Temae - Moorea & Tahiti

White Hole is one of our favourites in Roatán, a seriously underrated spot tucked away from the usual crowds. You’ll find it west of Sandy Bay, not far from Dragon Maze, though the buoy sometimes goes rogue. We’ve always found it best as a night dive, the navigation is so straightforward with that clear sandy patch at 12 metres, and it just transforms after sunset. During the day, it's a lovely, gentle drift along a wall that drops beyond 30 metres, with the sand flat creating a natural boundary. We love hunting for the Banded Jawfish here, they’re usually popping their heads out of burrows in the sand, and we’ve often spotted Mottled Conger Morays snaking across the bottom. But at night, that’s when White Hole really shines. The Blackcap Basslets come out, those tiny purple flashes against the coral, and the Chalk Bass are everywhere. We’ve seen juvenile Yellow Jacks schooling, their silver scales catching the light from our torches, and often a big Southern Stingray glides over the sand, heading into the deeper blue. It’s an easy dive, good for anyone comfortable navigating by torchlight, and it consistently delivers unexpected encounters. Just remember to bring your own light and keep an eye out for those delicate Island Frillfins perched on the gorgonians.

Location
Moorea & Tahiti, French Polynesia, Central & South Pacific
Coordinates
-17.485400, -149.760600

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 Temae

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 Temae

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 scuba diving at Temae?
The dive at Temae typically starts on a coral plate around 15m and descends to a maximum depth of 20m. This makes it a relatively shallow and accessible dive, perfect for exploring the vibrant reef.
What kind of marine life and underwater features can divers expect to see at Temae?
Divers at Temae can explore a vibrant coral plate and a gentle slope featuring several tongues of sand. The site is known as a nursery for white tip and sleeper sharks, and you can often spot schools of coach fish, blue damselfish, tuna, and jacks. Keep an eye out for unique heterocongers, also known as garden eels, and explore the diverse marine life.
How difficult is the Temae dive site, and is it suitable for beginner divers?
The Temae dive site is rated as intermediate difficulty. While it's described as an easy-to-explore dive, its classification suggests it might be more suitable for divers with some prior experience rather than absolute beginners.
What is the best time of year to dive at Temae for optimal conditions and marine life sightings?
Unfortunately, the provided data does not specify the best time of year to dive at Temae for optimal conditions or marine life sightings. For general information on diving seasons in French Polynesia, you might consult our When to Dive guide.
What scuba diving certifications are required or recommended to dive at Temae?
Given that Temae is classified as an intermediate difficulty dive site, it is generally recommended that divers hold at least an Advanced Open Water certification or equivalent. This ensures divers have the necessary skills and experience for the depths and conditions encountered.
What are the typical current and visibility conditions like at the Temae dive site?
Divers at Temae can typically expect excellent visibility, averaging around 25m, offering clear views of the underwater landscape and marine life. The provided data does not specify the typical current conditions for this dive site.