Tupai - Bora Bora

Bodo Fanno, often just called "Sea Fans" by the liveaboard crews, delivers exactly what it promises. We drop in on a slope that starts around 14 meters and spreads down to 29, maybe a touch deeper. The sheer density of gorgonian sea fans here is impressive, a real forest of them. We’ve found little overhangs tucked away, perfect for finding an anemone crab or a curious lobster hiding out. It's a relaxed drift usually, and a good spot if you enjoy taking your time, looking closely at macro life, and just soaking in the scale of those fans. Good visibility is common here, often around 27 meters, making for easy viewing.

Location
Bora Bora, French Polynesia, Central & South Pacific
Coordinates
-16.302700, -151.803500
Type
reef

Marine Protected Area: Motu Tapu

Best Time to Dive in Bora Bora

The warmest water temperatures in Bora Bora occur in April, averaging 29.3°C. The coolest conditions are in September at 26.8°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

  • January: 28.4°C
  • February: 28.6°C
  • March: 29.3°C
  • April: 29.3°C
  • May: 28.9°C
  • June: 28.1°C
  • July: 27.2°C
  • August: 26.9°C
  • September: 26.8°C
  • October: 27.2°C
  • November: 27.8°C
  • December: 28.1°C

Nearby Dive Sites in Bora Bora

Nearest Dive Centres to Tupai

Marine Life in Bora Bora

Home to 141 recorded species including 121 reef fish, 7 sea snails & nudibranchs, 4 hard corals, 3 whales & dolphins, 2 sharks & rays, 1 other.

Notable Species

Recommended Packing List for Tupai

Based on average water temperature of 28.0°C, currents 6 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

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the typical diving depth at Tupai?
The maximum diving depth at Tupai is 19 meters. This makes it a suitable dive for various certification levels, allowing divers to explore its unique reef environment and encounter its magnificent marine life.
What kind of marine life can divers expect to encounter at Tupai?
Divers at Tupai can expect magnificent encounters with a variety of oceanic pelagic fauna. Commonly sighted species include grey reef sharks and black-and-white tip reef sharks, with occasional sightings of impressive hammerhead sharks and tuna. This remote site is renowned for its diverse shark and ray populations, making it a highlight for marine life enthusiasts looking to explore the wildlife database.
How challenging is diving at Tupai, and what skill level is recommended?
Diving at Tupai is rated as intermediate difficulty. This suggests that divers should have some experience beyond entry-level certifications to comfortably enjoy the site's conditions and encounters with its pelagic fauna.
When is the best time of year to dive at Tupai for optimal conditions and marine life sightings?
The provided data does not specify the best time of year to dive at Tupai for optimal conditions or marine life sightings. For general information on diving seasons in the region, you might consult our When to Dive guide.
What scuba diving certifications are required or recommended for diving at Tupai?
Given the intermediate difficulty rating for Tupai, it is recommended that divers hold at least an Advanced Open Water certification or equivalent. This ensures you have the necessary skills and experience to safely enjoy this beautiful and remote dive site in Bora Bora.
What are the typical current and water conditions like at the Tupai dive site?
At Tupai, divers can expect excellent average visibility of 22 meters, offering clear views of the abundant pelagic life. The provided data does not specify typical current or water temperature conditions for this site.