Aquarium de Cook - Moorea & Tahiti

Chorizo is a solid, straightforward dive just a short boat ride from the Bahia Principe Hotel. We’re talking a maximum depth of 13 meters, so it’s a relaxed drift over a sandy bottom peppered with healthy corals, especially those lovely sea fans. Visibility usually hits around 16 meters, giving you a decent look at barracuda cruising by and lobsters tucked into the nooks. It's a comfortable spot, easy for newer divers to find their fins, but still pleasant enough for those of us who just want a chill hour in the water without too much fuss.

Location
Moorea & Tahiti, French Polynesia, Central & South Pacific
Coordinates
-17.481600, -149.817900
Type
reef

Marine Protected Area: Pointe Vénus

Best Time to Dive in Moorea & Tahiti

The warmest water temperatures in Moorea & Tahiti occur in April, averaging 29.0°C. The coolest conditions are in September at 26.3°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

  • January: 28.2°C
  • February: 28.5°C
  • March: 28.9°C
  • April: 29.0°C
  • May: 28.4°C
  • June: 27.6°C
  • July: 26.7°C
  • August: 26.4°C
  • September: 26.3°C
  • October: 26.6°C
  • November: 27.2°C
  • December: 27.8°C

Nearby Dive Sites in Moorea & Tahiti

Nearest Dive Centres to Aquarium de Cook

Marine Life in Moorea & Tahiti

Home to 141 recorded species including 116 reef fish, 7 hard corals, 6 sea snails & nudibranchs, 5 sea cucumbers, 2 whales & dolphins, 1 clams & mussels.

Notable Species

Recommended Packing List for Aquarium de Cook

Based on average water temperature of 27.6°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

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the typical depth for scuba diving at Aquarium de Cook (Kealakekua Bay)?
The maximum depth for diving at Aquarium de Cook is 10 meters, making it a notably shallow site. This depth is ideal for new divers and those seeking a relaxed underwater experience. Its shallow nature contributes to its suitability for various training activities.
What marine life and coral formations can divers expect to see at Aquarium de Cook (Kealakekua Bay)?
Divers at Aquarium de Cook can explore a sandy bottom adorned with numerous coral potatoes, which provide shelter for a rich underwater fauna. Expect to encounter vibrant anemones with clown fish, graceful hawkbill turtles, stingrays, and trumpet-fish. The site is also home to beautiful schools of blue triggerfish, moray eels, stone fish, and delicate pipefish, offering a diverse array of marine life.
How challenging is diving at Aquarium de Cook (Kealakekua Bay) for different skill levels, especially beginners?
Aquarium de Cook is considered a perfect dive site for beginners, making it ideal for introductory dives, refresher courses, and the initial lessons of Open Water Diver training. Its shallow depth and absence of strong currents contribute to a very comfortable and safe environment for those new to scuba diving.
What is the best time of day or year to dive at Aquarium de Cook (Kealakekua Bay) for optimal visibility and conditions?
The average visibility at Aquarium de Cook is an excellent 14 meters, offering clear views of the underwater world. While the data does not specify the best time of day or year for optimal conditions, the site consistently provides good visibility. For general information on dive conditions, you might consult our When to Dive guide.
What scuba diving certifications are required to dive at Aquarium de Cook (Kealakekua Bay)?
No specific certification is strictly required to experience Aquarium de Cook, as it is perfectly suited for introductory dives for uncertified individuals. It's also an excellent location for refresher dives and the initial training sessions for those pursuing their Open Water Diver certification. This makes it accessible to a wide range of skill levels.
Are there strong currents or other challenging water conditions typically found when diving at Aquarium de Cook (Kealakekua Bay)?
Divers at Aquarium de Cook can expect very calm water conditions, as the site is explicitly described as being without current. This makes it a particularly safe and relaxing environment, especially beneficial for beginners and those undergoing training.