Tikehau
Explore Tuamotu ArchipelagoThe Tuamotu Archipelago is a collection of over 80 atolls which together
Explore Tuamotu Archipelago
The Tuamotu Archipelago is a collection of over 80 atolls which together form the biggest archipelago in the world, and it is located in French Polynesia, in the South Pacific Ocean. Some of the main atolls/islands which are the gateways to the best diving in this region include Rangiroa, Fakarava, Tikehau, Apataki Island and Kauehi Island. What all of these destinations have in common are crystal clear, warm waters which are all teeming with a high density of marine life which is bound to excite almost every diver. Divers of all levels can enjoy diving here due to the dive sites being mostly shallower and the water conditions calm.
This tropical region is accessible year-round. The air temperatures range between 23 and 30 degrees Celsius. Luckily, the water temperatures don’t drop below 26 degrees Celsius and averages around 29 degrees. The visibility ranges between 10 and 30 metres, sometimes reaching higher than that. Having such good visibility is beneficial for divers so they can fully admire the beauty of the underwater world here. Species which inhabit these waters include the majestic Manta Rays, a thrilling collection of reef sharks, Sea Turtles, Dolphins and that’s only the tip of the iceberg.
For divers to experience these places, they can either dive with the local dive centres, dive resorts or dive clubs of which there are multiple on each atoll/island, or they can choose to take the liveaboard and do it that way. Diving here means diving into the waters of a tropical paradise with some of the highest density of marine life in the world.
Places to explore
Dive Activity
Diving in Tuamotu Archipelago
The Tuamotu Archipelago, a diver's paradise in French Polynesia, offers some of the world's most spectacular underwater experiences. Renowned dive sites such as Rangiroa and Fakarava are celebrated for their vibrant coral walls and the thrilling drift dives through their passes. In Fakarava, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, divers can witness the mesmerizing congregation of grey reef sharks in the Garuae Pass, especially during the full moon when they exhibit unique hunting behaviors in the strong currents.
While liveaboard diving provides access to remote atolls and a variety of dive sites, shore diving is equally rewarding, offering convenience and ease. Apart from the breathtaking marine life, the archipelago is also home to notable wreck dives, such as the "Nordby" in Fakarava, which has become a haven for various fish species. Whether exploring the depths by day or experiencing the enchanting atmosphere of a night dive, the Tuamotu Archipelago promises unforgettable underwater adventures.
Top Wildlife Sightings in Tuamotu Archipelago
The Tuamotu Archipelago, a diver's paradise, boasts a vibrant marine ecosystem teeming with life. Divers frequently encounter a variety of reef fish, including butterflyfish, triggerfish, and parrotfish, thriving amidst the coral gardens. The waters are home to notable species such as the Napoleon wrasse and the elusive clownfish, with sightings almost guaranteed year-round. Seasonal highlights enhance the diving experience, with grey reef sharks and blacktip sharks often seen cruising the channels. Eagle rays and manta rays grace the waters, particularly in the months of June to October. Green sea turtles are a common sight, mostly near nesting sites from November to February. The likelihood of encountering these majestic creatures varies, with lagoons and reef passes being prime spots for diverse marine life encounters.
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: 27
iStock-Global_Pics
Barracuda
2.6k Sightings
J
167
F
106
M
125
A
170
M
168
J
197
J
239
A
412
S
367
O
287
N
220
D
130
Tobias Friedrich
Bottlenose Dolphin
2.5k Sightings
J
107
F
107
M
89
A
140
M
120
J
196
J
287
A
368
S
357
O
371
N
229
D
119
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
1.5k Sightings
J
76
F
52
M
79
A
78
M
92
J
127
J
149
A
244
S
261
O
190
N
127
D
67
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
1.5k Sightings
J
91
F
50
M
71
A
70
M
78
J
108
J
125
A
307
S
233
O
180
N
147
D
75
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
1k Sightings
J
56
F
47
M
58
A
42
M
72
J
72
J
104
A
197
S
139
O
119
N
61
D
58
AdobeStock/G Russel Childress
Great Hammerhead Shark
414 Sightings
J
37
F
36
M
55
A
22
M
15
J
3
J
5
A
65
S
70
O
58
N
23
D
25
Shutterstock-Shane Myers Photography
Green Turtle
366 Sightings
J
27
F
2
M
1
A
30
M
34
J
35
J
51
A
66
S
48
O
40
N
20
D
12
Shutterstock-Ed Jenkins
Hawksbill Turtle
317 Sightings
J
15
F
0
M
3
A
17
M
15
J
20
J
47
A
84
S
51
O
47
N
18
D
0
iStock/Divepic
Giant Oceanic Manta Ray
291 Sightings
J
4
F
27
M
18
A
14
M
17
J
10
J
25
A
31
S
54
O
49
N
34
D
8
iStock-crisod
Reef Manta Ray
247 Sightings
J
15
F
0
M
8
A
13
M
16
J
10
J
17
A
45
S
48
O
31
N
31
D
13
Alamy/Fiona Ayerst
Tiger Shark
239 Sightings
J
4
F
29
M
31
A
6
M
37
J
31
J
14
A
18
S
31
O
9
N
24
D
5
AdobeStock-wildestanimal
Common Dolphin
226 Sightings
J
12
F
0
M
0
A
19
M
15
J
24
J
24
A
46
S
35
O
25
N
14
D
12
The best Months to dive in Tuamotu Archipelago
The Tuamotu Archipelago offers excellent diving conditions year-round, with water temperatures ranging from 26°C–29°C/79°F–84°F. