks. The site offers a dynamic underwater experience due to its current conditions.
La passe de TIaia
La passe de Tiaia is characterized as a drift dive with steep drop-offs on both sides. Divers can expect to encounter schools of eagle rays, jacks, and various shark species, including nurse sharks and white tip sharks. The site offers a dynamic underwater experience due to its current conditions.
La Source, Tahiti
La Source is characterized by a freshwater spring that emerges from the ocean floor at depths of 5 to 6 meters. This phenomenon creates a visible column of fresh water, known as a halocline. The site is recognized for its abundance of marine life, particularly turtles that frequent the area to rest among the corals. Divers may also encounter various fish species and the possibility of seeing sharks. The entry to this dive site is from the shore.
La Source, Tahiti
La Source is characterized by a freshwater spring that emerges from the ocean floor at depths of 5 to 6 meters. This phenomenon creates a visible column of fresh water, known as a halocline. The site is recognized for its abundance of marine life, particularly turtles that frequent the area to rest among the corals. Divers may also encounter various fish species and the possibility of seeing sharks. The entry to this dive site is from the shore.
La Vallée blanche, Tahiti
La Vallée blanche in Tahiti offers a unique diving experience characterized by its diverse shark population, including grey sharks, white tip, black tip, lemon sharks, and occasionally tiger sharks. This site is particularly suitable for drift diving, allowing divers to explore the underwater environment with the current. In addition to the sharks, divers can observe schools of silver jacks, triggerfish, and various species of Polynesian fish, contributing to the rich marine biodiversity of the area.
La Vallée blanche, Tahiti
La Vallée blanche in Tahiti offers a unique diving experience characterized by its diverse shark population, including grey sharks, white tip, black tip, lemon sharks, and occasionally tiger sharks. This site is particularly suitable for drift diving, allowing divers to explore the underwater environment with the current. In addition to the sharks, divers can observe schools of silver jacks, triggerfish, and various species of Polynesian fish, contributing to the rich marine biodiversity of the area.
La Vavi
La Vavi features a shore entry leading to an overhanging reef that is adorned with gorgonians. Divers can observe white-tipped sharks resting in the area. The dive site allows for exploration down to depths of 50 meters. Within the coral gaps, a diverse array of fish species can be found, including surgeonfish, wrasses, and soapfish, along with juvenile fish. In the deeper waters, sightings of fusiliers, bonitos, and tuna are possible.
La Vavi
La Vavi features a shore entry leading to an overhanging reef that is adorned with gorgonians. Divers can observe white-tipped sharks resting in the area. The dive site allows for exploration down to depths of 50 meters. Within the coral gaps, a diverse array of fish species can be found, including surgeonfish, wrasses, and soapfish, along with juvenile fish. In the deeper waters, sightings of fusiliers, bonitos, and tuna are possible.
La Zélée, Tahiti
La Zélée is situated close to the port of Papeete and features the remains of a small French gunboat that was launched in 1899 and sank in 1914 during the Battle of Papeete. The wreck is scattered in multiple sections, providing a unique dive experience. Divers can observe corals gradually overtaking the wreckage, along with a variety of lagoon fish and resting sharks. At depths around 25 to 27 meters, rose-shaped corals can be seen, adding to the site's ecological interest.
La Zélée, Tahiti
La Zélée is situated close to the port of Papeete and features the remains of a small French gunboat that was launched in 1899 and sank in 1914 during the Battle of Papeete. The wreck is scattered in multiple sections, providing a unique dive experience. Divers can observe corals gradually overtaking the wreckage, along with a variety of lagoon fish and resting sharks. At depths around 25 to 27 meters, rose-shaped corals can be seen, adding to the site's ecological interest.
Labyrinth
Labyrinth is characterized by a shallow tunnel and cavern system located beneath the surf zone, extending from the Runway to Black Rock. This site, also referred to as Dave’s Cave, The Maze, Croc Caverns, or Nikao Tunnels, is accessible only during calm sea conditions. The maximum depth here reaches 10 meters. Divers can expect to encounter marine life such as crayfish, lionfish, and various sea shells, with occasional sightings of eagle rays and whitetip reef sharks.
Labyrinth
Labyrinth is characterized by a shallow tunnel and cavern system located beneath the surf zone, extending from the Runway to Black Rock. This site, also referred to as Dave’s Cave, The Maze, Croc Caverns, or Nikao Tunnels, is accessible only during calm sea conditions. The maximum depth here reaches 10 meters. Divers can expect to encounter marine life such as crayfish, lionfish, and various sea shells, with occasional sightings of eagle rays and whitetip reef sharks.
Le Fer à Cheval
Le Fer à Cheval features a natural horseshoe-shaped tunnel in the coral that connects the lagoon with the ocean. Divers can observe white-tipped sharks resting on the sandy bottom, along with active heteroconger eels and pipefish, which are related to seahorses. The site provides a unique opportunity to explore the interaction between lagoon and oceanic environments.
Le Fer à Cheval
Le Fer à Cheval features a natural horseshoe-shaped tunnel in the coral that connects the lagoon with the ocean. Divers can observe white-tipped sharks resting on the sandy bottom, along with active heteroconger eels and pipefish, which are related to seahorses. The site provides a unique opportunity to explore the interaction between lagoon and oceanic environments.
Le piton aux gorgones
Le Piton aux Gorgones features a dramatic drop-off that begins at a depth of 25 meters. At this depth, divers will encounter a coral projection leading to a prominent peak with a diameter of 15 meters. The peak's base extends into deeper waters, while its slopes are decorated with various gorgonians, creating a striking underwater landscape. This site is accessed from the shore, making it convenient for divers to enter the water directly.
