Diving in French Polynesia

What is the best time of the year for diving?
You can dive in French Polynesia all year around. However, you'll have the best diving conditions between the month of April and November.

What are the best islands for diving?
The atolls (Tuamotu) offer the most exciting dives, with Rangiroa as the star of this region. There is also excellent diving in Bora Bora, Moorea, Huahine and Tahiti.

What are the local diving conditions?
Local visibility often reaches 130 feet. Average temperature in the ocean is 79 F (26º C) in the winter season and 84 F (29º C) during summer. With only a half degree difference, there is no notable temperature variation between the surface and 166 feet (50 m). A light wetsuit, 1/8 inch (3mm), or even a lycra suit is largely sufficient for thermal protection all year round.

What types of areas can I dive?
Three different types of environments exist whether in the volcanic islands or in the atolls:
- the lagoon : nature's swimming pool, generally shallow with very clear water makes it an ideal place for "Discover Scuba Lessons" or for gaining more proficiency in scuba techniques.
- the oceanic drop off; is the part of the reef that is the most alive with all variety of corals and colorful fish including the larger predators.
- the passes, natural openings in the barrier reef that connect the lagoon with the ocean, are always areas of large fish concentrations and the cruising zone of big manta rays and sharks. This is due to the abundance of nutrient that are flowing when the tide changes. This strong tide current also restricts the diving to the even tide times.

How deep will the dives be?
Most of the diving takes place between 60 feet (18 m) and 80 feet (24 m). For very experienced divers Tahiti and her islands offer deeper dives as well, between 100 and 140 feet (30 to 42 m) on ledges and on wall dives that drop off to infinity. Some diving centers organize such deep dives that are truly spectacular, but these are only suitable for experienced divers.

How much diving experience do I need?
Diving centers follow strict safety regulations, but since most of the diving in French Polynesia is rather easy in favorable conditions, even newly certified divers will have no trouble finding good diving spots. For divers who wish additional training, most centers offer continuing diver education and deliver full certifications C.M.A.S, KF.E.S.S.M., P.A.D.I and BSAC certification.

What certification is required ?
In addition to your certification card, it may be helpful to also furnish your log book where recent dives are entered.

Can I get certified in the islands?
Yes, you can take a crash course, but you need to stay there at least 7 days. The best thing to do is start your course in your home town up to the point prior to the required open ocean dives which you can do in the islands. Most dive operators are also PADI instructors and will be able to complete your certification.

Do I need to bring my own equipment?
You could consider bringing your own diving equipment if you are going to do many dives. However, it is not necessary for a few dives, since most of the diving centers rent excellent equipment and include it in their rates. Scuba tanks are furnished with BC vests and regulator with tank pressure gauge and depth meter. Rental equipment is subject to periodic checkups and is very reliable.

Will I need a dive buddy?
No, on every dive, you'll be accompanied by an experienced dive guide who is also an instructor. The guide knows the different local conditions and specific dive areas quite well and will greatly contribute to a very safe and enjoyable dive holiday. This service is included at no extra charge.

What are the major types of fish encountered?
There are numerous species of marine life in these waters, from small butterfly fish with dazzling colors in coral gardens, to bigger fish such as napoleons (lump head wrasses), manta rays, reef sharks, tunas, large schools of jacks, snappers and barracudas. French Polynesia is among the few places in the world where all these fish can still be approached easily. Do not forget your underwater camera!

How safe is diving on the barrier reef?
Local conditions include shallow water, warm temperatures, great visibility, absence of currents - except in the passes - and all this contributes to making French Polynesia one of the safest diving locations in the world. However, contact with certain marine life should be avoided, but this will be covered in pre-dive briefings.

What about sharks?
In French Polynesia sharks are not aggressive as they are in other parts of the world. While diving, it is safe to get close to them for pictures and observation. However, no one should spear fish in their vicinity.

If I do have an accident how will I receive help ?
French Polynesia is composed of a multitude of islands and the territory possesses one of the best sea search-and-rescue programs in the world. In case of an accident in the outer islands, there is an evacuation procedure, either by plane or helicopter, available anytime day or night. Tahiti has an ultra modern decompression chamber along with a team of doctors highly trained in hyperbaric medicine.

Does my travel insurance cover me while diving?
Most typical travel insurances exclude scuba diving from their coverage. You should inquire with your travel agent and include a special clause in your insurance contract prior to departure. It is also possible to contract for an additional insurance at the diving center of your choice, valid for your entire stay that covers any type of accident.

How about snorkeling and spear fishing?
The lagoons and reef plateaus are ideal areas for snorkeling, with crystal clear, warm water teaming with colorful fish. If you are contemplating doing any spearfishing, be aware that the law in French Polynesia prohibits anyone from spear fishing or collecting flora or fauna while wearing scuba tanks.

Conservation:
The reef is a wonderful universe, but is also one of the most complex and fragile ecosystems on earth, providing food and shelter for countless species of fish and animals. Coral grows only about 10 to 25 mm a year and it can take 7,000 to 10,000 years for a coral reef to form. Coral can be very easily broken by standing on it, grabbing it or carelessly dropping anchor, and it may be years before the coral can regenerate itself, which sometimes does not happen, thus causing a decline of the marine life.

If you would like a souvenir, content yourself with what you can find on the beach, which is safer since some of the live shells can sting you with a deadly poison, which would definitely ruin your vacation.

So, come, and jump into in some of the Earth's best and most dramatic dive locations, but look and don't touch!