It is impossible, on a single trip, to discover the full richness of diving in French Polynesia as there are so many islands and extraordinary sites within its 5 archipelagos.

The sublime islands of the Society, the charm of the coral crowns of the Tuamotu, the unsuspected wonders of the waters of the Marquesas, or Rurutu, aptly named the whale island of the Austral Islands. The hardest part will be making a choice!

A wide variety of environments awaits you between turquoise lagoons, coral reefs, passes, and even wrecks! On the side of Tahiti and Moorea, you will encounter tiger sharks, reef sharks, parrotfish, triggerfish amidst coral patches, canyons, and magnificent fields of table corals. The Tuamotu Archipelago is, without a doubt, the most impressive with some of the most beautiful passes in the world. The outgoing or incoming current, depending on the tide, will lead you into a vibrant life. At the Rangiroa atoll, the Tiputa pass will offer you the most beautiful spectacle: large dolphins, manta rays, hawksbill turtles, grey and blacktip sharks, barracudas, and also, if you are lucky, the majestic great hammerhead shark Mokarran. In the Marquesas, the islands of Hiva Oa and Tahuata welcome you for dives in a completely preserved environment where mantas are ubiquitous in waters also hosting jacks, dogtooth tunas, and hammerheads. In the Austral Islands, a visit to Rurutu will allow you to live an extraordinary experience swimming alongside whales and their calves, present from July to October.

Iconic species of Polynesian waters

Designated sanctuaries for whales and marine mammals since 2002, Tahiti and its islands is a preserved area of nearly 5 million km². You will encounter dolphins and humpback whales as well as hundreds of schools of tropical fish (clowns, butterflies, long-horned cowfish…), sharks (grey reef, blacktip, lemon, tiger, hammerhead, or whale sharks…), stingrays and manta rays as well as hawksbill, green and loggerhead turtles. The fixed fauna is just as varied and lively with coral formations (reefs, patches, gardens…) offering patchworks of incredible shapes and colors.

It is one of the rare regions in the world where getting in the water with the whales is possible. Tours, accompanied by accredited guides, are possible notably off Moorea and Tahiti in the Society Archipelago but also, for more intimate encounters, around Rurutu, in the Austral Islands. Getting in the water with the large cetaceans is strictly regulated to ensure the respect for the animals and the safety of all. It is required to maintain a safe distance, let the whales approach you, and never chase or block their way. Swimming with these majestic creatures is a great privilege for visitors who often emerge transformed by this experience.

The Tuamotu Islands, the kingdom of sharks

Large lagoons surrounded by coral reefs and open to the ocean through passes that are true highways for marine life, this is what the Tuamotu evoke to every diver’s mind. These passes host schools of sharks, manta rays, dolphins, barracudas, turtles, eagle rays… Discover diving at Rangiroa, Fakarava, Tikehau, and Mahini!

The Society Islands, for all immersion desires

Gateway to your Polynesian stay, The Society Islands group the Windward Islands Archipelago and the Leeward Islands Archipelago. Tahiti, Moorea, Taha’a, Raiatea, Bora Bora, Huahine… The names of each of these islands invite dreamers and divers alike!

The Marquesas, dives in the land of men

The mention of the Marquesas, this archipelago located more than 3h30 by flight north of Tahiti, is still rare on the side of divers. However, since 2018, a dive center has opened on the island ofHiva Oa and offers you the chance to discover the unsuspected wonders of the Marquesan seabed.

The Austral Islands, sanctuaries of whales

Each year, between July and November, humpback whales choose the warm waters of the Austral Islands to reproduce and give birth to their calves. Rurutu is the most popular island for these encounters. « The Whale Island » offers intimate outings in small groups, supervised by accredited guides for privileged snorkeling encounters. There is no diving structure on the island, but during your snorkeling trips, you will have a fine overview of the coral formations and schools of fish present in the preserved waters of this still wild island. Whales are also visible off the island of Tubuai which also houses many drop-offs, coral gardens, small caves, canyons, etc. On the island of Raivavae, a fabulous coral barrier full of life awaits you.

The Gambiers Islands, pearls of Polynesia

While diving is not an activity that has developed in the Gambiers Archipelago, you can still enjoy the turquoise lagoons and the many tropical fish they host, for example, on the island of, during a snorkeling session. Land excursions will take you to the heights of the island’s verdant peaks and you can also visit a pearl farm, as the region is renowned for pearl farming. , during a snorkeling session. Land excursions will take you to the heights of the island’s verdant peaks and you can also visit a pearl farm, as the region is renowned for pearl farming., lors d’une session de snorkeling. Des excursions terrestres vous feront prendre de la hauteur sur les sommets verdoyants de l’île et vous pourrez également visiter une ferme perlière, la région étant réputée pour la culture des perles.

opening image © Vincent Truchet