Le piton aux gorgones
Le Piton aux Gorgones features a dramatic drop-off that begins at a depth of 25 meters. At this depth, divers will encounter a coral projection leading to a prominent peak with a diameter of 15 meters. The peak's base extends into deeper waters, while its slopes are decorated with various gorgonians, creating a striking underwater landscape. This site is accessed from the shore, making it convenient for divers to enter the water directly.
Le Tombant Saint Étienne
Le Tombant Saint Étienne features a vertical wall that begins at a depth of 5 to 6 meters and descends steeply. The site is home to a diverse range of marine life, including turtles, Napoleon wrasses, parrotfish, salema, pufferfish, and moray eels. The vibrant colors of the reef contrast sharply with the deep blue water, creating a visually striking environment for divers.
Le Tombant Saint Étienne
Le Tombant Saint Étienne features a vertical wall that begins at a depth of 5 to 6 meters and descends steeply. The site is home to a diverse range of marine life, including turtles, Napoleon wrasses, parrotfish, salema, pufferfish, and moray eels. The vibrant colors of the reef contrast sharply with the deep blue water, creating a visually striking environment for divers.
Le Trou du Lagon
Le Trou du Lagon is a lagoon dive site with depths ranging from 2 to 30 meters. Divers can encounter a variety of marine life including sleeping white-tip sharks, large tetrodons, scorpionfish, convict soapfish, milkfish, and anemones. The site is also home to a notable coral formation known as the coral rose, along with turtles and leopard rays. The entry to the site is from the shore.
Le Trou du Lagon
Le Trou du Lagon is a lagoon dive site with depths ranging from 2 to 30 meters. Divers can encounter a variety of marine life including sleeping white-tip sharks, large tetrodons, scorpionfish, convict soapfish, milkfish, and anemones. The site is also home to a notable coral formation known as the coral rose, along with turtles and leopard rays. The entry to the site is from the shore.
Les 3 Pitons
Les 3 Pitons features three prominent underwater peaks, with the highest reaching depths of 6 meters, 12 meters, and 20 meters. The site presents a striking contrast between the deep blue water and the elevated formations. Divers can expect to encounter schools of blue fusiliers, along with turtles, whitetip reef sharks, titan triggerfish, and clownfish, which inhabit this area. The entry to the site is from the shore, making it accessible for divers looking to explore these unique underwater features.
Les 3 Pitons
Les 3 Pitons features three prominent underwater peaks, with the highest reaching depths of 6 meters, 12 meters, and 20 meters. The site presents a striking contrast between the deep blue water and the elevated formations. Divers can expect to encounter schools of blue fusiliers, along with turtles, whitetip reef sharks, titan triggerfish, and clownfish, which inhabit this area. The entry to the site is from the shore, making it accessible for divers looking to explore these unique underwater features.
Les Éboulis
Les Éboulis is located a short distance from Taina marina, providing access to the channel's bottom and the shallow regions between the lagoon and the coral barrier. This site is known for its diverse marine life, including stonefish, scorpionfish, and lionfish. Night dives here can reveal unexpected marine encounters. The coral garden features structures referred to as 'huts,' which serve as important habitats for juvenile fish.
Les Éboulis
Les Éboulis is located a short distance from Taina marina, providing access to the channel's bottom and the shallow regions between the lagoon and the coral barrier. This site is known for its diverse marine life, including stonefish, scorpionfish, and lionfish. Night dives here can reveal unexpected marine encounters. The coral garden features structures referred to as 'huts,' which serve as important habitats for juvenile fish.
Les Gorgones
Les Gorgones offers a dive site that reaches depths of up to 50 meters, showcasing a variety of marine life and coral formations. Divers can observe orange and violet gorgonians, black coral, octocorals, soft corals, ghost corals, and various sea slugs. The reef is home to species such as rabbit fish, surgeon fish, triggerfish, moray eels, and colorful damselfish. This site is accessible from the shore, making it convenient for divers looking to explore its underwater features.
Les Gorgones
Les Gorgones offers a dive site that reaches depths of up to 50 meters, showcasing a variety of marine life and coral formations. Divers can observe orange and violet gorgonians, black coral, octocorals, soft corals, ghost corals, and various sea slugs. The reef is home to species such as rabbit fish, surgeon fish, triggerfish, moray eels, and colorful damselfish. This site is accessible from the shore, making it convenient for divers looking to explore its underwater features.
Les jumeaux
Les Jumeaux is a drift dive site that requires suitable weather for optimal visibility. The dive features two prominent underwater peaks and a coral formation resembling a cathedral, which provides shelter for resting nurse sharks. The area is rich in marine life, with various fish species found near the reef, located close to Cook's Bay.
Les jumeaux
Les Jumeaux is a drift dive site that requires suitable weather for optimal visibility. The dive features two prominent underwater peaks and a coral formation resembling a cathedral, which provides shelter for resting nurse sharks. The area is rich in marine life, with various fish species found near the reef, located close to Cook's Bay.
Les Roses de Matavai, Tahiti
Les Roses de Matavai features rose-shaped corals that become visible at a depth of approximately 30 meters, extending over a vast area. This site is known for its tranquil environment and the presence of iconic fish typical of Tahiti's lagoon. Divers can explore this expansive coral garden, which offers a unique underwater landscape.
Les Roses de Matavai, Tahiti
Les Roses de Matavai features rose-shaped corals that become visible at a depth of approximately 30 meters, extending over a vast area. This site is known for its tranquil environment and the presence of iconic fish typical of Tahiti's lagoon. Divers can explore this expansive coral garden, which offers a unique underwater landscape.
M.V. Mataora
The M.V. Mataora is a cargo schooner that was intentionally sunk on December 11, 1990, to create an artificial dive site. The wreck, originally measuring 45 meters in length and weighing 300 tons, now rests at a depth of 10 to 18 meters. Over time, the vessel has suffered significant damage from tropical cyclones, resulting in a fragmented structure, although both the bow and stern remain identifiable. Divers can expect to encounter lionfish in the area, and the surrounding reef features some of the most notable hard coral formations found in Rarotonga.
