La Dérivante du Phare - Moorea & Tahiti

We love the M.V. Alpha Funguo, not just because it’s a proper wreck, but for how quickly it’s become a vibrant, living thing since they scuttled it back in 2002. Dropping down, the first thing you notice is the sheer volume of fusiliers shimmering around the superstructure, so dense they almost block the light. We’ve seen big schools of blue-striped snappers hugging the hull, and barracudas often cruise by, sleek and watchful. This 45-metre former fishing trawler sits upright, making for an excellent penetration dive if you’re appropriately trained and the conditions are right, though we’d always suggest a local guide for the first run. Even without going inside, there’s plenty to explore externally. Look for the Spotted Pufferfish tucked into crevices and the Goldheaded Butterflyfish flitting over the coral growth that’s started to encrust the deck. On a good day, with visibility around 15-20 metres, the sheer scale of the wreck against the blue is impressive. We’ve often found ourselves just hovering, watching the drama unfold – a group of Grey Sweetlips here, a lone Humphead Wrasse nosing around the bow there. It’s a site that always offers something new, even on repeat visits.

Location
Moorea & Tahiti, French Polynesia, Central & South Pacific
Coordinates
-17.555600, -149.633200
Type
wreck

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 La Dérivante du Phare

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 La Dérivante du Phare

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