Hydravion et Goelett - Moorea & Tahiti

Magic Reef isn't Toberua’s deep, dramatic showstopper. Instead, it’s a gently sloping coral patch, a vibrant miniature, and we love it for being exactly that. Drop in and you’re instantly surrounded by clouds of blue-lined surgeonfish and ambon pullers. Sunlight filters through, making the corals glow – think organ pipe corals in deep purples and oranges. Our favourite trick here is to just drift, really slowly, spotting the smaller stuff: sunburst butterflyfish picking at polyps, the narrow-lined pufferfish hiding in crevices. We often find ourselves just floating above a single patch for ten minutes, finding new life in every corner. It’s an easy, relaxing dive, perfect for a long afternoon exploring or for newer divers getting comfortable with reef navigation. The max depth of 18m means plenty of bottom time, and the average 14m visibility, while not always epic, is usually more than enough to soak it all in.

Location
Moorea & Tahiti, French Polynesia, Central & South Pacific
Coordinates
-17.542700, -149.608900
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 Hydravion et Goelett

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 Hydravion et Goelett

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 are the typical depths for diving the Hydravion et Goelett site in Tahiti?
The Hydravion et Goelett dive site, located in Moorea & Tahiti, offers a maximum depth of 19 meters for exploring the wreck. Divers can also find a rich marine fauna and flora at a bottom depth of 20 to 25 meters. This makes it an accessible wreck dive for many recreational divers.
What kind of marine life and wreck features can divers expect to see at Hydravion et Goelett?
At the Hydravion et Goelett site, divers can explore the fascinating wreckage of the Catalina PBY-5A, an aircraft given by the US Navy and flown in the 1950s. This site is one of the few wreck sites in Polynesia, offering a unique historical experience. Additionally, the surrounding bottom at 20 to 25 meters provides a refuge for a rich marine fauna and flora, making it a vibrant ecosystem to observe.
How challenging is the Hydravion et Goelett dive site for recreational divers, including beginners?
The Hydravion et Goelett dive site is classified as intermediate in difficulty, making it suitable for divers with some experience. While not ideal for absolute beginners, recreational divers with appropriate training and comfort in open water will find it a rewarding exploration. Its maximum depth of 19 meters is well within typical recreational diving limits.
When is the best time of year to dive Hydravion et Goelett for optimal conditions and marine encounters?
The provided data does not specify a "best time of year" for diving the Hydravion et Goelett site. However, French Polynesia generally offers good diving conditions year-round. For more general information on optimal diving seasons in the region, you can consult our When to Dive guide.
What diving certifications are recommended or required to explore the Hydravion et Goelett wrecks?
Given the Hydravion et Goelett dive site's intermediate difficulty and maximum depth of 19 meters, an Open Water Diver certification is generally sufficient. However, divers with an Advanced Open Water certification may find the experience more comfortable and have enhanced skills for wreck exploration. Always dive within your certification limits and with a reputable dive operator.
What are the typical current and visibility conditions at the Hydravion et Goelett dive site?
Divers at the Hydravion et Goelett dive site can typically expect an average visibility of 16 meters, offering clear views of the wreck and marine life. The provided data does not specify typical current conditions for this site. It's always advisable to check with local dive operators for real-time conditions before your dive.