M.V. Mataora
The M.V. Mataora is a cargo schooner that was intentionally sunk on December 11, 1990, to create an artificial dive site. The wreck, originally measuring 45 meters in length and weighing 300 tons, now rests at a depth of 10 to 18 meters. Over time, the vessel has suffered significant damage from tropical cyclones, resulting in a fragmented structure, although both the bow and stern remain identifiable. Divers can expect to encounter lionfish in the area, and the surrounding reef features some of the most notable hard coral formations found in Rarotonga.
Mamaru
Mamaru, named after the Tahitian term for white-tip sharks, features a gentle slope leading to a sand spit. Divers can encounter whitetip sharks at depths ranging from 20 to 25 meters, along with lemon sharks and various turtle species, including green and hawksbill turtles. The site is accessible from the shore, providing a unique diving experience in this marine environment.
Mamaru
Mamaru, named after the Tahitian term for white-tip sharks, features a gentle slope leading to a sand spit. Divers can encounter whitetip sharks at depths ranging from 20 to 25 meters, along with lemon sharks and various turtle species, including green and hawksbill turtles. The site is accessible from the shore, providing a unique diving experience in this marine environment.
Manta Point
Manta Point is a dive site primarily suitable for beginners, accessed by boat. The dive begins at a sandy seabed interspersed with coral formations. Divers can expect to encounter oceanic manta rays, which can have wingspans reaching up to 5 meters, as they visit the site for deparasitization. This unique interaction with the manta rays enhances the diving experience.
Matavera Point
Matavera Point is situated just north of Matavera Wall and can be explored as a standalone deep dive or in combination with the wall dive. The site features a reef plateau that extends into the open water at a depth of approximately 20 meters, leading to a vertical wall that descends into deeper waters ranging from 25 to 40 meters. As divers descend along the wall, they will encounter large schools of fusiliers and damselfish, along with a variety of other reef fish species, indicating a rich marine biodiversity.
Matavera Point
Matavera Point is situated just north of Matavera Wall and can be explored as a standalone deep dive or in combination with the wall dive. The site features a reef plateau that extends into the open water at a depth of approximately 20 meters, leading to a vertical wall that descends into deeper waters ranging from 25 to 40 meters. As divers descend along the wall, they will encounter large schools of fusiliers and damselfish, along with a variety of other reef fish species, indicating a rich marine biodiversity.
Matavera Wall
Matavera Wall is located just south of Matavera Point and offers a dive experience suitable for both novice and experienced divers. The dive begins at a depth of 12 meters, where a nearly vertical wall extends for 20 meters before descending to approximately 35 meters, leading into deeper waters. The site is characterized by typically clear visibility. Divers can expect to encounter various marine life, including moray eels, scorpion fish, and turtles in the shallower areas, while the deeper sections are home to tunas and lionfish.
Matavera Wall
Matavera Wall is located just south of Matavera Point and offers a dive experience suitable for both novice and experienced divers. The dive begins at a depth of 12 meters, where a nearly vertical wall extends for 20 meters before descending to approximately 35 meters, leading into deeper waters. The site is characterized by typically clear visibility. Divers can expect to encounter various marine life, including moray eels, scorpion fish, and turtles in the shallower areas, while the deeper sections are home to tunas and lionfish.
Motu Nuhi-Nuhi (l’aquarium)
Motu Nuhi-Nuhi is a small coral islet situated within the lagoon near the Tiputa pass. This dive site is characterized by its shallow depths and sheltered conditions, making it suitable for beginner divers, training sessions, or rehabilitation dives. Divers can explore a vibrant coral garden teeming with a variety of colorful lagoon fish. The dive concludes on a sandy bottom scattered with coral formations, often referred to as 'coral potatoes.'
Mur de corail/Coral Wall
Mur de corail, located near Opunohu’s Bay, features a dive area characterized by coral canyons and gentle slopes. The dive site is accessible to divers of all levels, with depths ranging from 15 to 20 meters. Marine life commonly observed includes numerous turtles, triggerfish, and occasionally leopard rays, lemon sharks, and whitetip sharks.
Mur de corail/Coral Wall
Mur de corail, located near Opunohu’s Bay, features a dive area characterized by coral canyons and gentle slopes. The dive site is accessible to divers of all levels, with depths ranging from 15 to 20 meters. Marine life commonly observed includes numerous turtles, triggerfish, and occasionally leopard rays, lemon sharks, and whitetip sharks.
Muri Muri
Muri Muri is a notable dive site characterized by its deep blue waters. Divers can expect to encounter grey reef sharks and whitetip sharks, along with large schools of barracudas and bluefin jacks. The dive features a significant coral plateau that leads to a sandbank where garden eels are found. In the deeper sections of the site, divers may also see schools of trevallies and turtles. This site is classified as a drift dive and is accessed from the shore.
Muri Muri
Muri Muri is a dive site outside the lagoon near Motu Mute Airport in Bora Bora. Divers can expect to see grey reef sharks, hard and soft corals, and a variety of fish species including jacks, barracudas, and sea turtles. The depth varies, making it suitable for multiple skill levels, with the opportunity to encounter larger marine animals like dolphins and whales during migration season from August to November.
Muri Muri
Muri Muri is a dive site outside the lagoon near Motu Mute Airport in Bora Bora. Divers can expect to see grey reef sharks, hard and soft corals, and a variety of fish species including jacks, barracudas, and sea turtles. The depth varies, making it suitable for multiple skill levels, with the opportunity to encounter larger marine animals like dolphins and whales during migration season from August to November.
Muri Muri
Muri Muri is a notable dive site characterized by its deep blue waters. Divers can expect to encounter grey reef sharks and whitetip sharks, along with large schools of barracudas and bluefin jacks. The dive features a significant coral plateau that leads to a sandbank where garden eels are found. In the deeper sections of the site, divers may also see schools of trevallies and turtles. This site is classified as a drift dive and is accessed from the shore.
Ngatangiia School
Ngatangiia School features a reef that begins to slope off at approximately 15 meters, allowing for a gradual drop-off dive suitable for less experienced divers. More advanced divers can explore a small swim-through located at a depth of 27 meters. The dive site has shown recovery from significant damage caused by cyclones in 2005. Marine life commonly observed here includes tunas, trevallies, morays, lionfish, and pufferfish. The depth range for this site is between 16 and 30 meters.
Ngatangiia School
Ngatangiia School features a reef that begins to slope off at approximately 15 meters, allowing for a gradual drop-off dive suitable for less experienced divers. More advanced divers can explore a small swim-through located at a depth of 27 meters. The dive site has shown recovery from significant damage caused by cyclones in 2005. Marine life commonly observed here includes tunas, trevallies, morays, lionfish, and pufferfish. The depth range for this site is between 16 and 30 meters.
Ngatipa Reef
Ngatipa Reef features significant coral structures interspersed with sandy areas, making it an ideal dive site for divers of all experience levels. The site is frequently utilized for training purposes or as a secondary dive location during the day. The seabed is predominantly covered with porites coral formations, which provide habitat for various marine life, including Christmas tree worms, parrotfish, triggerfish, and turtles.
Ngatipa Reef
Ngatipa Reef features significant coral structures interspersed with sandy areas, making it an ideal dive site for divers of all experience levels. The site is frequently utilized for training purposes or as a secondary dive location during the day. The seabed is predominantly covered with porites coral formations, which provide habitat for various marine life, including Christmas tree worms, parrotfish, triggerfish, and turtles.
Panama
The dive site at Panama is located west of Avatiu harbour, near the Panama graveyard. It features hard coral formations, particularly Porites, interspersed with sandy areas. The depth ranges from 15 to 22 meters. Divers can expect to encounter various marine life, including triggerfish, moray eels, and trevally, which are commonly observed in this area.
Panama
The dive site at Panama is located west of Avatiu harbour, near the Panama graveyard. It features hard coral formations, particularly Porites, interspersed with sandy areas. The depth ranges from 15 to 22 meters. Divers can expect to encounter various marine life, including triggerfish, moray eels, and trevally, which are commonly observed in this area.
Papa Whisky, Tahiti
Papa Whisky is characterized by a large amphitheater formed by the collapse of part of the underwater plateau. Divers can explore two distinct areas: the southern end, which features yellow gorgonians, and the northern section, abundant in coral formations. The site offers depths ranging from 8 meters to 40 meters, making it a significant location for observing pelagic species. Entry to the site is from the shore.
Papa Whisky, Tahiti
Papa Whisky is characterized by a large amphitheater formed by the collapse of part of the underwater plateau. Divers can explore two distinct areas: the southern end, which features yellow gorgonians, and the northern section, abundant in coral formations. The site offers depths ranging from 8 meters to 40 meters, making it a significant location for observing pelagic species. Entry to the site is from the shore.
Papetoai Aquarium
Papetoai Aquarium is a shore entry dive site that is accessible for both novice divers and those in training. The area features white sand and coral heads that are home to a variety of marine life. Commonly observed species include butterflyfish, parrotfish, clownfish, trumpetfish, and Maori snapper. Divers may also encounter hawksbill turtles and, at greater depths, spotted eagle rays. This site is suitable for divers of all skill levels, making it an ideal location for training and exploration.
Papetoai Aquarium
Papetoai Aquarium is a shore entry dive site that is accessible for both novice divers and those in training. The area features white sand and coral heads that are home to a variety of marine life. Commonly observed species include butterflyfish, parrotfish, clownfish, trumpetfish, and Maori snapper. Divers may also encounter hawksbill turtles and, at greater depths, spotted eagle rays. This site is suitable for divers of all skill levels, making it an ideal location for training and exploration.
Papua Drop Off
Papua Drop Off features a sandy channel leading to a reef that begins to slope at approximately 18 meters. Divers can explore the drop off or remain on the reef plateau. A small cavern entrance is located at around 10 meters. This dive site accommodates divers of all experience levels, with depths ranging from 12 meters to 40 meters. It is notable for frequent sightings of eagle rays and turtles, as well as the presence of giant clams.
Papua Drop Off
Papua Drop Off features a sandy channel leading to a reef that begins to slope at approximately 18 meters. Divers can explore the drop off or remain on the reef plateau. A small cavern entrance is located at around 10 meters. This dive site accommodates divers of all experience levels, with depths ranging from 12 meters to 40 meters. It is notable for frequent sightings of eagle rays and turtles, as well as the presence of giant clams.
Papua Passage
Papua Passage, traditionally known as Avaiti, is located on the south coast and features a short and shallow dive that begins at the outer coral reef and leads into the lagoon. The site is characterized by steep walls, swim-throughs, and well-lit caverns, providing unique underwater formations. Common marine life includes turtles, whitetip reef sharks, and the resident giant star puffer fish. The presence of strong currents often enhances the diversity of fish life in the area.
Papua Passage
Papua Passage, traditionally known as Avaiti, is located on the south coast and features a short and shallow dive that begins at the outer coral reef and leads into the lagoon. The site is characterized by steep walls, swim-throughs, and well-lit caverns, providing unique underwater formations. Common marine life includes turtles, whitetip reef sharks, and the resident giant star puffer fish. The presence of strong currents often enhances the diversity of fish life in the area.
Passe de Tikehau - Tuheiava
Passe de Tikehau - Tuheiava is a small pass with a maximum depth of 30 meters. The dive is characterized by an incoming current, making it a drift dive where most of the activity occurs at depths less than 10 meters. This site is suitable for both beginner and experienced divers. Marine life is abundant, with frequent sightings of great hammerhead sharks, tiger sharks, manta rays, eagle rays, and large schools of yellowmouth barracudas.
Passe de Tiputa
Passe de Tiputa, formerly known as Hiria pass, is located between Avatoru and the village of Tiputa on Rangiroa atoll. This pass measures 900 meters in length and 400 meters in width, with depths ranging from 14 to 55 meters. The site is characterized by strong and variable currents, making the presence of a local guide advisable for safety. Seasonal visits from large Pacific predators are common, including bottlenose dolphins, great hammerhead sharks, tiger sharks, and grey sharks, along with sightings of sailfish and rays.
Pinnacles
Pinnacles is characterized by a sloping coral reef that leads to a steep drop-off. The primary features of this dive site are two significant coral bommies, or pinnacles, located at a depth of approximately 22 meters, with one of them being completely collapsed. The depth range for this site is between 20 meters and 30 meters. Marine life includes soldier fish, crayfish, lionfish, and moray eels, while larger predators such as trevallies and barracudas are also present in the area.
Pinnacles
Pinnacles is characterized by a sloping coral reef that leads to a steep drop-off. The primary features of this dive site are two significant coral bommies, or pinnacles, located at a depth of approximately 22 meters, with one of them being completely collapsed. The depth range for this site is between 20 meters and 30 meters. Marine life includes soldier fish, crayfish, lionfish, and moray eels, while larger predators such as trevallies and barracudas are also present in the area.
Plateau aux tortues
Plateau aux tortues is situated in Fishermen’s Bay and features a broad, disc-like structure that is influenced by wave action. The perimeter of the plateau drops steeply, providing views into deeper waters where gorgonians and black coral are present. The area is inhabited by various marine species, including turtles, blacktip sharks, gray sharks, leopard rays, and titan triggerfish. The summit of the plateau serves as a habitat for lionfish and various reef fish, making it a notable site for divers.
Plateau aux tortues
Plateau aux tortues is situated in Fishermen’s Bay and features a broad, disc-like structure that is influenced by wave action. The perimeter of the plateau drops steeply, providing views into deeper waters where gorgonians and black coral are present. The area is inhabited by various marine species, including turtles, blacktip sharks, gray sharks, leopard rays, and titan triggerfish. The summit of the plateau serves as a habitat for lionfish and various reef fish, making it a notable site for divers.
Plateau de Vaiare
Plateau de Vaiare features a diverse coral garden interspersed with sandy channels. The plateau extends into a significant drop-off, providing a varied underwater landscape. This site is known for its rich marine life, including schools of jackfish, barracudas, and various shark species such as white-tip, black-tip, and grey sharks. Additionally, the area is frequented by turtles, enhancing the biodiversity of the dive experience.
Plateau de Vaiare
Plateau de Vaiare features a diverse coral garden interspersed with sandy channels. The plateau extends into a significant drop-off, providing a varied underwater landscape. This site is known for its rich marine life, including schools of jackfish, barracudas, and various shark species such as white-tip, black-tip, and grey sharks. Additionally, the area is frequented by turtles, enhancing the biodiversity of the dive experience.
Poito
Poito is accessed from the shore, beginning at a coral reef plateau with depths ranging from 5 to 15 meters. The dive site features a gently sloping oceanic drop-off that follows the reef and leads into a channel or pass at an angle. Divers can expect to encounter a variety of marine life, including big-eyed red fish, paddle perch, big-eyed jacks, white tip reef sharks, turtles, and Napoleon wrasse.
Pue Coral Gardens
Pue Coral Gardens is situated east of Ngatipa and features a diverse reef ecosystem characterized by substantial porites coral bommies. The site includes sandy patches interspersed among the coral formations and offers several swim-through opportunities. Depths range from 12 to 25 meters, making it suitable for divers with varying experience levels. The marine life is notable for the presence of large pineapple sea cucumbers and abundant Christmas tree worms.
Pue Coral Gardens
Pue Coral Gardens is situated east of Ngatipa and features a diverse reef ecosystem characterized by substantial porites coral bommies. The site includes sandy patches interspersed among the coral formations and offers several swim-through opportunities. Depths range from 12 to 25 meters, making it suitable for divers with varying experience levels. The marine life is notable for the presence of large pineapple sea cucumbers and abundant Christmas tree worms.
Pufana
Pufana is situated within a lagoon, characterized by shallow depths that make it suitable for novice divers and training sessions. The site is also favorable for underwater photographers due to its bright white sand and calm conditions, which are protected from strong currents. A diverse range of marine life can be observed here, including various species of sharks, contributing to the site's ecological richness.
Queens Reef
Queens Reef offers an easy dive along a steep drop-off characterized by clear water conditions. This site is often chosen when visibility is lower in the south-coast passages. The coral formations here are among the healthiest on the island, providing a habitat for various marine life. Divers may encounter pelagic species, jacks, moray eels, and nudibranchs while exploring the area.
Queens Reef
Queens Reef offers an easy dive along a steep drop-off characterized by clear water conditions. This site is often chosen when visibility is lower in the south-coast passages. The coral formations here are among the healthiest on the island, providing a habitat for various marine life. Divers may encounter pelagic species, jacks, moray eels, and nudibranchs while exploring the area.
R.M.S. Maitai
The R.M.S. Maitai, a steamship built in 1892, sank after striking a reef near Avarua Harbour on December 25, 1916. The wreck lies at a depth of approximately 10 meters and has been submerged for over a century, becoming integrated into the surrounding reef ecosystem. Divers can observe the remnants of the ship scattered over a wide area, including the visible superstructure, rudder, drive shaft, various boilers, and an engine block that protrudes above the water's surface.
