Les Gorgones - Moorea & Tahiti

North Point of Klein Curaçao definitely keeps you on your toes. This is a proper drift dive, sometimes a challenging one, even for us more seasoned divers. You'll want good topside support and a keen eye on the current before you drop in, especially as you round the corner. It's exhilarating though, letting the water carry you past plenty of big green morays and sea turtles – loggerheads, greens, and hawksbills often cruise by. We’ve also spotted barracuda and jacks riding the currents, and if you look closely, there are neat little guys like the Sand-canyon Goby or a Candy Basslet tucked into the reef at around 22 meters.

Location
Moorea & Tahiti, French Polynesia, Central & South Pacific
Coordinates
-17.810700, -149.310300
Type
drift

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 Les 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 Les 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 typical depth range for diving at Les Gorgones?
The maximum depth for diving at Les Gorgones is 29m, making it suitable for divers with appropriate certification. While the site is generally described as a dive up to 50m, the practical maximum for this specific dive is 29m. Always dive within your certification limits and comfort level.
What kind of marine life and coral can I expect to see when diving Les Gorgones?
Les Gorgones is a vibrant site, perfect for photographers, featuring a rich variety of corals including orange and violet gorgonians, black coral, octocoralia, soft coral, and ghost coral. You can also spot fascinating marine life such as sea slugs, rabbit fish, surgeon fish, triggerfish, murena eels, and multi-coloured damselfish. For more details on species, visit our wildlife database.
How difficult is the diving at Les Gorgones, and is it suitable for beginners?
Diving at Les Gorgones is classified as intermediate difficulty and is a drift dive. Due to its nature and the maximum depth of 29m, it is generally not recommended for beginners. Divers should have experience with drift diving and be comfortable with intermediate conditions.
What is the best time of year to dive Les Gorgones for optimal conditions?
Information regarding the best time of year to dive Les Gorgones for optimal conditions is not available in our current data. For general guidance on diving seasons in the region, please refer to our when to dive section.
What scuba diving certifications are required or recommended for diving Les Gorgones?
Specific certification requirements for diving Les Gorgones are not explicitly stated in our data. However, given its intermediate difficulty and maximum depth of 29m, an Advanced Open Water Diver certification or equivalent is highly recommended. This ensures divers have the necessary skills and experience for drift diving and deeper profiles.
What are the typical current and visibility conditions at Les Gorgones?
Les Gorgones is known as a drift dive, indicating that currents are typically present and contribute to the dive experience. Divers can expect excellent visibility, with an average of 30m, offering clear views of the abundant marine life and corals.