Dive Sites in French Polynesia
56 dive sites11 liveaboard-only sites

Dive Sites in French Polynesia

Diving in French Polynesia means non-stop shark action and fast drift dives — from Fakarava South Pass to Tiputa Pass. Every dive site in French Polynesia with depth, current, certification level and best season, plus the liveaboard itineraries that actually dive them.

Diving in French Polynesia

French Polynesia is one of the world's great liveaboard destinations, with 56 mapped dive sites covering reefs, walls, drifts, channels and wrecks.

Every site below shows depth range, certification level, current, access and the best season, so you can judge at a glance whether it fits your experience. Start with the full site list, then explore dive sites by type, the nearest decompression chambers and the marine life you can expect in French Polynesia.

All 56 dive sites in French Polynesia

All 56 dive sites in French Polynesia

Depth range, certification level, dive type, access and current at a glance.

Open any site for its full profile, best season and the liveaboards that dive it in French Polynesia.

56 dive sites

South Pass - Fakarava

French Polynesia

Fakarava's South Pass, known locally as Tumakohua Pass, is a renowned drift dive located in the Tuamotu archipelago of French Polynesia, a designated UNESCO biosphere reserve.

Suitable for
Advanced
Current
Strong
Access
Liveaboard or dayboat
Depth
22–24 m
Theme
Channel / Drift

North Pass - Fakarava

French Polynesia

Fakarava, a UNESCO biosphere reserve within the Tuamotu Archipelago, stands as a premier dive destination renowned for its exceptional marine biodiversity.

Suitable for
Intermediate
Current
Strong
Access
Liveaboard or dayboat
Depth
8–25 m
Theme
Drift

Tikehau - Tuheiava Pass

French Polynesia

Tuheiava Pass, located in Tikehau, French Polynesia, is a renowned dive site in the stunning Tuamotu Archipelago, offering exceptional marine encounters.

Suitable for
Intermediate
Current
Strong
Access
Liveaboard or dayboat
Depth
6–35 m
Theme
Channel / Drift

Tahiti - The Aquarium

French Polynesia

Tahiti - The Aquarium offers a unique and accessible diving experience within the vibrant marine environment of French Polynesia.

Suitable for
Beginner
Current
Strong
Access
Liveaboard or dayboat
Depth
3–12 m
Theme
Drift / Reef

Dive sites by type

Wrecks, walls, drifts, caves and pinnacles in this area.
Reef diving33 dive sites
Reef diving
Drift diving24 dive sites
Drift diving
Wall diving16 dive sites
Wall diving
Channel diving8 dive sites
Channel diving
Cave diving5 dive sites
Cave diving
Pinnacle diving2 dive sites
Pinnacle diving
Wreck diving1 dive sites
Wreck diving

Decompression chambers in French Polynesia

Verified hyperbaric facilities that cover the diving areas of in French Polynesia. Always confirm availability locally before a trip and dive with valid insurance.

LocationFacilityRelevant for
Papeete, TahitiCentre Hospitalier de Polynésie Française, unité du caisson hyperbare (24/7)Tahiti, Moorea, Rangiroa, Fakarava, Bora Bora

Marine life you can see in French Polynesia

The species most often logged on French Polynesia's dive sites.
43 dive sites
Grey Reef Shark
30 dive sites
Barracuda
29 dive sites
Eagle Ray
28 dive sites
Blacktip Reef Shark
27 dive sites
Napoleon Wrasse
25 dive sites
Whitetip Reef Shark
23 dive sites
Green Turtle
20 dive sites
Reef Manta Ray
19 dive sites
Hawksbill Turtle
16 dive sites
Humpback Whale
16 dive sites
Lemon Shark
16 dive sites
Tiger Shark

Liveaboards diving in French Polynesia

Liveaboard diving in French Polynesia means more dive sites per trip: these vessels run real, bookable departures with cabins for solo divers, buddy teams and small groups. Compare boat size, cabin layout, dive deck and nitrox, then check the cheapest price per day before you book. Every French Polynesia dive safari below is confirmed with live availability and current operator pricing.

Aqua Tiki II liveaboard diving in French Polynesia – view trips, cabins and prices

Aqua Tiki II

French Polynesia

$579
Aqua Tiki III liveaboard diving in French Polynesia – view trips, cabins and prices

Aqua Tiki III

French Polynesia

$504

Conditions & practicalities

Diving in French Polynesia: seasons, conditions and logistics

56 dive sites in French Polynesia — here is what the season data says about the best months, water temperature, visibility and currents, plus how divers usually get there and which fees to budget for.

Best months
May–Oct
Water temperature
25–29 °C
Visibility
18–40 m
Currents
No data yet
Getting there
Most divers fly into the nearest international airport and continue by transfer or domestic flight to the departure port; liveaboards usually leave the evening before day one.
Permits & fees
Marine park fees, port taxes and nitrox are rarely included in the trip price — budget a few hundred dollars extra and check the visa rules before booking.

FAQ

Diving in French Polynesia FAQ

When is the best time to dive in French Polynesia?
The peak diving season in French Polynesia is generally May to October (dry season, whale season July-November), with the best visibility, marine life activity and weather conditions. See our month-by-month best-time-to-dive guides for full details.
Do I need a liveaboard to dive in French Polynesia?
A liveaboard gives you access to remote dive sites in French Polynesia that day boats cannot reach, plus 3–5 dives per day in maximum comfort. For the best dives in French Polynesia, a liveaboard is the recommended choice.
What certification do I need to dive in French Polynesia?
Most French Polynesia liveaboards require Open Water as a minimum, with Advanced Open Water and 30+ logged dives recommended for currents and deeper sites. Some expert routes require Tech or 100+ dives.
How much does a French Polynesia liveaboard cost?
Liveaboard prices in French Polynesia typically range from €1,500 to €6,000+ per week depending on vessel category, route length and season. Browse the boats below for live pricing.
Do I need a visa for French Polynesia?
Visa requirements vary by your nationality. Always check the latest entry rules with the destination's official government source before booking flights.
Is diving in French Polynesia safe for beginners?
Many French Polynesia sites are beginner-friendly, but some routes feature strong currents or deep walls suited only to experienced divers. Check each vessel's recommended experience level.
Plan your trip

Ready to dive in French Polynesia?

Explore the French Polynesia destination guide or search liveaboards that visit these sites.