R.M.S. Maitai
The R.M.S. Maitai, a steamship built in 1892, sank after striking a reef near Avarua Harbour on December 25, 1916. The wreck lies at a depth of approximately 10 meters and has been submerged for over a century, becoming integrated into the surrounding reef ecosystem. Divers can observe the remnants of the ship scattered over a wide area, including the visible superstructure, rudder, drive shaft, various boilers, and an engine block that protrudes above the water's surface.
Rotui
Rotui is a shore dive site with a maximum depth of 15 meters. Divers can explore the outer reef, which is home to numerous juvenile fish. Marine life includes blacktip sharks and lemon sharks, with the possibility of encountering a nurse shark during the dive.
Rotui
Rotui is a shore dive site with a maximum depth of 15 meters. Divers can explore the outer reef, which is home to numerous juvenile fish. Marine life includes blacktip sharks and lemon sharks, with the possibility of encountering a nurse shark during the dive.
Runway
Runway is situated directly in front of the runway, featuring several smaller reef plateaus interspersed with sandy trenches. The dive site reaches depths between 18 and 26 meters. During the appropriate season, eagle rays may be spotted here, along with common sightings of lionfish, scorpionfish, and moray eels.
Runway
Runway is situated directly in front of the runway, featuring several smaller reef plateaus interspersed with sandy trenches. The dive site reaches depths between 18 and 26 meters. During the appropriate season, eagle rays may be spotted here, along with common sightings of lionfish, scorpionfish, and moray eels.
Rutaki Drop Off
Rutaki Drop Off features a deep sand channel that connects Rutaki Passage to the drop-off. Divers can explore the reef plateau, the edge of the drop-off, or venture into deeper areas of the reef. This site is notable for its parrotfish mating activities and is a good location for observing turtles, barracudas, and tunas. Additionally, divers interested in macro life will find nudibranchs and scorpion fish present in the area.
Rutaki Drop Off
Rutaki Drop Off features a deep sand channel that connects Rutaki Passage to the drop-off. Divers can explore the reef plateau, the edge of the drop-off, or venture into deeper areas of the reef. This site is notable for its parrotfish mating activities and is a good location for observing turtles, barracudas, and tunas. Additionally, divers interested in macro life will find nudibranchs and scorpion fish present in the area.
Rutaki Passage
Rutaki Passage is characterized by its deep underwater channel with steep, vertical walls that begin just beneath the surface. The visibility typically ranges from 10 to 15 meters, contributing to the site's unique ambiance. Divers can explore various swim-throughs while navigating the often strong currents, making it an engaging dive experience. Common marine life includes turtles, whitetip reef sharks, and eagle rays, with large schools of fish frequently observed at the passage's entrance. Moray eels are also residents of this area.
Rutaki Passage
Rutaki Passage is characterized by its deep underwater channel with steep, vertical walls that begin just beneath the surface. The visibility typically ranges from 10 to 15 meters, contributing to the site's unique ambiance. Divers can explore various swim-throughs while navigating the often strong currents, making it an engaging dive experience. Common marine life includes turtles, whitetip reef sharks, and eagle rays, with large schools of fish frequently observed at the passage's entrance. Moray eels are also residents of this area.
Sunset Lava Tubes
Sunset Lava Tubes features a prominent coral shelf that ascends from depths of 18 meters to 5 meters. Divers can explore a network of caverns and small tunnels, which offer various overhead exit points. The depth range for this site is between 10 and 20 meters. It is an accessible overhead environment, ideal for observing marine life such as nudibranchs, lionfish, scorpionfish, cowrie shells, and anemones.
Sunset Lava Tubes
Sunset Lava Tubes features a prominent coral shelf that ascends from depths of 18 meters to 5 meters. Divers can explore a network of caverns and small tunnels, which offer various overhead exit points. The depth range for this site is between 10 and 20 meters. It is an accessible overhead environment, ideal for observing marine life such as nudibranchs, lionfish, scorpionfish, cowrie shells, and anemones.
Tables de Taravao
Tables de Taravao offers a unique diving experience characterized by a vertical drop-off featuring numerous crevices, where divers may encounter species such as platax and tuna. The dive also includes a section with a flat area adorned with vaulted troughs, providing an expansive area to explore. The topography is notable for its coral formations that have been elevated, creating an intriguing structure that serves as a habitat for various fish and crustaceans.
Tables de Taravao
Tables de Taravao offers a unique diving experience characterized by a vertical drop-off featuring numerous crevices, where divers may encounter species such as platax and tuna. The dive also includes a section with a flat area adorned with vaulted troughs, providing an expansive area to explore. The topography is notable for its coral formations that have been elevated, creating an intriguing structure that serves as a habitat for various fish and crustaceans.
Tahi Nui
Tahi Nui is situated near White Valley and features the remains of the Tahi Nui boat wreck, located at a depth of approximately 30 to 40 meters. The site is characterized by a stunning colony of rose-shaped coral that enhances the underwater landscape near a significant drop-off. Divers can expect to see a variety of iconic Polynesian marine life, including lagoon fish, sharks, turtles, and pelagic species. The coral garden is noted for its pink corals, contributing to the site's visual appeal.
Tahi Nui
Tahi Nui is situated near White Valley and features the remains of the Tahi Nui boat wreck, located at a depth of approximately 30 to 40 meters. The site is characterized by a stunning colony of rose-shaped coral that enhances the underwater landscape near a significant drop-off. Divers can expect to see a variety of iconic Polynesian marine life, including lagoon fish, sharks, turtles, and pelagic species. The coral garden is noted for its pink corals, contributing to the site's visual appeal.
