Le Tombant Saint Étienne - Moorea & Tahiti

Nudi Rock, tucked between Ajoi and Nayak, is exactly what it sounds like – a big rock that’s excellent for finding the small stuff. It’s a shallow dive, maxing out around 24 meters, which makes for plenty of bottom time to scan for nudibranchs, flatworms, and even hairy shrimp nestled among the coral and rocks. We’ve spotted Fang’s Dwarfgoby and Queensland Eviota here, alongside the more common Cheekscale Dwarfgoby. Visibility averages 16 meters, which is plenty for macro work. It’s an easy run from Juara Jetty, just four minutes, making it a good choice for a relaxed afternoon.

Location
Moorea & Tahiti, French Polynesia, Central & South Pacific
Coordinates
-17.613200, -149.621400
Type
reef

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 Tombant Saint Étienne

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 Tombant Saint Étienne

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 Tombant Saint Étienne?
The maximum depth for diving at Le Tombant Saint Étienne is 24 meters. This dive site features a sensational vertical wall that plunges to this depth, offering a dramatic underwater experience. The reef barrier itself slopes gently down to 5 to 6 meters before the steep drop-off.
What kind of marine life and coral can divers expect to see at Le Tombant Saint Étienne?
Divers at Le Tombant Saint Étienne can expect to encounter a rich variety of marine life thriving on its vibrant reef. You may spot turtles, Napoleon wrasses, parrotfish, salema, pufferfish, and moray eels. The site is known for its exuberant colors of the reef against the ultramarine blue, indicating a healthy and diverse coral ecosystem.
How challenging is the dive at Le Tombant Saint Étienne, and is it suitable for all experience levels?
The dive at Le Tombant Saint Étienne is rated as intermediate difficulty. This means it is best suited for divers with some experience rather than absolute beginners. Its vertical wall and maximum depth of 24m require a certain level of comfort and skill for safe and enjoyable exploration.
What is the best time of year to dive Le Tombant Saint Étienne for optimal conditions and marine encounters?
The provided data does not specify the best time of year to dive Le Tombant Saint Étienne for optimal conditions or marine encounters. For general guidance on diving in French Polynesia, we recommend consulting our When to Dive resource. Local dive operators in Moorea & Tahiti can also provide current seasonal insights.
What diving certifications are required to dive at Le Tombant Saint Étienne?
The specific diving certifications required to dive at Le Tombant Saint Étienne are not detailed in the provided information. Given its intermediate difficulty and maximum depth of 24m, an Advanced Open Water certification or equivalent is typically recommended for similar sites. It's always best to confirm with local dive operators in Moorea & Tahiti before planning your dive.
Are there strong currents or specific conditions divers should be aware of at Le Tombant Saint Étienne?
While the provided data highlights Le Tombant Saint Étienne as a "dizzying and sensational vertical wall" with an average visibility of 20m, it does not specify information about strong currents. Divers should always consult with their dive guide or local operators in Moorea & Tahiti for the most up-to-date conditions, including any potential currents, before diving.