Scuba Diving Tahiti

The amazing islands of French Polynesia, which provided the inspiration for the artist Paul Gauguin’s vivid and passionate images of the South Seas, must be everyone’s dream of the South Pacific. Towering mountains clad in dense vegetation, atolls and lagoons formed by strings of idyllic low-lying coral islands; little wonder that the crew of the Bounty defied Captain Bligh in order to stay on in these magical islands with their beautiful inhabitants! Add to this some of the most stunning pelagic encounters and pristine hard coral reefs and it is clear why divers, but also honeymooners are happy to choose Tahiti vacation packages and make the long journey to the South Pacific.

French Polynesia comprises five distinct island groups: the Society Islands, the Tuamotu Islands, the Gambier Islands, the Austral Islands and the far-flung Marquesas Islands, most of which offer superb diving. Many areas of French Polynesia are still relatively undeveloped and undiscovered and offer adventurous travelers exciting excursions on land and by sea. A lot of the islands are crowned with jagged peaks while others appear to barely float above the breaking waves. Spread over an area as large as Western Europe, the total land mass of all the islands adds up to an area only slightly larger than the tiny state of Rhode Island. The three archipelagos most sought after for Tahiti vacation packages are the Society Islands, comprised of Tahiti, Moorea, Bora Bora, Huahine, Raiatea and Taha'a; The Tuamotu Atolls or "Tahiti's Strand of Pearls", include the atolls of Rangiroa with its 42 mile long turquoise lagoon, Manihi, Tikehau an almost circular atoll with an interior lagoon, and Fakarava; and the Marquesas, or "The Mysterious Islands.

Diving around Tahiti and Tahiti Iti is perfect for both beginning and advanced divers. Highlights include clear, shallow waters; steep oceanic drop-offs; sunken vessels; walls of bright coral; and schools of smaller species. A Tahiti vacation offers excellent variety and density of dive sites.
The largest of 118 islands and atolls is Tahiti which boasts the stunning Society Islands and the remote archipelago of the Tuamotus. The mountainous Society Islands have beautiful lagoons protected by barrier reefs. A bounty of exquisite reef fish, fine reefs and the special attraction of Manta Rays and sharks lure divers in this direction. The low-lying Tuamotus, with their classic coral islands and islets, offer divers some of the most exhilarating pelagic, and particularly shark, encounters anywhere in the world. Together they offer an absolute feast for the eyes. The intensely blue depths are home to some of the most beautiful species ever created by nature. Tahiti's fields of hard corals are also home to a wide variety of tropical Pacific fish and reef dwellers from clams with vibrantly-colored mantles to the curious Napoleon wrasse. Manta rays, hammerhead sharks and dolphins also frequent these waters which are renowned for their big animal encounters. Complimented by its rich Polynesian history, culture and the friendly, beautiful local people a Tahiti vacation or, especially for honeymooners a Bora Bora vacation, caters for an unforgettable experience.

240 kilometers North West of Tahiti in the Society Islands lies Bora Bora. Two islands joined by a narrow isthmus and enclosed by a protective necklace of coral. The islands that unquestionably speak to the imagination most, the most mythical of the Pacific; it is hard to find the right words to describe the magic that emanates from this island. The castle-like Mount Otemanu that pierces the sky with its lush tropical slopes and valleys that blossom with hibiscus, while palm-covered Motu circle the crystal lagoon like a delicate necklace and perfect white-sand beaches give way to emerald waters where impossibly colored fish animate the coral gardens. Bora Bora has become the ideal place for honeymooners and other romantics to celebrate life and experience a oneness with this extraordinary environment that is simply magical. Special honeymoon packages Tahiti and especially Bora Bora resorts or the luxury of Bora Bora hotels add to the most extraordinary diving.

No matter where you dive in Tahiti, you won’t be disappointed!


VISA Citizens of most Western countries can obtain a visa-on-arrival in Tahiti and her Islands rather than securing one in advance. Some nationalities are required to obtain a visa from a French embassy in their home countries prior to travel to Tahiti. Passports must be valid for six months from your date of arrival in the country.

LANGUAGE The official languages are French and Tahitian. The indigenous population speaks also other Polynesian languages. English is widely understood, mainly by islanders accustomed to dealing with foreign visitors.

TIME GMT +9 / +9.5 / +10

CURRENCY The official currency is the French Pacific Franc.
Exchange facilities are available at the airport, major banks and at authorised hotels and shops in Papeete. American Express, Diners Club, MasterCard and Visa are all accepted. ATMs are common on Tahiti, with a few on the smaller islands. Travellers are advised to take traveller's cheques in US Dollars or Euros.

CLIMATE Temperate, but cooled by sea breezes. Two main seasons: humid (hot and wet) from November to March, cool and dry from April to October.

VACCINES Vaccinations against tuberculosis and hepatitis B are sometimes recommended. Check with your embassy or consulate, as well as with a knowledgeable doctor, for detailed information on current health issues. Medical facilities are good on the major islands. Private medical insurance is recommended.

ELECTRICITY 110/220 volts AC, 60Hz. US-style two-pin plugs are in use.

AIRPORT TAX There is no airport departure tax.