Taotoi
Taotoi is a shore entry dive site located at coordinates -17.481800, -149.890800. This site is known for its diverse marine life, including Javanese morays, black tip sharks, and various reef fish species such as napoleon wrasses, trumpet fish, rainbow jacks, and giant triggerfish. It is particularly suitable for beginners and first-time divers, providing an opportunity to observe these species in their natural habitat.
Taotoi
Taotoi is a shore entry dive site located at coordinates -17.481800, -149.890800. This site is known for its diverse marine life, including Javanese morays, black tip sharks, and various reef fish species such as napoleon wrasses, trumpet fish, rainbow jacks, and giant triggerfish. It is particularly suitable for beginners and first-time divers, providing an opportunity to observe these species in their natural habitat.
Tapu
Tapu is a notable dive site characterized by a shallow coral plateau that transitions into a steep drop-off. Divers can explore a cave within the site, where lionfish are often observed. The area is known for sightings of blacktip and lemon sharks, along with other marine life such as Napoleon wrasse, turtles, and flying scorpion fish. The dive is accessible from the shore, making it convenient for divers looking to experience its diverse underwater ecosystem.
Tapu
Tapu is a notable dive site characterized by a shallow coral plateau that transitions into a steep drop-off. Divers can explore a cave within the site, where lionfish are often observed. The area is known for sightings of blacktip and lemon sharks, along with other marine life such as Napoleon wrasse, turtles, and flying scorpion fish. The dive is accessible from the shore, making it convenient for divers looking to experience its diverse underwater ecosystem.
Tapu
Tapu is located near the airport in Bora Bora, French Polynesia. It is primarily known for shark sightings, including grey and lemon sharks, along with marine life such as Napoleon wrasses, trevallies, triggerfish, moray eels, and sea turtles. The dive site has limited coral formations, and diving is possible year-round in warm waters.
Tapu
Tapu is located near the airport in Bora Bora, French Polynesia. It is primarily known for shark sightings, including grey and lemon sharks, along with marine life such as Napoleon wrasses, trevallies, triggerfish, moray eels, and sea turtles. The dive site has limited coral formations, and diving is possible year-round in warm waters.
Te Maru Ata
Te Maru Ata is a dive site situated near the Sofitel hotel at PK15. It features a series of canyons characterized by large coral formations, often referred to as 'coral mushrooms.' These structures provide shelter for whitetip sharks and Maori perch. Under calm conditions, divers can explore a notable canyon known as 'oho,' located adjacent to the coral reef.
Te Maru Ata
Te Maru Ata is a dive site situated near the Sofitel hotel at PK15. It features a series of canyons characterized by large coral formations, often referred to as 'coral mushrooms.' These structures provide shelter for whitetip sharks and Maori perch. Under calm conditions, divers can explore a notable canyon known as 'oho,' located adjacent to the coral reef.
Teavanui Pass
Teavanui Pass is a dive site accessible by boat, located at coordinates -16.494500, -151.776600. The site is characterized by the potential for strong currents, making it more suitable for advanced divers. Divers can expect to encounter a variety of pelagic species, including schools of jacks and barracudas. Additionally, blacktip reef sharks are frequently observed in the area, alongside a diverse array of coral fish. The dynamic marine life and current conditions contribute to the site's appeal for experienced divers.
Teavanui Pass
Teavanui Pass is a dive site accessible by boat, located at coordinates -16.494500, -151.776600. The site is characterized by the potential for strong currents, making it more suitable for advanced divers. Divers can expect to encounter a variety of pelagic species, including schools of jacks and barracudas. Additionally, blacktip reef sharks are frequently observed in the area, alongside a diverse array of coral fish. The dynamic marine life and current conditions contribute to the site's appeal for experienced divers.
Temae
Temae offers a straightforward dive experience that begins on a coral plateau at a depth of 15 meters. Divers can then descend along a gentle slope characterized by sandy tongues, where sightings of sharks are common. The area is home to a nursery for white tip sharks and sleeper sharks, alongside schools of coach fish, blue damselfish, and larger species such as tuna and jacks. Heterocongers, also known as arden eels, can also be observed in this location. The dive site is accessible from the shore.
Temae
Temae offers a straightforward dive experience that begins on a coral plateau at a depth of 15 meters. Divers can then descend along a gentle slope characterized by sandy tongues, where sightings of sharks are common. The area is home to a nursery for white tip sharks and sleeper sharks, alongside schools of coach fish, blue damselfish, and larger species such as tuna and jacks. Heterocongers, also known as arden eels, can also be observed in this location. The dive site is accessible from the shore.
Teonai
Teonai offers a dive that begins on the reef, leading to a descent along an oceanic drop-off. Divers will reach a plateau at a depth of 20 meters, where they can explore the area before returning to the channel to head back to the shore. The site features a diverse array of marine life, including schools of horse mackerel, as well as sightings of napoleons, eagle rays, and both black and white tip sharks. The depth range for this dive extends from 6 to 50 meters.
Tiki
Tiki is a dive site located approximately 10 minutes by boat from the shore, oriented from north to west. The site can be affected by waves and currents, making access dependent on prevailing weather conditions. Divers can expect to encounter a variety of marine life, including Grey Sharks, Lemon Sharks, Nurse Sharks, Black Tip Reef Sharks, Snappers, Wrasses, Pufferfish, Groupers, Turtles, Angelfish, and Butterflyfish.
Tiki
Tiki is a dive site located approximately 10 minutes by boat from the shore, oriented from north to west. The site can be affected by waves and currents, making access dependent on prevailing weather conditions. Divers can expect to encounter a variety of marine life, including Grey Sharks, Lemon Sharks, Nurse Sharks, Black Tip Reef Sharks, Snappers, Wrasses, Pufferfish, Groupers, Turtles, Angelfish, and Butterflyfish.
