La Faille Pomare - Moorea & Tahiti

The MV Mikhail Lermontov isn't just a wreck; it's a colossal steel ghost resting in Kaikōura's relatively calm waters. We love the sheer scale of it, even at a maximum depth of 23m, you’re constantly aware of the ship’s immense size. Descending onto the superstructure, the visibility often sits around six metres, giving the whole dive a wonderfully eerie, atmospheric feel as sections of the ship loom out of the murk. Our favourite part has to be exploring the open decks and the cavernous interior spaces. You can swim through corridors where the carpet once lay, see the ghost of a ballroom, and even poke your head into old cabin doorways. The Lermontov has become an artificial reef, of course, drawing in a surprising number of New Zealand Draughtboard Sharks, which we’ve often seen resting on ledges. Look closely too for tiny Dog's Foot Cockles and the vivid Blue Green Chitons clinging to the metal. It’s a dive that suits those who appreciate a wreck with a story, offering plenty to explore for recreational divers without needing deep technical training. Just remember to bring a good torch; some of those interior sections get properly dark.

Location
Moorea & Tahiti, French Polynesia, Central & South Pacific
Coordinates
-17.515400, -149.526000
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 Faille Pomare

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 Faille Pomare

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 maximum depth for diving at La Faille Pomare?
The maximum depth for diving at La Faille Pomare is 24m. With an average visibility of 23m, this depth offers excellent conditions for exploration. This makes it suitable for a range of certified divers.
What kind of marine life and underwater features can divers expect to see at La Faille Pomare?
Divers at La Faille Pomare can expect to explore a magnificent drop-off, neighboring the Arue's fault. The site is very fish-rich, offering spontaneous encounters with various species. You might also encounter sharks and turtles, and on rare occasions, even a Tiger Shark. For more information on marine life, visit our wildlife database.
How challenging is the La Faille Pomare dive site, and is it suitable for all experience levels?
La Faille Pomare is rated as an intermediate dive site. It is often done as a drift dive, which requires a certain level of experience and comfort with currents. Therefore, it may not be suitable for absolute beginners.
What is the best time of year or specific conditions to dive La Faille Pomare for optimal marine encounters?
For optimal marine encounters at La Faille Pomare, it is best to dive when the current is incoming, as this often leads to spontaneous wildlife sightings. The provided data does not specify a particular time of year for these conditions. For general information on diving seasons, you can check our When to Dive guide.
What diving certifications are recommended or required to dive La Faille Pomare?
Given that La Faille Pomare is an intermediate dive site and often involves drift diving, divers should possess at least an Advanced Open Water certification or equivalent experience. While specific certifications aren't explicitly listed, comfort with currents and deeper dives (up to 24m) is highly recommended. Always consult with a local dive operator for their specific requirements.
What are the typical current conditions at La Faille Pomare, and is it usually a drift dive?
La Faille Pomare is indeed often done as a drift dive, indicating that currents are a typical feature of this site. When the current is incoming, divers can anticipate spontaneous and exciting marine encounters. This makes for a dynamic and engaging dive experience.