With over 800 marine species, French Polynesia is a unique
destination for diving. Its 118 Islands offer unlimited resources, in
a huge underwater environment.
Lagoons’ crystal waters, impressive underwater cliffs, the amazing
Big Blue of the Pacific Ocean are as many environments as there are exciting,
surprising and unforgettable dives.
It’s live entertainment on a natural big screen!
From beginners to advanced divers, there are diving sites
suitable to anyone.
The Society Islands, very popular with tourists, offer a large range
of dives, usually easy-graded, nonetheless amazing (Anau and its mantas
in Bora Bora…)
In the Australes, not as much frequented by tourists, you may cross path
with the impressive whales… (Rurutu)
In Northern part of French Polynesia, the wild and unspoilt Marquesas
shelter giant mantas, hammer sharks in its caves and relief. Many unforeseen
and surprising encounters….
Wherever you dive in French Polynesia, you’ll be surrounded by
many varieties of fauna and flora, like barracudas, humphead wrasse,
butterfly fishes, huge gorgonian.
Open your eyes and the show begins!
Diving regulations in French Polynesia
Maximum depths are limited
to:
• 29 meters (95 feet) for level I CMAS,
Open Water and Advanced Open Water Divers.
• 49 meters (160 feet) for level II CMAS,
Rescue Divers.
• 60 meters (196 feet) for higher degrees.
For introductory dives, no formalities are required. Qualified divers
will be asked to provide their CMAS or PADI’s card and log book.
Every diving centre
offer CMAS or PADI courses.
It usually takes 3 to 5 days to complete a level I CMAS or Open Water PADI.
Before you go
Please ensure you are in good
shape and if not sure, do a medical check. Diving in Polynesia can be
quite thrilling and tiring.
If you haven’t been diving for a long time, start with an easy dive.
Check your equipment (pressure gauge, computer, BCD, wetsuit, etc) before
packing…this will avoid bad surprises once on the boat.
Don’t forget your diving diplomas, cards and log books.
Flying and Diving
During your stay in French
Polynesia, you will be most probably flying between different Islands.
After a dive, and before you go on a plane, please ensure that you wait
12 to 14 hours.
In general terms, we recommend not diving the last day of your stay. Take
this time to visit or try one of the many other activities offered on the
islands.
Shopping
There are no specialized shops
on the islands (even though some shops do carry a very limited stock
of diving equipment).
The only shop in Tahiti, specialized in diving, sailing and most aquatic
activities is: Nauti Sport
Fare Ute - Papeete
Tel. : 54 52 15
Photos and
videos
Visibility is usually good,
even excellent, especially outside lagoons and
in passes where it can reach 50 meters plus.
Be aware that the electric power might not be compatible with your own
equipment (flash, battery charger?)
Don't forget to protect them from all external factors like sun, wind,
sand, salt or water.
Very few diving centers hire photo or video equipment. Some of them have
good quality disposable underwater cameras for sale.
You can have your films processed in Tahiti ? however, delay may be
long,
and prices might be higher than in your home country.
I strongly recommend the greatest care when you're shooting a Manta
ray or
you're doing a close up on the coral.
Other divers will follow, and if
you
found the underwater environment in a pristine condition, it's because
divers before you paid attention and respected it. Don't forget, you
might
return in a near future.
Respecting the environment must be your first priority, to decide on
your
shooting.
More and more operators offer
diving safaris (Tahiti aggressor, Archipels Cruises, Aquau Polynesie…)
It’s a great option to travel around the islands, while enjoying
access to fantastic diving sites.
You can expect unusual dives in the most secluded diving sites, some of
them being not even accessible by road (Eiao in the Marquesas, Kauechi – however
they can be quite dear).
Equipment In most centers, diving prices include all equipment (except for
the computer and the depth gauge).
However, as it is not always top quality equipment, please don’t
hesitate to bring your own.
Even for the most sensitive to cold, a 3 mm wetsuit or shorty are sufficient.
