Mamaru - Moorea & Tahiti

Paraiso Reef is an easy drift, a site we often head to for a relaxed second dive or when we want to take things slow. It sits right at the entrance to the Marine Park, just across from the marina. The current here reliably runs north, gently easing you along the coral ridges that parallel the shore. It’s a relatively shallow dive, maxing out around 14 metres, which means plenty of light for photography and longer bottom times. We love the schools of grunts and snappers that hang out in the nooks, and you’ll always find queen angelfish flashing their colours against the coral heads. Look closely in the anemones for tiny gobies, and we’ve spotted Broadnose Worm Eels poking their heads out of the sand on more than one occasion. This is also one of our favourite spots for a night dive. The reef really comes alive after dark, with sleeping parrotfish tucked into crevices and the chance of seeing hunting crabs and octopuses. If you’re looking for a low-stress dive with consistent marine life and good visibility, Paraiso is a solid choice. It's a great spot to practise buoyancy or just unwind without fighting a ripping current.

Location
Moorea & Tahiti, French Polynesia, Central & South Pacific
Coordinates
-17.476600, -149.846100
Type
reef

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 Mamaru

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 Mamaru

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 for diving at the Mamaru dive site?
The Mamaru dive site features a gentle slope, reaching a maximum depth of 21m. Divers can expect to encounter whitetip sharks on the sand spit at depths ranging from 20-25m. The average visibility at this site is an excellent 22m.
What marine life and coral can divers expect to see at Mamaru?
The Mamaru dive site is renowned for its diverse marine life, particularly its namesake whitetip sharks. Divers can also expect to see lemon sharks, along with green turtles and hawksbill turtles, especially on the gentle slope leading to the sand spit. For more information on these species, visit our wildlife database.
How difficult is the Mamaru dive site, and is it suitable for beginner divers?
The Mamaru dive site is rated as intermediate difficulty. This suggests it is generally not recommended for absolute beginner divers who may lack the experience for such conditions. Divers should possess appropriate certification and experience for intermediate-level dives.
What are the usual currents and water conditions at the Mamaru dive site?
The Mamaru dive site typically boasts excellent water clarity, with an average visibility of 22m. Information regarding specific current strengths or water temperatures for this site is not available in our current data. Divers should always check local conditions before diving.
What is the best time of year to dive at Mamaru for optimal conditions?
Our current data for the Mamaru dive site does not specify a best time of year for optimal conditions. However, general information about diving seasons in French Polynesia can be found on our When to Dive page. It's always advisable to consult local dive operators for up-to-date seasonal recommendations.
What scuba diving certifications are required to dive at Mamaru?
Given that the Mamaru dive site is rated as intermediate difficulty, divers typically need to hold at least an Advanced Open Water certification or equivalent. This ensures they have the necessary skills and experience for the site's conditions and depths. Always confirm specific certification requirements with your chosen dive operator.