Tahaa
Explore the Leeward IslandsThe Leeward Islands are the western section of the Society Islands in Fre
Explore the Leeward Islands
The Leeward Islands are the western section of the Society Islands in French Polynesia. They are made up of the islands: Maupiti, Bora Bora, Tahaa, Raiatea, Uturoa, Huahine and a number of small atolls. The Polynesian people are defined by the ocean and it’s no surprise that this love for the sea (or “moana”) has trickled over into the tourism industry.
Diving in the Leeward Islands is very popular. Dive resorts are often incorporated into the standard honeymoon resorts, found abundantly on Bora Bora. Dive centres are more rare, though they do exist for those wishing to find alternative accommodation. Dive courses, especially for beginners, are popular, mainly due to the excellent conditions. Liveaboards are a great way to dive more than one of the Leeward Islands and most boats leave from and return to Papeete on Tahiti Island.
Diving in the Leeward Islands is possible year round due to the tropical climate. The winter months between November and February are the warmest and wettest and there is often heavy rainfall. By contrast, the months between May and October are dryer and cooler, though it is still a pleasant average of 26oC!
One of the big draws to French Polynesia for divers are the multitude of sharks. Whitetips hide away in small holes whilst baby blacktips prowl the reefs like house cats. In the blue, you can spot bigger species like lemon, silky, grey reef, bull, tiger and hammerhead.
Places to explore
Courses and Events
Dive Activity
Diving in the Leeward Islands
The Leeward Islands in the Caribbean offer a rich tapestry of underwater adventures for dive travelers. One highlight is the "Wreck of the Rhône" off the coast of Salt Island in the British Virgin Islands. This historic wreck dive is a favorite, with vibrant coral and abundant marine life making it an underwater spectacle. The "Wreck of the RMS Rhône" is considered one of the best wreck dives in the region, providing a hauntingly beautiful experience for divers.
For those preferring shore dives, "Cane Bay" in St. Croix offers easy access to the renowned "Cane Bay Wall," where divers are greeted with dramatic drop-offs and a plethora of marine species. Notably, night dives here reveal the mesmerizing sight of bioluminescent organisms. While liveaboard options are available, offering wider range and variety, the balance between shore and boat diving ensures a flexible itinerary to suit individual preferences.
Top Wildlife Sightings in the Leeward Islands
The Leeward Islands, located in the northeastern Caribbean, boast vibrant marine life, greatly appealing to divers. Common reef fish like parrotfish, angelfish, and butterflyfish are frequently spotted among the colorful coral reefs. In shallow waters, schools of blue tang and sergeant majors add to the spectacle, making these areas ideal for snorkeling and diving enthusiasts.
Seasonal highlights include migratory species such as hawksbill and green turtles, often seen in the summer months. Reef sharks, including the Caribbean reef shark, are primarily encountered around deeper reef sites and are most active from April to September. Stingray sightings, especially southern stingrays, are common year-round but peak from May through August, providing thrilling underwater experiences. Divers visiting during these times have increased chances of encountering these majestic creatures in their natural habitat.
Wildlife Sightings are Based on User Generated Content
iStock-crisod
Reef Manta Ray
881 Sightings
J
51
F
29
M
59
A
43
M
60
J
62
J
125
A
146
S
106
O
65
N
73
D
62
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species: 25
iStock/Juliosanjuan
Eagle Ray
557 Sightings
J
21
F
18
M
33
A
27
M
43
J
45
J
68
A
101
S
75
O
55
N
49
D
22
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species: 200
Alamy-WaterFrame
Moray Eel
347 Sightings
J
20
F
5
M
16
A
15
M
25
J
27
J
51
A
55
S
57
O
42
N
16
D
18
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species: 27
iStock-Global_Pics
Barracuda
123 Sightings
J
10
F
6
M
1
A
9
M
10
J
8
J
21
A
21
S
20
O
11
N
4
D
2
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species: 600
iStock/ultramarinfoto
Wrasse
107 Sightings
J
8
F
2
M
7
A
5
M
3
J
5
J
3
A
12
S
38
O
10
N
13
D
1
Shutterstock-Shane Myers Photography
Green Turtle
77 Sightings
J
5
F
1
M
0
A
9
M
3
J
0
J
23
A
6
S
12
O
9
N
9
D
0
iStock/Divepic
Giant Oceanic Manta Ray
71 Sightings
J
5
F
6
M
0
A
5
M
6
J
8
J
12
A
1
S
2
O
13
N
6
D
7
Shutterstock-Ed Jenkins
Hawksbill Turtle
59 Sightings
J
8
F
0
M
4
A
2
M
0
J
0
J
0
A
3
S
9
O
15
N
8
D
10
AdobeStock-Nikolai Sorokin
Blacktip Reef Shark
804 Sightings
J
48
F
42
M
47
A
45
M
64
J
56
J
125
A
101
S
101
O
73
N
54
D
48
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species: 130
Shutterstock_Krzysztof Odziomek
Butterfly Fish
635 Sightings
J
39
F
11
M
35
A
30
M
52
J
37
J
67
A
108
S
105
O
57
N
55
D
39
The best Months to Dive in the Leeward Islands
The Leeward Islands offer year-round diving opportunities with generally favorable conditions. Water temperatures remain inviting, ranging from 25°C in the winter to 84°F 29°C in the summer, ensuring comfortable dives throughout the year. Visibility is typically excellent, often exceeding 30 meters, especially during the dry season.
While diving is possible year-round, some factors can affect conditions. The trade winds, blowing mainly from December to June, may cause surface chop and currents, impacting dive sites on wind-exposed shores. The rainy season, from July to November, can bring reduced visibility due to runoff, though it rarely halts diving activities. Planning around these factors can help ensure an optimal diving experience in this tropical paradise.