No need for knife or gloves. These are useless, and can be dangerous
for yourself, others as well as for the fauna and flora.
Conditions Certified divers will be asked to provide their CMAS or PADI’s
card and log book. All diving certificate are accepted (PADI, CMAS, NAUI…).
However, if you haven’t been diving for a while, you may be asked
to do a check dive.
Don’t forget your log book.
Should you wish to do a course, you will need to provide a medical certificate.
That can be obtained from your family doctor before you leave, or once
in Polynesia (except in the most secluded and small Islands).
For an Introductory dive, no documentation or paperwork is needed.
For minors, parents must give a written authorization.
No insurance is required, as all centers are already insured for any
divers taken on board.
The main three diving types you will find in French Polynesia are as
follows:
Lagoon With its warm temperatures and shallow waters, it’s the
perfect place to first time divers, or for re-acclimatization.
Drop-off
Literally a living wall, rich in various flora and fauna, it goes
straight down to the depths.
This sort of environment offers spectacular dives, even to the most novice
divers.
Pass Natural channel created on the coral reef, it allows waters from
the lagoon to mix up with the ocean.
This is where you’ll find groups of sharks and manta rays.
Due to strong currents coming in (from ocean to lagoon) and out (from
lagoon to ocean), most dives are drift dives (especially in the Tuamotu).
They are not easy as currents can reach up to 6 knots. It is recommended
to carefully listen to your instructor’s briefing.
For security measures, most drift dives are done in incoming currents:
either near the pass to be protected from the current, or out in the
ocean.
Most diving sites are easily and quickly accessible (around 15 minutes
by boat)
Some Islands (Tuamotu, Marquesas) are best for certified divers (even
though it also offers good dives to beginners). Others, like Bora Bora,
are recommended for all divers, including beginners.
Night Dives Offered regularly by some of the diving centres. Plenty of thrills
guaranteed!
Shark feeding Shark feeding is very common in French Polynesia. However, some centers
don’t do it, as they believe it affects the natural environment
(refer to diving centers).
During shark feeding, please follow the instructor’s advice and
signs. He will bring with him a large piece of fish, which he’ll
place at the bottom. Then, you’ll be asked to stay in a semi-circle
few meters away. Various fishes and sharks will start gathering, most
of them being Lemon, Black Tip and Reef Sharks.…stay calm and
relax: this is spectacular but not dangerous.
Wreck dives There aren’t many wrecks in French Polynesia, but they are
easily accessible (between 6 and 30 meters).
In Tahiti: one Cessna, one schooner, one seaplane
In Raiatea: a three masts vessel
Most diving centers are well equipped with qualified staff.
Every Island has at least one nurse and/or a doctor, and largest Islands
are also equipped with a hospital (in Tahiti, Raiatea and Nuku Hiva).
Doctors and health specialists, most of them divers, will know exactly
how to deal with any situations.
Cares offered are similar to the ones in mainland France, with some restrictions
imposed by some of the islands’ remoteness.
Diving accidents The Mamao Hospital in Papeete (ph. 42 62 62) is the only one equipped
with a recompression tank.
It has very modern facilities and highly qualified staff.
In case of an accident in one of the island, the person is quickly evacuated
to Mamao hospital.
Depending on the pollution level in some lagoons (especially Tahiti),
otitis externa can be developed by divers. Nothing dramatic, but it can
spoil your stay. To avoid this sort of problems, we recommend a drop
of sweet almond oil in each ear before diving. Once back, don’t
forget to rinse thoroughly with fresh water.
Natural dangers If you respect environment rules and security recommendations, diving
in French Polynesia is as safe as anywhere else.
Marine life is not interested by human beings however, if scared it can
have defensive reactions.
Before diving, it is therefore essential to learn about various fishes
you may meet and to listen to the instructors.
Underwater is not your natural environment. To make sure everything goes
smoothly, it is essential to respect it, be careful, and avoid touching
the flora and fauna.
