La Zélée, Tahiti - Moorea & Tahiti

Let’s be honest upfront: No Name (A) isn’t the first site we’d point to on Klein Bonaire if you’re chasing giant pelagics. It’s right where the water taxi drops off the beach crowd, so don’t expect serene solitude up top. But get under the surface, and it’s a surprisingly productive little reef, especially if you slow right down and really look. We love No Name (A) for its macro life. The shallows, around 5-10m, are fantastic for nudibranchs – keep an eye out for the Antilles Glass-slug, a delicate little beauty. Further down, among the staghorn patches, we’ve found Orangespotted Filefish nibbling away and plenty of those shy Rusty Gobies. It’s a gentle drift, easy to navigate, and the sunlight plays beautifully through the corals, especially mid-morning. We’d suggest going early before the beach really fills up; you’ll have the best light and fewer snorkelers above. It's a perfect spot for photographers wanting to practice their close-up shots without fighting a strong current.

Location
Moorea & Tahiti, French Polynesia, Central & South Pacific
Coordinates
-17.530300, -149.579200
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 La Zélée, Tahiti

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 Zélée, Tahiti

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 average depth of the La Zélée dive site in Tahiti?
The La Zélée dive site in Tahiti has a maximum depth of 23m. While an average depth isn't specified, divers can explore the remnants of the wreck down to this depth. For more details on this site, visit the La Zélée dive site page.
What marine life and wreck features can divers expect to see at La Zélée, Tahiti?
At the La Zélée dive site, divers can explore the scattered remnants of a small gunboat wreck. The site is vibrant with marine life, including corals reclaiming the wreck, numerous lagoon fish, and sleeping sharks. Additionally, rose-shaped coral can be observed around 25-27 meters depth.
How difficult is the La Zélée dive site in Tahiti, and what diving certification is required?
The La Zélée dive site in Tahiti is rated as intermediate difficulty. While specific certification requirements are not provided, an intermediate rating typically suggests it's suitable for certified divers with some experience. Always check with local dive operators for their specific requirements.
When is the best time of year to dive La Zélée in Tahiti for good visibility?
The data provided indicates an average visibility of 20m at the La Zélée dive site. However, there is no specific information available regarding the best time of year to dive for optimal visibility. For general guidance on diving seasons in the region, you might consult our When to Dive section.
Are there strong currents or other challenging conditions at the La Zélée dive site in Tahiti?
The provided information for the La Zélée dive site does not mention strong currents or other specific challenging conditions. Divers should always consult with local dive operators before their dive for the most current conditions and safety information.
What kind of wreck is La Zélée and what is its history as a dive site in Tahiti?
The La Zélée is the wreck of a small French gunboat, launched in 1899. It met its fate in 1914 when it was sunk during the Battle of Papeete, and its remnants are now scattered in several pieces near the port of Papeete. This historical site offers divers a unique opportunity to explore a piece of French Polynesia's past.