Life revolves around the sea for the Polynesian people, which is evident from the manta rays, sharks, whales and sea turtles that they have tattooed on their bodies.These sacred creatures have an almost god-like status, which gives added weight to the notion that The Islands of Tahiti are paradise on earth. Divers come from all over the world to swim in the clear warm waters, which teem with sea life, such as clownfish, barracudas, rays, and all kinds of sharks. So come and experience diving at its best, in The Islands of Tahiti.
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DIVING
IN THE ISLANDS OF TAHITIUNDERWATER EXPLORATION
IN THE ISLANDS OF TAHITIOUR
PROMOTIONAL VIDEOS
DIVING
EXPLORE THE UNDERWATER TREASURES
IN THE ISLANDS OF TAHITIThe first things that come to mind when you think of diving in The Islands of Tahiti are sharks, lots of sharks! In July 2020 the magazine Nature published a study about the size of reef shark populations throughout the world – Tahiti came first. There are almost two dozen species of shark in our waters, as well as several species of ray, including manta rays.
In 2002, French Polynesia declared its territorial waters to be “a sanctuary for whales and other marine mammals”. The fruits of this decision can be seen in the dozens of humpback whales which visit our waters to reproduce and give birth each year, and also in the dolphins, like the Tursiop dolphin, which freely accepts and enjoys the company of divers. But The Islands of Tahiti aren’t just home to the big sea mammals. In fact, the diversity of life under the water is quite astounding. In the ocean you’ll encounter: tuna, frigate tuna, barracudas…etc. And the reefs are home to sea turtles, parrotfish, groupers, angelfish…etc. And then there’s the profusion of tropical fish to be found in the lagoons.
There are about fifty dive centers in French Polynesia, helping you to make the most of your diving vacation. In a territory as large as Europe, it’s just as well to have people on hand who know their way around! Diving in The Islands of Tahiti is diving at its very best.
There are dive sites in The Islands of Tahiti to suit everybody from beginners to experienced professionals.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
- MUST I BRING MY OWN EQUIPMENT?
Most dive centers have equipment for hire. If you prefer to bring your own, Air Tahiti, the domestic airline, offers an extra baggage allowance of 5kg on presentation of a valid diving card.
- IS POLYNESIA SUITABLE FOR FIRST-TIME DIVERS?
All the dive centers propose “baptism” dives in safe sites and with individual monitors to help you on your way. And this dive will even count on your diving card if you decide to take up the sport!
- HOW OLD DO YOU HAVE TO BE TO DIVE?
There is no minimum legal age, but 8 years old is usually considered to be the age at which you can start. Younger children might not take to diving so easily and a bad first experience would be difficult for them to forget.
- CAN I PASS MY DIVING CERTIFICATES IN POLYNESIA?
Almost all the centers run courses from beginner to monitor, and there’s probably no better place in the world to pass your diving certificates than in The Islands of Tahiti.
- CAN I SPREAD THE COURSE OVER SEVERAL DIFFERENT ISLANDS?
Polynesia is “a village the size of Europe ”: everybody knows everybody else. Well, almost! This is certainly true of dive centers, who’ll have no problem working with colleagues in other centers to enable you to spread your course over different islands, or even different archipelagos.
- I CAN’T SWIM - CAN I DIVE?
Yes! At least, you can go for a first “baptism” dive. But if you want to pass your diving certificates, you’ll need to learn to swim first.
- ARE SHARKS DANGEROUS?
Forget Jaws! You’ll soon realize that these magnificent creatures are very tranquil and will treat you with almost total indifference.
- I ALREADY GO SNORKELING? WHAT MORE WILL DIVING BRING ME?
Apart from enabling you to see everything closer and for longer, diving is above all, the unforgettable experience of weightlessness. That’s why astronauts dive to prepare for their voyages in space.
- ARE THERE ANY MEDICAL CONTRAINDICATIONS?
Diving is formally contraindicated during pregnancy and for people who suffer from asthma. It’s a good idea to have a medical check-up if you intend to do a lot of diving.
- WHAT ARE THE REGULATIONS GOVERNING DIVING IN POLYNESIA?
Polynesia has its own laws and regulations concerning diving, but they are based on French laws, which are internationally recognized as being some of the strictest in terms of security. Other international qualifications for monitors, such as PDI, SSI and SDI, are recognized here, and most monitors in Polynesia have double certification anyway.
- IS DIVING DANGEROUS?
The big danger is getting hooked on it!
