Le piton aux gorgones - Moorea & Tahiti

The North Cardinal wreck in Saldanha Bay is a sleeper site, often overlooked for the flashier Cape wrecks. Don't expect dramatic overhangs or massive penetration here; this one's mostly buried in sand at a max 12m, but that’s its charm. We love the challenge of tracing its outline, spotting the bow and stern, and imagining what she was in her prime. Visibility averages a shy 2m, sometimes a little more, making it an intimate dive. You’re often face-to-face with the resident crayfish – big, inquisitive fellows – and cuttlefish are a frequent sight, sometimes flashing colours as you approach. Kolsterte, a type of seabream, flit around the exposed metalwork, which is often draped in kelp and anemones. It’s a gentle wreck, perfect for divers who enjoy slow exploration and finding beauty in the details rather than grand vistas. We’d suggest a calm morning, permission secured from the port authority, and a good dive light to peek into the shadowy corners.

Location
Moorea & Tahiti, French Polynesia, Central & South Pacific
Coordinates
-17.619800, -149.621300
Type
wreck

Marine Protected Area: Grottes de Maraa

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 Le piton aux gorgones

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 Le piton aux gorgones

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 Le piton aux gorgones?
The maximum depth for diving at Le piton aux gorgones is 28 meters. This site in Moorea & Tahiti offers a unique descent along a drop-off to this depth, revealing a magnificent peak.
What kind of marine life and coral can I expect to see when diving Le piton aux gorgones?
When diving Le piton aux gorgones, you can expect to see beautiful gorgonians adorning the slopes of the magnificent peak. While specific marine life is not detailed, the vibrant gorgonians provide a stunning underwater landscape. For more information on marine species, you can explore our wildlife database.
What is the difficulty level for diving Le piton aux gorgones, and is it suitable for beginner divers?
The difficulty level for diving at Le piton aux gorgones is classified as intermediate. This suggests it may not be suitable for absolute beginner divers without proper supervision or additional training. Divers should have some experience to comfortably navigate the drop-off and peak structure.
What is the best time of year to dive Le piton aux gorgones for optimal conditions and marine life sightings?
Information regarding the best time of year to dive Le piton aux gorgones for optimal conditions and marine life sightings is not available in our current data. We recommend checking general resources for when to dive in Moorea & Tahiti to plan your trip.
What diving certifications are required to dive at Le piton aux gorgones?
Specific diving certifications required to dive at Le piton aux gorgones are not detailed in our current data. Given its intermediate difficulty and maximum depth of 28 meters, an Advanced Open Water certification or equivalent is generally recommended for similar sites. It's always best to consult with local dive operators in Moorea & Tahiti for precise requirements.
What are the typical current and visibility conditions at Le piton aux gorgones dive site?
At Le piton aux gorgones, you can expect excellent average visibility of 22 meters, offering clear views of the stunning peak and gorgonians. Information regarding typical current conditions for this specific dive site is not available in our current data.