L’ile bleue/Blue Island - Moorea & Tahiti

Oculina Point, or what we affectionately call Leopard Anemone Point, is classic Poor Knights. It’s got that raw, wild New Zealand feel to it, even with the vibrant colours. You drop into a bay that starts around 10 meters, sloping down over a bouldery, kelp-strewn bottom. The kelp here is thick, swaying gently, creating these cool, shadowed areas where all sorts of things like Snapper and Parrotfish like to hang out. Our favourite part, though, has to be those Leopard Anemones. They’re everywhere, splashed across the rocks like abstract art. You’ll find yourself just watching them pulse. We've often seen stingrays gliding through the shallows here, and the butterfly perch flitting between the kelp fronds are always a cheerful sight. The visibility averages 12m, which is decent enough to appreciate the scale of the place. It’s a site that really suits divers who appreciate the unique cooler water ecosystems, rather than just chasing tropical fish. Keep an eye out for the Demoiselle darting about, they’re particularly bold here.

Location
Moorea & Tahiti, French Polynesia, Central & South Pacific
Coordinates
-17.474800, -149.823200

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 L’ile bleue/Blue Island

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 L’ile bleue/Blue Island

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 diving depth at L'ile bleue/Blue Island?
At L'ile bleue/Blue Island, the maximum depth for the main dive is 16 meters, exploring an isolated peak and coral canyon. While the primary dive is shallower, white-tip sharks can be observed at depths of 25-30 meters, adding an exciting element to the experience.
What kind of marine life and underwater features can divers expect to see at L'ile bleue/Blue Island?
Divers at L'ile bleue/Blue Island can explore an isolated peak and a vibrant coral canyon. The site is home to very large anemones and clownfish, schools of jacks, and hawksbill turtles. White-tip sharks are also frequently spotted at deeper sections, around 25-30 meters. For more information on marine species, visit our wildlife database.
How challenging is the L'ile bleue/Blue Island dive site for recreational divers?
The L'ile bleue/Blue Island dive site is rated as intermediate in difficulty for recreational divers. This is due to the requirement of swimming in the blue before ascending into the coral canyon, which demands good buoyancy control and navigation skills. Divers should be comfortable with open water conditions.
When is the best time of year to dive at L'ile bleue/Blue Island for optimal conditions?
The provided data for L'ile bleue/Blue Island does not specify a best time of year for optimal conditions. However, it notes that the dive is best done when visibility is good, with an average visibility of 10 meters. For general information on diving seasons in the region, please consult our When to Dive guide.
What scuba diving certifications are required to dive at L'ile bleue/Blue Island?
The data for L'ile bleue/Blue Island does not explicitly state specific certification requirements. However, given its intermediate difficulty rating and the need to swim in the blue, an Advanced Open Water Diver certification or equivalent is generally recommended. This ensures divers have the necessary experience and skills for such conditions.
Are there any notable currents or specific water conditions at L'ile bleue/Blue Island that divers should be aware of?
While the provided data for L'ile bleue/Blue Island does not explicitly detail strong currents, it does mention that the dive requires swimming in the blue. Divers should also be aware of the average visibility of 10 meters. It's always advisable to check with local dive operators for real-time conditions and any potential currents before diving.