Dive Site: Bora Bora - Tupitipiti

About Bora Bora - Tupitipiti

Tupitipiti Point is a renowned dive site located on the southeast outer reef of Bora Bora, celebrated for its unique underwater topography and rich marine biodiversity. This site features a steep drop-off that plunges into seemingly bottomless depths, adorned with striking purple corals and an array of colorful sponges. The dramatic landscape provides a haven for a variety of larger fish species, making it a compelling destination for experienced divers. Diving at Tupitipiti reveals a vibrant ecosystem thriving on the reef's wall and within its caves and faults. Expect encounters with pelagic life attracted to the deep, alongside reef dwellers that find shelter in the intricate coral formations. The conditions at Tupitipiti, including potential currents and depth, generally require good weather for safe and enjoyable exploration. Unlike the calm lagoon dives, Tupitipiti offers an exhilarating experience on the ocean side, where the pristine reef meets the deep blue. Divers can expect excellent visibility, allowing for clear views of the diverse marine inhabitants and the impressive underwater structures. This site perfectly encapsulates the allure of Bora Bora's offshore diving, combining spectacular scenery with abundant wildlife.

Dive site facts: Bora Bora - Tupitipiti

Depth

variable, steep drop-off

Current

variable, can be strong

Visibility

30-40 m

Water temperature

26-29°C

Entry

Boat

Level

Intermediate to Advanced

Dive type

Wall, drift

Region / port

Bora Bora, Society Islands

Coordinates

-16.55, -151.69

Conditions & Currents

Tupitipiti Point, being an outer reef dive, can experience currents, necessitating good weather conditions for safe diving. Divers should be prepared for potential strong currents along the steep drop-off. Visibility at this site is generally excellent, often exceeding 30 meters, contributing to a clear view of the deep wall and marine life. Water temperatures are consistently warm, averaging around 28°C year-round. Given its exposed location, the dive may involve negative entries and boat exits, with careful attention to surge and current direction required, particularly for intermediate to advanced divers.

Marine life & sighting chances

Lemon shark

occasional

Blacktip reef shark

occasional

White-tip shark

occasional

Gray reef shark

occasional

Leopard ray

occasional

Eagle ray

occasional

Grouper

common

Large parrotfish

common

School of jacks

occasional

School of barracudas

occasional

Dogtooth tuna

occasional

Dive profile & how the dive runs

Entry at Tupitipiti Point is typically a negative entry from a tender directly onto the outer reef. Divers immediately descend along the steep drop-off, exploring its walls, faults, and small caves. The dive proceeds along the coral-rich face, keeping an eye out for pelagic species in the blue and reef inhabitants sheltering in crevices. Depths can vary significantly along the wall, but most of the interesting reef life is found within recreational limits. The turnaround point is often determined by gas consumption or current, and the ascent is made along the reef wall. A safety stop is typically conducted at a shallower depth, often near the top of the reef, before surfacing for a boat pick-up.

Underwater photography

Tupitipiti's dramatic deep drop-offs, vibrant purple corals, and diverse large marine life offer excellent photography opportunities. For wide-angle shots, a fisheye or wide-angle lens is ideal to capture the expansive wall and schooling fish. External strobes are recommended to bring out the true colors of the corals and sponges, especially at deeper sections. Be mindful of potential currents, which can make framing shots challenging; good buoyancy control is essential. When photographing larger subjects like sharks and rays, allow them space and avoid sudden movements to capture natural behavior.

Combine with nearby dive sites

• Bora Bora - Tapu

  Known for abundant shark encounters, including lemon and blacktip sharks.

• Bora Bora - Anau

  Famous for its manta ray cleaning station and consistent manta sightings.

• Moorea - Tiki Point

  Features a stone Tiki statue and attracts numerous fish and various shark species.

• Moorea - The Canyons

  Offers impressive lava structures and alleys with abundant sharks, rays, and turtles.

Getting there & logistics

Access to Bora Bora is typically via Faa'a International Airport (PPT) in Tahiti, followed by a domestic flight to Bora Bora Airport (BOB). Dive trips to Tupitipiti Point usually depart from dive centers located around Bora Bora. Many liveaboards and land-based dive packages combine dives across various Bora Bora sites, sometimes extending to other Society Islands. There are no specific park fees for diving at Tupitipiti, but standard dive operator costs apply. Most trips are day excursions, though multi-day packages are common, offering a comprehensive exploration of Bora Bora's dive offerings.

Safety & environment

The nearest recompression chamber for French Polynesia is located in Tahiti, necessitating robust dive planning and emergency procedures. Evacuation from Bora Bora to Tahiti involves domestic air travel, which can add significant time in an emergency. Divers must ensure they have comprehensive dive insurance covering medical emergencies and evacuation. At Tupitipiti Point, site-specific hazards include potential strong currents and deep drop-offs, requiring good buoyancy control and experience with drift diving. Always dive with a reputable operator, follow your dive guide's instructions, and stay within your certification limits.

Who it suits — and who it doesn't

FAQ

Bora Bora - Tupitipiti FAQ

Liveaboards diving Bora Bora - Tupitipiti

These liveaboards may visit Bora Bora - Tupitipiti on selected itineraries — the exact dive sites depend on departure, weather and conditions.

Aqua Tiki II

French Polynesia

8 guests

$578/day

Aqua Tiki III

French Polynesia

10 guests20 m

$504/day