Taotoi - Moorea & Tahiti

West End is one of those sites we always make time for when we're in Roatán, especially if the wind’s kicking up from the southeast. Tucked just around the corner on the north side, it’s a lovely gentle wall dive that starts shallow and slopes down to about 22m. Visibility averages a comfortable 18m, often more, and currents are usually non-existent, making it a genuinely relaxing dive. We love the vibrant soft corals here, they really pop against the deeper blues. Keep your eyes peeled for the unusual stuff: we’ve had some fantastic encounters with Mushroom Scorpionfish tucked into crevices and spotted Pygmy Filefish swaying in the gorgonians. There are plenty of the usual suspects like grunts and wrasse, but we also see more than our fair share of green morays and often a sleepy nurse shark under a ledge. We once watched a Great Barracuda eyeball us for a good five minutes, just hanging there in the blue. It’s an easygoing site, perfect for shaking off travel fatigue or for newer divers getting comfortable with wall diving, but with enough small, interesting critters to keep even the most seasoned macro lover happy.

Location
Moorea & Tahiti, French Polynesia, Central & South Pacific
Coordinates
-17.481800, -149.890800
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 Taotoi

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 Taotoi

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 Taotoi?
The Taotoi dive site offers a maximum diving depth of 19m, making it an excellent location for various skill levels. This relatively shallow depth is particularly welcoming for beginners and first-time divers in Moorea.
What kind of marine life and underwater features can I expect to see when diving Taotoi?
At Taotoi, you can expect a vibrant marine life experience on its beautiful reef. It's a privileged place to observe Javanese morays, black tip sharks, napoleon wrasses, trumpet fish, rainbow jacks, and giant triggerfish. This site is also known for its general abundance of reef fishes and giant morays.
How challenging is the Taotoi dive site for scuba divers?
While the Taotoi dive site is officially rated as intermediate in difficulty, it is notably a favorite among beginners and first-time divers in Moorea. Its manageable conditions make it accessible for those gaining experience.
What is the best time of year to dive at Taotoi for optimal conditions and marine encounters?
Information regarding the absolute best time of year to dive at Taotoi for optimal conditions and marine encounters is not specifically provided in our current data. We recommend checking our When to Dive section for general guidance on diving in French Polynesia.
What scuba diving certifications are required to dive at Taotoi?
Specific scuba diving certifications required to dive at Taotoi are not detailed in our current data. Given its suitability for beginners, an Open Water Diver certification is generally sufficient for sites of this nature, but it's always best to confirm with local dive operators in Moorea.
What are the typical current conditions and visibility like at the Taotoi dive site?
The Taotoi dive site boasts an excellent average visibility of 22m, offering clear views of its vibrant marine life. Details on typical current conditions are not specifically provided in our current data, so local dive briefings will be essential for up-to-date information.