Diving the wrecks in French Polynesia
0 dive sites

Diving the wrecks in French Polynesia

Here you will find the best wreck dive sites in French Polynesia — 0 spots with depth, level, current and the liveaboards that visit them.

Wreck diving in French Polynesia — what to expect

French Polynesia is where wreck stops being a plan on paper and becomes the dive you keep talking about.

Wreck diving means exploring sunken ships, planes and other man-made structures that have turned into artificial reefs. Expect metal architecture, history and often deeper profiles, with penetration reserved for trained divers. Here you will find the best wreck dive sites in French Polynesia — 0 real spots with depth, level, current and access. Compare conditions, season and marine life, then pick the site that matches your certification and experience. Every listing links to the liveaboards and dive resorts in French Polynesia that actually visit these sites.

Why divers fly to French Polynesia

The most breathtaking wreck dive sites in French Polynesia

Every wreck dive site in French Polynesia worth planning a trip around — ranked by what you actually see underwater and how reliably it can be dived.

Depth, level, current, best season and the liveaboards that dive them: all 0 dive sites in one place.

Editorial ranking

Top 15 Wreck worldwide

Our editorial top 15, based on how often each site appears in published best-of rankings, dive guides and operator reports.

From shallow coral-encrusted artificial reefs to deep, historically significant war graves, these wrecks span every certification level and interest.

Compare depth, current, access and the liveaboards that reach each site to plan your next wreck diving adventure.

1

SS Thistlegorm

Egypt

1941 WWII cargo wreck, ~30 m, Red Sea, sunk by German bombers

Suitable for
Current
Access
Depth
Theme
Wreck
sites
2

San Francisco Maru

Micronesia (chuuk/truk Lagoon)

117 m Japanese cargo ship sunk in 1944 Operation Hailstone, 64 m depth

Suitable for
Current
Access
Depth
Theme
Wreck
sites

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

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

0 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.