Please make sure you control your buoyancy and do not damage the environment
with your fins.
When experiencing difficulties, do not panic, as things might get worse.
Simply warn your group leader and once back on the ground, consult a
doctor in case of a bite, or if symptoms persist.
There are some species, in French Polynesia, which may be potentially
dangerous if we don’t pay attention:
Fire coral Light brown coral with white ends.
In case of contact with the skin, a burning sensation may appear and lasts for a few minutes. Do not try to scratch (right, easy to say when it happens!!) in order not to spread the toxin to a larger area.
The pain usually disappears after a few minutes.
You may see a doctor who will prescribe a soothing lotion / cream should the pain persists.
Sea Urchin Common in the lagoons. Its sting is not poisonous but painful.
Cone fish This shellfish has the ability to throw a poisonous dart and sting if you attempt to grab it. The poison triggers off a muscular disability with a heart attack. Consequences may be lethal under water. Never try to catch one. Generally speaking avoid catching live shellfish.
Stone fish Specialized in «camouflage », they are extremely difficult to see. Their dorsal fin is covered with poisonous stings. It is strongly advised not to lay your hands on rocks or to walk barefoot in the lagoon. The pain is very sharp and it is necessary to see a doctor as soon as possible.
Moray eel Although it doesn’t look friendly, the moray eel will not attack unless feeling threatened. Avoid putting your hands in small rock holes. It is said not to let go easily when it bites and it may create serious infections.
Sting ray It lives on sand bottoms in the lagoons. The sting at the basis of their tail is poisonous. It is very friendly if one doesn’t step on it (wear water shoes). The sting may be very painful and get infected. You will notice that many operators can take you to meet the rays. These trips are very safe and accidents are basically impossible since the fish is far more interested in being fed and petted.
Barracuda Long grey metal colored fish. They have sharp teeth and tend to be attracted by shiny objects out of curiosity.
Lion fish Beautiful gracious fish, it has long poisonous dorsales stings that it may use when feeling threatened. The pain is acute.
Sharks In Tahiti, very little species may be potentially dangerous to humans. Those considered the most dangerous are deep sea species that rarely come along the coast and are not seen around the dive spots.
Avoid touching them or exciting them and you’ll be fine.
Diving with the sharks in French Polynesia is an excellent way to demistity their bad reputations as seen in some famous movies, for instance. They are usually more scared of people than we are of them.
Other potential accidents Apart from scuba diving potential animal hazards, Ciguatera may be contracted by eating lagoon fish infected with the toxin. Do not hesitate to ask the locals when you fish to make sure the area is not contaminated with ciguatera.
Another food hazard is sea turtle flesh. Its flesh is often toxic and anyway as a protected endangered species, it is strictly prohibited to fish it. Always deny to eat it if one wants you to taste it.
Fauna and Flora
Tahiti and her islands are well known for its healthy underwater biodiversity; Pelagic species are usually the stars during the dives. However, it is worth looking closely at the coral and wide variety of reef fish along the walls.
Coral The most beautiful species of coral are not in French Polynesia. However, you will see magnificent coral bulks along the walls while diving. Hard coral, fire coral, rose
Shellfish and invertebrates Not necessarily easy to find everywhere, you may find a nudibranch (Raiatea, Tahaa, Bora Bora) or a shellfish in a hole. Nudibranch, crayfish, crab
Lagoon or reef fish Over 700 species in French Polynesia
You will see them during your dives. Their colour and shape are extremely varied and they will swim around you reminding you of a beautiful show.
They range from smaller species (butterfly fish, parrot fish) to much larger ones (Napoleon wrasse, trigger fish)….
