SOUTH PACIFICS´ DREAM FOR SCUBA DIVERS

Romantic small islands with turquoise waters above the sea level and thrilling currents with great marine life below. Explore both in one liveaboard trip in the atolls of French Polynesia.

French Polynesia is composed of 118 geographically dispersed islands and atolls stretching over an expanse of more than 2,000 kilometers in the South Pacific Ocean and is an overseas collectivity of the French Republic. The islands are as romantic as imagined when hearing the name: turquoise clear water, white sandy beaches, palm trees and sunny weather. But for divers, the world below the surface is more interesting. 

The narrow channels and passes leading to the inner lagoons from the open ocean teem with life. Dive with sharks and schools of fish, swim alongside manta rays, eagle rays and enjoy thrilling drift dives. Due to so many dive spots all around the 118 islands, the best option to make the most out of your trip is a liveaboard cruise.

WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO VISIT FRENCH POLYNESIA?

French Polynesia can be visited year-round. However, in winter the visibility can be a bit poorer due to some rain. However, November to April has considered the best season thanks to an influx of pelagic-attracting plankton. The water temperature ranges between 26 and 29 degrees throughout the year and the visibility is a minimum of 30 m.

WHAT ARE THE BEST DIVE SPOTS IN FRENCH POLYNESIA?

Fakarava, the second largest of the Tuamotos is a UNESCO biosphere reserve. One of the best dive sites here is by far the Garuae Pass. The largest pass in French Polynesia provides incredible dive experiences. Diving on the beautifully biodiverse reef is available for less experienced divers where more experienced divers can also enjoy drift dives. You may be presented with a wall of grey reef sharks, hundreds of other fish species such as tuna, barracuda, parrot-fish, turtles, napoleon fish and the much-loved manta ray.

Rangiroa is the largest atoll in the Tuamotos and the second largest in the world. It is most famous for its pass dives with strong currents and its high numbers of sharks. The currents through Avatoru and Tiputa pass, the two main passes for diving in Rangiroa flourish in the ebb of the tide with small fish, along with attracting their bigger predatory brothers. Apart from the big animals, you can see vibrant hard and soft corals and a flourishing reef life with turtles, eagle rays, dolphins and much more fish.

Moorea offers something for both shark lovers and coral lovers. The reef is carpeted with flower-like montipora coral. The blue is filled with tons of hunting blacktip sharks, grey and lemon sharks up to 3 meters.

Other stunning dive spots are Tahiti, Bora Bora, Tetiaroa and Tikehau. Explore some interesting wrecks, fly in the current along with sharks, dolphins and turtles and enjoy the healthy reefs.

LIVEABOARDS IN FRENCH POLYNESIA

Most liveaboard tours concentrate on the Fakarava Atoll and the Marquesa Islands, another beautiful diving destination. All liveaboards provide a high level of luxury to make you enjoy your trip to the fullest.

However, diving in French Polynesia can be quite challenging due to strong currents. That´s why most liveaboards require a minimum dive certification of Advanced Open Water or equivalent with 50 logged dives. Make sure to check all requirements carefully before your booking.