Diving in French Polynesia: the complete travel guide

The best season for diving in French Polynesia

French Polynesia has a tropical climate, but the islands vary in climate depending on their location relative to the equator and the South Pole. The dry season from May to October is generally the best time for diving, when the weather is cooler, drier and more pleasant for divers. However, the ideal travel time can vary by island group depending on their specific climate. Below is an overview for each island group:

Society Islands (Îles de la Société) – Diving in Tahiti, Bora Bora and Moorea
The Society Islands, including the famous islands of Tahiti, Moorea and Bora Bora, are relatively close to the equator and have a tropical climate. The dry months from May to October offer the best weather for diving, with clear waters and pleasant temperatures.

Popular dive sites:

• Bora Bora: This island is known for its impressive blue lagoon and fantastic dive sites with manta rays, sharks and colorful coral reefs.
• Moorea: An excellent destination for divers, with pristine coral reefs and the opportunity to spot whales from July to October. Moorea is a popular location for whale watching, but Rurutu is the best destination for swimming with whales.
• Tahiti: The largest island of the Society Islands offers a variety of dive sites, from wreck diving to shark spotting and exploring underwater caves.

Tuamotu Archipelago (Îles Tuamotu) – Diving in Rangiroa and Fakarava
The Tuamotu Archipelago, with more than 70 atolls, is close to the equator and has a tropical climate. The dry season from May to October is the best time to dive, when the weather is most stable and the water is clear.

Popular dive sites:

• Rangiroa: One of the largest atolls in the world, famous for its dive sites such as Tiputa Pass, where you can dive with sharks, dolphins and manta rays. Rangiroa is also known as the largest natural aquarium in the world and offers incredible pelagic encounters.
• Fakarava: This UNESCO Biosphere Reserve is famous for the “garlands of sharks” and a huge biodiversity of marine life, including hammerhead sharks, lemon sharks, and whitetip sharks. Garuae Pass and Tumakohua Pass offer spectacular dives with the chance to see hundreds of sharks and schools of fish.

Marquesas Islands (Îles Marquises) – Diving in a pristine & adventurous setting
Located further north, the Marquesas Islands have a tropical climate, with short rainy periods. The best time to dive is during the dry season from May to October, when the weather is more stable and the waters clearest.

Popular dive sites:

• The Marquesas Islands are ideal for adventurous divers seeking pristine and tranquil dive sites. Here you can dive in a more remote environment, away from the hustle and bustle of the better-known islands.

Best season for diving: May to October (dry season)

Gambier Islands (Îles Gambier) – Tranquil diving experiences and pearl farms
The Gambier Islands, located further south, have a subtropical climate. The dry season from May to October offers the best conditions for diving, with less rain and ideal weather for snorkeling and diving.

Popular dive sites:

• The Gambier Islands offer calm, pristine coral reefs and are perfect for divers seeking a more isolated experience. The islands are also famous for their pearl farms, adding a unique experience to your trip.

Austral Islands (Îles Australes) – Diving in Rurutu and Tubuai

The Austral Islands are further south and have a cooler climate than the other islands of French Polynesia. The dry season from May to October is the best time to visit the islands, with pleasant temperatures and less rain.

Popular dive sites:

• Rurutu: This island is famous worldwide for swimming with humpback whales, especially from July to October. The island also offers calm diving conditions in pristine waters.
• Tubuai: This island is ideal for divers looking for quiet and secluded dive sites, perfect for an authentic experience in a serene environment.