Moorea & Tahiti, French Polynesia
    Grottes de Maraa

    Plateau aux tortues

    Best months: Apr–Aug

    Protected Area

    Grottes de Maraa

    Why dive here

    With 135+ marine species recorded in the area - including humpback whales, sperm whales, spinner dolphins and pufferfish - Plateau aux tortues offers some of Moorea & Tahiti's richest diving. Water ranges 27-29°C, warmest February, March, April.

    Best timeApr–Aug
    WetsuitA 3mm shorty or thin full wetsuit
    Marine lifeHumpback Whales, Sperm Whales, Spinner Dolphins and Pufferfish · 135+ species recorded
    Water27-29°C · warmest February, March, April
    StandoutRich in charismatic marine life

    Plateau aux tortues, just off Moorea, is a spot we keep coming back to. It’s not about dramatic walls or huge pelagics, but rather the sheer comfort of the place. You drift over a sandy bottom, about 10-15 metres deep, with scattered coral bommies that act like little apartment blocks for fish. We've spent entire dives just watching the social dynamics of the Yellowtail Dascyllus around a single coral head, or spotting a shy Coral Hogfish darting between rocks. The turtles are, of course, the main draw. You’ll find them resting on the sand, sometimes half-buried, or slowly cruising past. We've seen Blackspot Surgeonfish picking algae off their shells, a sort of slow-motion cleaning station. It’s a gentle dive, perfect for photographers or anyone who likes to take their time and observe. Visibility is usually excellent, around 25-30 metres, making for calm, sun-drenched dives. Go in the morning, before the boat traffic picks up; the turtles seem more relaxed then. It’s a great spot for newer divers, or experienced ones who just want a peaceful float.

    Today05:3417:5812h 24m daylightGolden hour 17:29

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    Conditions

    Ocean conditions, forecast and tides for Plateau aux tortues

    Plateau aux tortues Ocean Conditions

    Monthly averages for Plateau aux tortues, sourced from Open-Meteo marine data + Copernicus Marine (EU) - nearest station: Open-Meteo marine grid (-17.58, -149.62) (1km away)

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    October Averages

    Sea Temperature

    27°C

    81°F · Range: 26.2–28.2°C

    Current Speed

    15 cm/s

    Direction: SW (233.1°)

    Chlorophyll-a

    0.048 mg/m³

    Very clear (oligotrophic)

    Salinity

    36.14 PSU

    Based on 4 years of monitoring data · Data sources: Open-Meteo marine data + Copernicus Marine (EU)

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