Scuba Diving in French Polynesia

Explore 145 dive sites and 33 dive centres in French Polynesia. Conditions, marine life, and the best time to dive.

French Polynesia Diving at a Glance

5 dive regions, 145 dive sites, 33 dive centres, 290 marine species recorded.

Travel Advisories for French Polynesia

UK FCDO: See travel advice before travelling.

US State Department: Level 1 - Exercise Normal Precautions.

Best Time to Dive in French Polynesia

The best months to dive in French Polynesia are January, February, March, based on water temperature, visibility, wave conditions, and currents.

Month-by-Month Diving Conditions

  • January: Great, water 28.4°C, current 8.2 cm/s
  • February: Great, water 28.6°C, current 6.5 cm/s
  • March: Great, water 29.1°C, current 5.4 cm/s
  • April: Great, water 29.2°C, current 6.8 cm/s
  • May: Great, water 28.6°C, current 7.7 cm/s
  • June: Great, water 27.9°C, current 9.6 cm/s
  • July: Great, water 27.1°C, current 9.7 cm/s
  • August: Great, water 26.7°C, current 9.8 cm/s
  • September: Great, water 26.7°C, current 10.9 cm/s
  • October: Great, water 27.1°C, current 10.8 cm/s
  • November: Great, water 27.7°C, current 9 cm/s
  • December: Great, water 28.1°C, current 7.5 cm/s

Recommended Packing List for French Polynesia

Based on average water temperature of 27.9°C, currents 8 cm/s.

  • Shorty or Rashguard - warm 28°C water needs minimal exposure protection
  • Mask - essential for every dive
  • Fins
  • BCD - buoyancy compensator
  • Regulator - your most safety-critical piece of gear
  • Dive Computer - tracks depth, time, and NDL
  • Surface Marker Buoy (SMB) - essential for boat pickups
  • Dive Torch - useful for crevices and colour at depth
  • Underwater Camera - capture your diving memories

Dive Regions