Scuba diving in French Polynesia

The best scuba diving in French Polynesia is centered around ocean passes, steep drop-offs, and nutrient-rich channels that attract large pelagic species. While coral reefs and lagoon dives exist throughout the islands, the country’s most celebrated sites are defined by current-driven drift dives and consistent shark encounters.

The Tuamotu Archipelago is widely regarded as the heart of French Polynesian diving. Rangiroa is known for Tiputa Pass, where strong incoming currents create fast-moving drift dives alongside grey reef sharks, barracuda, tuna, and occasionally dolphins. Fakarava, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, offers similarly dramatic conditions in Garuae and Tumakohua Passes, where large aggregations of reef sharks gather, particularly during spawning events.

These pass dives often involve negative entries, precise timing with tidal movements, and the ability to manage moderate to strong currents. For experienced divers, they provide some of the most reliable large-shark encounters in the world.

The Society Islands offer a different style of diving. Bora Bora and Moorea combine lagoon dives, outer reef slopes, and occasional pelagic sightings with easier access and resort-based infrastructure. While shark numbers are typically lower than in the Tuamotus, dives here are generally calmer and more suitable for a wider range of experience levels.

For those seeking remote and less-frequented sites, islands such as Tikehau and Rurutu offer additional variation, including manta ray encounters and seasonal humpback whale activity. These locations emphasize isolation and natural scenery over high dive volumes.

Overall, the best diving in French Polynesia favors divers who are comfortable in current, interested in large marine life, and drawn to dramatic underwater landscapes rather than intricate macro ecosystems.

Scuba diving in French Polynesia is generally considered premium-priced, reflecting the region’s remote location, high operational standards, and overall cost of travel. As an overseas collectivity of France with limited large-scale infrastructure outside major islands, transportation, fuel, and logistics all contribute to higher dive prices compared to Southeast Asia or parts of the Caribbean.

A single fun dive typically ranges between USD 70 and USD 110, depending on the island and dive center. Two-tank morning dives are common and usually cost between USD 140 and USD 200. Multi-dive packages may slightly reduce the per-dive rate, but overall pricing remains at the higher end of the global recreational diving market.

Equipment rental is usually charged separately and may add USD 15 to USD 30 per dive. Nitrox is widely available in established dive hubs such as Rangiroa and Fakarava and may be included in package pricing or offered at an additional daily fee.

Liveaboard diving is available, particularly in the Tuamotu Archipelago, and is significantly more expensive than shore-based diving. Multi-day liveaboards often range from USD 2,000 to USD 4,000 or more, depending on itinerary length and cabin category.

While diving in French Polynesia requires a larger overall budget, many divers consider the cost justified due to the consistency of shark encounters, strong safety standards, and the clarity of the water. Accommodation and inter-island flights should be factored into the total trip cost, as they can substantially increase the overall budget.