Tiputa Pass
Tiputa Pass, located in the Rangiroa Atoll, offers deep dives at approximately 40 meters (131 feet) where divers can observe various shark species including grey, white-tip, and hammerhead sharks. Additionally, common sightings include barracudas, eagle rays, moray eels, manta rays, and turtles. Due to strong currents, this dive site is recommended for advanced divers only.
Tombant d Ohotu
Tombant d Ohotu features a reef plateau that gently slopes down to a depth of 30 meters before leading to a drop-off. Divers can explore the wall along the reef, which culminates in a coral garden. This site is known for its rich marine life, serving as a nursery for various species. Common encounters include grey sharks, tunas, barracudas, jacks, and manta rays. The dive is suitable for divers of all experience levels and is accessed from the shore.
Tombant de Papeari
Tombant de Papeari features a reef drop-off adorned with gorgonians and soft corals. At a depth of 20 meters, divers can observe schools of chubs and paddletail snappers. In the deeper waters, mackerel scads may be seen, often pursued by bonito or tuna. Spadelfish (paraha peue) are also commonly found in this area. The coral diversity is significant, attracting researchers from CRIOBE who study the various species present at this site.
Tombant de Papeari
Tombant de Papeari features a reef drop-off adorned with gorgonians and soft corals. At a depth of 20 meters, divers can observe schools of chubs and paddletail snappers. In the deeper waters, mackerel scads may be seen, often pursued by bonito or tuna. Spadelfish (paraha peue) are also commonly found in this area. The coral diversity is significant, attracting researchers from CRIOBE who study the various species present at this site.
Toopua
Toopua is a dive site characterized by a steep drop-off where a variety of tropical fish congregate, including large anemones hosting clownfish. At the base of the wall, divers can find a sandy area frequented by leopard rays and eagle rays, which come to feed. The dive concludes in a vibrant coral garden, providing a diverse underwater landscape.
Toopua
Toopua is a dive site in a lagoon with a maximum depth of 18 meters (60 feet). Divers can expect to see diverse marine life including stingrays, leopard wrasses, clownfish, scorpionfish, nudibranchs, and blacktip reef sharks. At about 15 meters (50 feet), there is a sandy valley with eagle rays, leading to a large coral garden towards the end of the dive.
Toopua
Toopua is a dive site in a lagoon with a maximum depth of 18 meters (60 feet). Divers can expect to see diverse marine life including stingrays, leopard wrasses, clownfish, scorpionfish, nudibranchs, and blacktip reef sharks. At about 15 meters (50 feet), there is a sandy valley with eagle rays, leading to a large coral garden towards the end of the dive.
Toopua
Toopua is a dive site characterized by a steep drop-off where a variety of tropical fish congregate, including large anemones hosting clownfish. At the base of the wall, divers can find a sandy area frequented by leopard rays and eagle rays, which come to feed. The dive concludes in a vibrant coral garden, providing a diverse underwater landscape.
Tumakohua Pass
Tumakohua Pass in Fakarava offers a drift dive with an average depth of 20 meters (66 feet) and a maximum depth of 40 meters (131 feet). At approximately 28 meters (92 feet), there is a cave that provides a good vantage point for observing grey sharks, along with various marine life including parrotfish, goatfish, barracudas, groupers, and perch.
Tupai
Tupai is a remote dive site located at coordinates -16.302700, -151.803500, accessible from the shore. Divers can expect to encounter a variety of oceanic pelagic species, including grey reef sharks, black-and-white tip reef sharks, and occasionally hammerhead sharks and tuna. The site is notable for its proximity to a heart-shaped motu, providing a unique diving experience in Polynesia. The underwater environment is characterized by its rich marine life, making it a significant location for divers interested in pelagic fauna.
Tupai
Tupai is a remote dive site located at coordinates -16.302700, -151.803500, accessible from the shore. Divers can expect to encounter a variety of oceanic pelagic species, including grey reef sharks, black-and-white tip reef sharks, and occasionally hammerhead sharks and tuna. The site is notable for its proximity to a heart-shaped motu, providing a unique diving experience in Polynesia. The underwater environment is characterized by its rich marine life, making it a significant location for divers interested in pelagic fauna.
Tupapa Sandriver
Tupapa Sandriver features a sand channel bordered by coral reefs, beginning in the surf zone and extending towards a drop-off. The northern edge of the sand channel has a steep wall, while the southern side slopes more gently into deeper waters. The depth ranges from 18 to 40 meters. The site is characterized by healthy coral formations and a diverse fish population, with frequent sightings of reef predators and reef sharks as divers explore deeper areas.
Tupapa Sandriver
Tupapa Sandriver features a sand channel bordered by coral reefs, beginning in the surf zone and extending towards a drop-off. The northern edge of the sand channel has a steep wall, while the southern side slopes more gently into deeper waters. The depth ranges from 18 to 40 meters. The site is characterized by healthy coral formations and a diverse fish population, with frequent sightings of reef predators and reef sharks as divers explore deeper areas.
Tupitipiti
Tupitipiti is located southeast of Bora Bora and features a prominent drop-off with excellent visibility. At a depth of 20 meters, divers can explore a landscape characterized by caves, faults, and canyons. This area is frequented by various marine species, including nurse sharks and reef sharks, as well as gorgonians. As divers ascend along the vibrant coral wall, they may encounter species such as platax and Napoleon fish, along with schools of barracuda and jacks.
Tupitipiti
Tupitipiti is located southeast of Bora Bora and features a prominent drop-off with excellent visibility. At a depth of 20 meters, divers can explore a landscape characterized by caves, faults, and canyons. This area is frequented by various marine species, including nurse sharks and reef sharks, as well as gorgonians. As divers ascend along the vibrant coral wall, they may encounter species such as platax and Napoleon fish, along with schools of barracuda and jacks.