Le Trou du Lagon - Moorea & Tahiti

Nuku Reef might not have the big pelagic action, but we think it’s a brilliant dive for slowing down and really looking. This sheltered lagoon site, maxing out at 21 meters, is perfect when the Somosomo Strait is kicking up a fuss. We love dropping onto that sandy bottom, surrounded by branching and table corals, and just watching. You’ll spot things like ivory cowries moving slowly across the sand, or a ghost moray peeking out from a coral head. The visibility, around 16 meters, is more than enough to appreciate the details here, like the delicate blue-lined tangs grazing or the flash of a granular frog shell. It’s an easy, calm dive, great for new divers or anyone who appreciates macro life over megafauna. Our pick for a relaxing afternoon, especially if you’re into finding those smaller, often overlooked creatures.

Location
Moorea & Tahiti, French Polynesia, Central & South Pacific
Coordinates
-17.767900, -149.323700
Type
reef

Marine Protected Area: Fenua Aihere

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 Trou du Lagon

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 Trou du Lagon

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 Trou du Lagon?
The maximum depth for diving at Le Trou du Lagon is 18 meters. This makes it an accessible dive for many certification levels, allowing divers to explore the richly diversified lagoon basin.
What kind of marine life and underwater features can divers expect to see at Le Trou du Lagon?
Divers at Le Trou du Lagon can expect a vibrant reef environment teeming with diverse marine life. You'll encounter fascinating creatures such as sleeping white-tip sharks, huge tetrodons, scorpionfish, and convict soap fish. The site also boasts beautiful anemones, a magnificent coral rose, and frequent sightings of turtles and leopard rays, making it a truly rich underwater experience.
How challenging is the dive at Le Trou du Lagon, and is it suitable for beginner divers?
The dive at Le Trou du Lagon is rated as intermediate in difficulty. While it offers a rewarding experience, it may not be ideal for absolute beginner divers due to its classification. Divers with some experience will find it suitable and enjoyable.
What is the best time of year to dive at Le Trou du Lagon for optimal conditions and marine encounters?
The provided data does not specify the best time of year to dive at Le Trou du Lagon for optimal conditions or marine encounters. For general information on diving seasons in the region, you might consult our When to Dive guide.
What diving certifications are required to dive at Le Trou du Lagon?
The provided data does not specify the exact diving certifications required for Le Trou du Lagon. Given its intermediate difficulty and maximum depth of 18 meters, an Open Water Diver certification or equivalent is typically recommended for such sites. It's always best to confirm with a local dive operator in Moorea & Tahiti.
What are the typical current conditions and visibility like at Le Trou du Lagon?
Divers at Le Trou du Lagon can expect excellent visibility, with an average of 19 meters. This allows for clear views of the diverse marine life and coral formations. The provided data does not specify typical current conditions for this site.