Practical information
When to dive in Polynesia?
Good news: French Polynesia is perfect for diving all year round! With its tropical climate and consistently warm waters, the archipelago offers ideal conditions for exploring the lagoons and the Pacific Ocean in any season.
Water temperature:
• Between 26 and 29°C all year round: no need for a thick wetsuit. A 3 mm wetsuit is sufficient for most divers, and some even make do with a simple shorty in the lagoons.
• Southern summer (November to April): the water is generally warmer (28–29°C), but sometimes a little less clear due to more frequent tropical rains.
• Southern winter (May to October): the water cools slightly (26–27°C), visibility is excellent and the sea is calmer, ideal for drift diving and expeditions in the Tuamotu Islands.
Best times depending on your interests:
• July to November: whale season
Humpback whales come to give birth in Polynesian waters, a unique experience to enjoy while snorkeling or diving with a guide. Famous grouper spawning in southern Fakarava during the first full moon in June/July.
• May to October: maximum visibility
This is the best time for spectacular drift diving in the Tuamotu passes (Fakarava, Rangiroa).
• January to March: Season of abundance in the Tuamotu
• All year round: abundant marine life
Manta rays, sharks, turtles, dolphins, and tropical fish are always present in Polynesian lagoons and oceans.
The difference between seasons is more about visibility conditions and the iconic species you want to encounter.
At e-TAHITI travel, we can advise you on the best time to visit based on your interests: whale watching, diving with manta rays, exploring legendary passes, or simply enjoying a peaceful lagoon.
Recommended Equipment?
Diving in Polynesia is a comfortable experience: warm water, excellent visibility, and ideal conditions most of the year. This means that the necessary equipment is often lighter than in other destinations. Here are our tips for preparing your gear.
Wetsuits: a 3 mm wetsuit is sufficient for most divers.
Some prefer a shorty for lagoon dives.
For those who feel the cold, a lightweight 5 mm wetsuit can be useful in the southern winter (May–October), especially when diving repeatedly in the Tuamotu Islands.
The centers provide wetsuits if needed
Mask, fins: it is advisable to bring your own mask for greater comfort and a perfect fit.
Adjustable fins with foot pockets are recommended, especially for dives in passes where the current can be strong.
Buoyancy compensator (BCD), regulator, and instruments: Centers in Polynesia provide all equipment (BCD, regulator, instruments). Fins and masks are also available if needed.
If you bring your own equipment: check that it has been recently serviced. Bring your own dive computer (mandatory in many clubs).
Useful accessories in Polynesia:
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- Reef-safe sunscreen to protect the coral and your skin.
UV-protective Lycra tops for snorkeling or waiting on the boat.
A small waterproof bag to keep your belongings dry during boat trips.
An underwater camera/GoPro: marine encounters deserve to be immortalized!
No need to bring everything!
Good news: most clubs in Polynesia provide recent and well-maintained equipment. So you can travel light if you wish. However, for greater comfort and hygiene, we recommend that you bring at least your mask and dive computer.
With e-TAHITI travel, we will direct you to the best-equipped centers and advise you on the equipment best suited to your program: a gentle first dive in the lagoon or a more adventurous dive in the Tuamotu passes.
Diving Pass in French Polynesia
Discover the different packages that will allow you to use your dive passes on several islands!
- DIVE POLYNESIA Pass
Minimum of 10 dives to share between 2 people or use alone (e)
13 partner dive centers in Tahiti, Moorea, Society Islands, Tuamotu & Marquesas
TAHITI: Fluid Tahiti, Tahiti Iti Diving
MOOREA: Nemo’z Diving
BORA BORA: Eleuthera Bora Bora
HUAHINE: Pacific Blue Adventure
RAIATEA: Hemisphere Sub
MAUPITI: Maupiti Diving
RANGIROA: Rangiroa Plongée, The 6 Passengers Rangiroa
FAKARAVA: O2 Fakarava
TIKEHAU: Tikehau Plongée, Coco Dive Tikehau
NUKU HIVA: Nuku Dive
- TOPDIVE Pass
A Tuamotu Pass for Rangiroa & Fakarava
Insurance & Security
Discover the comprehensive diver coverage offered by our insurance partner.
What physical conditions are required for diving in Polynesia?
Scuba diving in Polynesia is open to everyone, from those who are simply curious and want to try it for the first time to experienced enthusiasts. But like any sporting activity, it requires certain health and safety conditions to be met.
General conditions:
• Be in good general health: no heart, lung, or neurological problems.
• Be comfortable in the water: you don't need to be a strong swimmer, but you must be able to float and feel relaxed in the water.
• Medical certificate: recommended for all divers, mandatory for certain advanced training courses or if you have a medical history.
Main medical contraindications:
• Severe or uncontrolled asthma.
• Heart problems (unstabilized hypertension, arrhythmias).
• Epilepsy.
• Recent surgery or trauma.
• Pregnancy (diving prohibited).
If in doubt, it is strongly recommended that you consult a doctor specializing in diving medicine before your trip.
Polynesia is an ideal destination for beginners:
• Calm and protected lagoons in the Society Islands (Tahiti, Moorea, Bora Bora), perfect for first dives and first bubbles.
• Professional supervision with CMAS, SSI, or PADI affiliated centers, complying with all international safety standards.
• Normal physical condition is sufficient: diving does not require extreme endurance, but good general fitness and a relaxed attitude.
Experience it with e-TAHITI travel
We can advise you on the sites and providers best suited to your level and physical condition. Whether you want to take your first breath underwater or explore spectacular passes, our partners guarantee you a safe, progressive, and unforgettable experience.
