You can dive in French Polynesia all year round, however you will have the best diving conditions between the months of April to November.

Local visibility of reaches 130 feet (40 meters). Average temperature in the ocean is 79F (26C) in the winter season and 84F (29C) during summer. With only half degree difference, there is no notable temperature variation between the surface and 166 feet (50m). A light weight wet suit, 1/8 inch (3mm), or even a Lycra suit is largely sufficient for thermal protection all year around.

Should it be in the high volcanic islands or the atolls, three different areas of exploration are offered:

• The lagoon, nature's swimming pool, is generally shallow with very clear water, which makes it an ideal place for "Discover Scuba Lessons" or for developing proficiency in scuba technique.
• The oceanic drop off, is the part of the reef that is the most alive with coral. The water is crystal clear and of a deep oceanic blue color. It offers all of the diverse sea life associated with coral reefs including the small colorful fish and the larger predator.
• The passes, natural openings in the barrier reef that connect the lagoon with the ocean, are always areas of strong animal sharks. Due to the currents that are present when the tide change, it is only possible to dive at certain hours of the day.

 

Local Legislation in this French Territory limits the number of dives to two per day. You may generally do one dive in the morning and another dive in the afternoon or at night.

Diving centers follow very strict safety regulations, but since most of the diving in French Polynesia is rather easy in favorable conditions, even newly certified divers will have no trouble finding good diving spots. For divers who wish additional training, most centers offer continuing diver education and deliver full certifications: C.M.A.S (World Underwater Federation), F.F.E.S.S.M (French Underwater Federation), and P.A.D.I (Professional Association of DIving Instrucors). In addition to your certification card, you should also furnish your log book where your recent dives are mentionned. You should also be able to furnish a recent medical certificate stating that you are fit for diving as it may be requested at some diving centers.

You should consider bringing your own diving equipment. However, it is not required, since most diving centers rent all necessary equipment or include it in their dive rate. Scuba tanks are generally furnished with stabilizing jackets and regulators usually have a tank pressure gauge.

The equipment that is rented is subject to periodic check-ups and is thus very reliable. On every dive, you will be accompanied by an experienced dive guide who is also an instructor. The guide knows the different local conditions and specific dive areas quite well and will greatly contribute to a very safe and enjoyable dive holiday. In French Polynesia this service is included automatically without extra charge.

French Polynesia is composed of a multitude of islands and the territory possesses one of the best sea search and rescue programs. In case of an accident in the outer islands, there is an accident evacuation procedure, either by airplane or helicopter, available anytime of the day or night. Tahiti has an ultra modern recompression chamber along with a team of highly trained doctors in hyperbaric medecine.

There are numerous species of marine life in local waters, from small butterfly fish with dazzling colors among attractive coral gardens to bigger fish such as napoleons, manta rays, reef sharks (not agressive as they are in other parts of the world), tunas, large schools of jacks, snappers or barracudas. French Polynesia is among the few places in the world where all these fish can be approched easily.

Diving centers are located in Tahiti, Moorea, Huahine, Bora Bora, Rangiroa and Manihi. Each of those islands have something special to offer and dive sites are differents. However, the best dives sites are in the atolls of Rangiroa and Manihi.

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