Marine life
Polynesia is one of the best diving destinations in the world. Diving in Polynesia is a dream for most of the divers. The archipelago has about 800 underwater species and 118 islands. Each island of the archipelago Paradise houses a rich and specific biodiversity. Rurutu for the whales, Tuamotu for its sharks and dolphins, Bora-Bora rays, Moorea for its coral roses, Raiatea for its soft coral, The Marquises for its pygmy killer whales… The water is clear and transparent and the countless dive sites of French Polynesia offers an impressive underwater show.
Best period to go diving in Polynesia?
In Polynesia in the southern hemisphere, the seasons are reversed. The best time to dive in French Polynesia is from March to November, at which time the weather out of the water is slightly better. But do not dwell on these dates because the conditions are exceptional all throughout the year.
Events not to miss:
- • In June: Groupers Mating in Fakarava.
- • From April to September in Maupiti ans all year in Bora Bora: Period Manta Rays.
- • From August to October: Period humpback whales.
- • From December to March: Period hammerhead sharks.
- • All year long in Bora Bora:Schools of eagle rays
Scuba Diving Conditions
Diving conditions are excellent all year around in the archipelago.
Visibility: The visibility in French Polynesia is simply outstanding. 60 meters 200 feet in general and up to 100 meters 330 feet in exceptional times.
Current: The current is rather high and allows fine drift dives.
Difficulty: The difficulty varies depending on the dive sites.Typically, the clear water aquariums of Polynesia are accessible at any level and Polynesia is a good place for a first level. However, some passes have a strong current and are in fact reserved for experienced divers
The water temperature in French Polynesia is bewteen 25°C and 30°C throughout the year. We told you, it is a paradise for divers. Enjoy.
What to see while diving?
French Polynesia has one of the richest faunas of the underwater world with over 800 species. Between whales, rays, sharks or dolphins, scuba diving alone justifies a trip to the archipelago. Sometimes you have to push the fish to make your way. Moreover, the presence of shark is guaranteed. While French Polynesia is not known for its corals, in Moorea, you can admire beautiful pink corals. In some areas like Rangiroa, dolphins are resident. Players, dolphins are particularly fond of Polynesian waters but are more difficult to observe during the Humpback whale season August-October. Humpback Whales will appears particularly during the austral winter August-October. You will have opportunities to observe them in Tahiti and Moorea during their migratory journey but also in Rurutu, where they remain for several days to give birth. Magnificent Manta rays, which deployed large black wings can reach up to 7 meters wide, often wander between the archipelagos. Diving with manta rays will be easier in Bora Bora and in the Tuamotus. The best season to dive with Manta rays in French Polynesia is from June to October. Polynesia is one of the best places in the world to see sharks. In Rangiroa, you will be able to see walls of sharks when the current is favorable in the entry of Tiputa pass. The great hammerhead sharks are numerous from November to April in Rangiroa.
Diving cruise in French Polynesia
Enjoy your dive stay in French Polynesia by booking a diving cruise. To discover a wide choice of cruises, we invite you to visit the website of our partner liveaboard. You will have the chance to observe different species such as manta ray, dolphin, tiger shark and many others. You can discover throughout your cruise various diving spots, for some accessible only by cruising. You can book your next stay in French Polynesia by booking on liveaboard. You will be able thanks to our partner to dive in Rangiroa atoll one of the biggest of the world or that of Fakarava.
