Our Original Diving experts have curated a list of French Polynesia's best islands for diving. Whether you're drawn to volcanic peaks, tranquil lagoons or adventure-packed escapes, these destinations offer something for every diver. Read on to discover our top six islands in French Polynesia and find inspiration for your next diving adventure…
Tikehau
Tikehau is one of the most fish-rich dive destinations in French Polynesia. There are sites for all levels of divers here: Tuheiava Pass (the island's only pass) is the place to see pelagic species like reef sharks, dolphins, manta rays and groupers; Old Pearl Farm is a prime spot for photography with colourful fish species and clear waters; and in the lagoon there's a manta cleaning station at just 15m.
Fakarava
Fakarava, a protected coral atoll and UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, is home to the second-largest lagoon in the Tuamotu Atolls and a population of just 800 (primarily pearl and coconut farmers residing in the villages of Rotoava and Tetamanu). The lagoon is fed by two notable passes: Garuae Pass in the north and Tumakohua Pass in the south. Tumakohua Pass features a narrow underwater valley called Shark's Hole, which is densely populated with blacktip, grey reef, white tip and lemon sharks. Every June, Fakarava hosts an extraordinary event as aggregations of groupers gather to spawn in the southern pass, boosting shark activity and creating an unmissable underwater spectacle.
Moorea
Moorea is a paradise for both hikers and divers. Located 10 miles from Tahiti, the volcanic island is defined by sharp mountain peaks, deep valleys and lush green vegetation. Beneath the surface, its coral reefs are populated by colourful fish as well as larger species like sharks and rays. From July to November, you can enjoy the unforgettable experience of snorkelling with humpback whales - a true highlight of any trip to Moorea.
Bora Bora
Bora Bora is home to one of the most spectacular landscapes in the Society Islands, with Mount Otemanu standing proudly above a turquoise lagoon. Overwater bungalows dotted above warm, crystal-clear waters and pristine white sand beaches provide the perfect base for incredible diving experiences catering to all skill levels. Beginners can find their fins in the sheltered lagoons which are teeming with eagle rays, stingrays, bat rays and leopard rays. Meanwhile advanced divers can venture to the outer reef for thrilling sites like Anau on the island's east side, which is renowned as one of the best manta ray cleaning stations with year-round encounters. No matter where you dive in Bora Bora, you can expect exceptional visibility, often exceeding 30m underwater.
Huahine
Huahine, located 109 miles northwest of Tahiti, offers a quieter, less touristy alternative to Bora Bora and Moorea, and has the perfect blend of Polynesian culture and dreamy diving sites. On land, explore well-preserved archaeological sites (called marae) like Marae Manunu and Marae Anini, which provide fascinating insights into early Polynesian spiritual practices. In the water, explore Huahine's lovely lagoons - like Fanuna Nui Lagoon and Avea Bay - which boast stunning coral gardens teeming with marine life and are popular snorkelling spots.
Rangiroa
Rangiroa, located in the Tuamotu Archipelago, is one of French Polynesia's largest and arguably most beautiful atolls, with a ring-shaped coral reef encircling a vast lagoon that stretches 50 miles long and 12 miles wide. Scattered with smaller islands, or motus, its lagoon is renowned for its rich marine life and vibrant coral reefs, making it a haven for divers seeking a tranquil escape. This atoll is home to world-class dive sites, particularly Tiputa Pass, where strong currents create thrilling drift dives and attract schools of fish, rays and sharks, including grey reef sharks, whitetip reef sharks and hammerheads. In addition, the lagoon offers snorkellers and divers opportunities to spot manta rays, stingrays and moray eels.