Angel fish (Paraharaha)
Butterfly fish (Paraharaha) Surgeon fish (Maito) PTrumpet fish (Aupapa tohe tupou)
Parrot fish (Paati opu tautau)
Trigger fish (Oiri pao) Grouper (Roi)
Blue stripped yellow snapper (Taape)
Napoléon wrasse (Mara)
Javanese Moray eel (Puhi iari)
Blue jack fish (Paaihere)
Pelagic fish A few species such as marlins and swordfish are difficult to see whereas some others are commonly encountered (barracuda…) Tuna fish, swordfish, barracuda
Sea turtles OTwo species of turtles are found in Tahiti: the green turtle and the hawk’s bill turtle
Sharks Very few species are considered potentially dangerous to humans and they are quite uncommon in French Polynesia.
Most sharks are afraid of humans.Don’t be scared of them especially since accidents are basically unexistent.
Leave them alone, don’t try to touch them, to feed them or to make them feel stuck in a hole or cave, for example and your encounter will be wonderful and safe. They will naturally come to you out of curiosity or attracted by food (must be performed by your dive guide only).
Depending on the island or dive spot, you will encounter black tip, white tip, oceanic white tip, lemon, grey sharks, tiger sharks (extremely rare), nurse and hammer head sharks.
Rays Eagle and sting rays are commonly found in all the islands.
Manta rays are more difficult to see but you may have the opportunity to see them in Bora Bora, in the Tuamotu and Marquesas (depending on the season).
Dolphins
The most commonly encountered species is the spinner dolphins.
In the Tuamotu, you may even dive with bottle nose dolphins.
Whales Rurutu is a special place to encounter humpback whales and maybe snorkel with them. Humpback whales are in the waters of Tahiti and her islands from July to October to mate and give birth. Seeing them may be uncertain and swimming with them will depend on the whales’ behaviour and weather conditions. You may have a chance to see them as well in the other islands (Tahiti, Moorea, Bora Bora and Rangiroa). French Polynesia is a sanctuary for marine mammals.
The ocean invites us to visit and observe its environment. To ensure
this lasts, we must learn to act as a guest and not as a conqueror.
Unfortunately, and despite its richness, the underwater world in French
Polynesia is not spared by pollution, and consequences of uncontrolled
fishing.
Despite being one of the main natural resources of French Polynesia,
we can regret that the government is slow to intervene in that field.
Diving can also be blamed for environment degradations. Species have
fled away some areas, following deterioration by numerous anchorages,
and extensive use of the sites.
To respect natural environment (and make others respect it), these are
some basics rules:
Use une bouee d’amarrage on each site and prohibit anchorage
usage.
Control your buoyancy
Don’t use fins that are too long
Don’t touch rocks or corals
Don’t touch or remove living animals or plants
Don’t wear gloves or knife
Attention aux coups de palmes et aux instruments qui traînent
(octopus, mano, …)
Photographs must be careful when taking picture not to damage anything
when leaning on any natural support
Clean all your rubbish or any you may find
Don’t feed the fishes – they don’t like most of
our food
By respecting these few rules, negative consequences of our acts will
be limited compared to other damages caused by pollution or others.
In the United States of America, the following organizations are fighting
to protect the underwater world: - CORAL (the Coral Reef Alliance) 510.848.0110 www.coral.org - Ocean Futures 805.899.8899 www.oceanfutures.com - Cousteau Society 757.523.9335 www.cousteau.org - ReefKeeper International 305.358.4600 www.reefkeeper.com - Project AWARE Foundation 714.540.0251 www.projectaware.org
In France, François SARANO is trying set up a Charter for responsible
divers. We encourage this great initiative.
Should you wish to contact
him, these are his details: Longitude 181 Nature, 12 rue La Fontaine 26000
Valence
Tél : 04 75 55 43 77 Fax : 04 75 43 34 03 www.longitude181.com
- longitude181@wanadoo.fr
Snorkling
This is a great way to discover
a colorful marine life, even when you are not a certified diver.
In shallow waters, we recommend not to use fins and rather wear plastic
sandals. This will avoid any damage on coral.
It is forbidden to remove any living animals or plants. It is also not
recommended to place your hands in any cracks!
Some diving sites are easily accessible when scuba diving or snorkeling.
Get the maximum out of it, it’s free!
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