Diving in French Polynesia in December

Conditions in December

December in French Polynesia marks the beginning of the wet season, but don't let that deter you! While you might encounter more frequent, though typically brief, showers, the diving remains spectacular. The air temperature hovers consistently around a balmy 28-31°C (82-88°F), keeping you warm and comfortable between dives. Crucially for divers, the water temperature is wonderfully warm, generally sitting between 28-30°C (82-86°F). This means you can comfortably dive with a thin 3mm wetsuit, or even just a rash guard for those who prefer minimal insulation.

Visibility can be a little more variable compared to the dry season, particularly after heavy rainfall near the islands. However, in the outer atolls and further offshore, you can still expect excellent visibility, often exceeding 20-30 meters. The trade winds are typically lighter during this period, leading to calmer sea states more often than not, which is a blessing for those prone to seasickness and makes for smoother liveaboard journeys. While you might encounter some surface chop, especially around passes, underwater currents remain a defining feature of French Polynesia diving, exhilaratingly bringing in nutrients and, consequently, the big pelagic life.

So, while it’s technically the "wet season," December diving in French Polynesia offers a fantastic blend of warm waters, generally calm conditions, and the vibrant marine life the region is famous for. The occasional rain burst simply adds to the tropical charm, and often passes quickly, leaving behind pristine conditions.

What you will see

December is an incredible time to be in French Polynesia if you're chasing pelagic action, and let's be honest, who isn't? The nutrient-rich waters circulating through the passes bring an abundance of schooling fish, which in turn attract an impressive array of predators. You'll be absolutely spoiled for choice with sharks. Expect to encounter large numbers of grey reef sharks, blacktip reef sharks, whitetip reef sharks, and even the occasional silvertip shark patrolling the channels. It's not uncommon to witness impressive shark feeding frenzies, a truly exhilarating experience that puts you right in the heart of the action.

Beyond the sharks, December is also a prime time for manta rays, especially in locations like Fakarava where they congregate in certain passes to feed. You might encounter squadrons of these majestic creatures gracefully gliding through the water. Eagle rays are also a common sight, often seen cruising in formation. If you're lucky, you might even spot hammerhead sharks, which, while more elusive, are known to pass through the outer atolls during this time. Keep an eye out for humpback whales too, as some stragglers from their migration might still be passing through the warmer waters, though the peak season for them is earlier.

For those who appreciate the smaller wonders, the vibrant coral gardens are teeming with fusiliers, snappers, anthias, and a kaleidoscope of reef fish. Look closely, and you'll find plenty of macro subjects like nudibranchs, colorful crustaceans, and moray eels peeking out from their rocky hideouts. The sheer biodiversity here is staggering, ensuring every dive offers something new and exciting, whether it’s a massive school of barracuda or a tiny, camouflaged crab.

Top dive sites this month

When diving in French Polynesia in December, you absolutely cannot miss the Tuamotu Archipelago. This region, a diver's paradise, is particularly phenomenal during this transitional period. Fakarava’s South Pass (Tumakohua) is legendary for its "shark wall" and the sheer volume of marine life it attracts. The current dives through this pass are an adrenaline rush, offering unparalleled encounters with hundreds of grey reef sharks, marbled groupers, and possibly even manta rays. Similarly, Tiputa Pass in Rangiroa is another world-class site, renowned for its strong currents that bring in large schools of barracuda, jacks, and of course, an abundance of sharks, including the exciting possibility of seeing great hammerheads at certain times.

Further south, Tikehau is famous for its vibrant coral gardens and a healthy population of manta rays and eagle rays, making it a fantastic choice for encounters with these graceful giants. While the passes dominate the conversation, the outer reef walls also offer incredible drift dives bursting with healthy corals and an array of macro life. Exploring these diverse sites on a liveaboard allows you to maximize your dive time and experience the best French Polynesia has to offer during December.

Practical tips for your trip

As mentioned, a 3mm shorty or full wetsuit will be perfectly adequate for the warm December waters (28-30°C / 82-86°F), or even just a rash guard for those who run warm. This month generally suits all levels of divers. Beginners will appreciate the calmer sea states, especially around the lagoons and less current-prone sites. However, many of the iconic dives in places like Fakarava and Rangiroa involve strong currents, making them more suitable for advanced divers comfortable with drift diving techniques. If you're newer to diving, make sure to communicate your experience level to your dive operator so they can tailor your dives appropriately.

Liveaboard availability in December can vary. Some operators consider it the shoulder season, so you might find better deals, but the Christmas and New Year period typically sees a surge in bookings. It’s always best to book well in advance, especially if you have specific dates or a particular liveaboard in mind. Don't forget reef-safe sunscreen, a wide-brimmed hat, and insect repellent for evenings. While WiFi is usually available on liveaboards, it can be spotty, so embrace the digital detox! Be aware that some shops and services on the smaller islands might operate on reduced hours around the holiday period. Embrace the relaxed pace, and you'll have an unforgettable diving adventure with Blue Rides in French Polynesia.