The French Polynesian island of Moorea is one of the Windward Islands, part of the Society Islands. She sits around 17km northwest of Tahiti across the “Sea of the Moon”. Moorea is often described as a giant garden, for her lush beauty, especially around the two bays - Cook and Opunohu.
Much of the scuba diving in Moorea operates through luxury dive resorts. There are a number of independent dive centres that operate here too, perfect for those wishing to seek alternative accommodation. There are a number of liveaboards that sail in the area too which are excellent if you wish to visit multiple islands during your stay. Dive courses are very popular in Moorea - as the diving within the lagoon is so tranquil and has an average depth of 18m, it is ideal for novice divers.
One of the highlights of diving in Moorea is the sharks, in fact it is reputed to be the best shark diving location in the South Pacific. The interior of the opalescent lagoon offers calm diving conditions, whilst exterior dives feature marine animals and big sharks.
Moorea features a number of distinct diving locations. The inner lagoon has an average depth of 18m and with its crystal clear water and calm conditions, it is ideal for beginner divers - though advanced divers will love these conditions too!
On the outer edges of the barrier reef are the more thrilling dives. Bordering the deep ocean which surrounds all the French Polynesian islands, the conditions are more unpredictable but there is a higher chance of big pelagic life like sharks. The narrow channels which breach the inner lagoon provide thrilling drift dives, brimming with life as nutrients are swept in from the open ocean.
Diving in Moorea is possible year round due to the perennially warm and calm weather. From November to February is the rainy season. The temperature rises slightly to 29oC in the air and water and the rainfall increases significantly, with days usually featuring heavy downpours in the morning and sun in the afternoon.
In the dry season, from May to October, the weather and water cool to around 26oC and it feels less humid. July is the best time to dive with humpback whales who travel to these tropical waters to mate and give birth before returning to the Antarctic around November. The visibility is excellent year round in Moorea and can be 40m+ depending on conditions.
The underwater landscape of Moorea features plenty of brightly coloured coral and a backdrop of kaleidoscopic reef fish - there are over 500 species of fish found in French Polynesia, and it will certainly feel like it in the lagoon of Moorea! Wrasse, grouper, morays, perches, unicornfish, jacks, triggerfish, barracuda and plenty more adorn these reefs along with elegant rays like eagle and manta rays.
The sharks found in Moorea are plentiful and are a big draw for many divers, with whitetips, blacktips, silvertips, hammerheads, grey, lemon and even tiger sharks stalking these waters. Unfortunately, despite making it illegal in 2017, many dive companies still feed the sharks, some even by hand. Whilst it creates a once-in-a-lifetime experience for divers, be aware of the potential environmental impact of disrupting nature’s feeding patterns.
During the summer months between July and November, humpback whales like to bask in the warm waters of Moorea when they migrate there to breed and calve. This is also the best time of year to witness dolphins.
Wildlife Sightings are Based on User Generated Content
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species approx.: 200
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species approx.: 25
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species approx.: 600
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species approx.: 40
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species approx.: 100
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species approx.: 90
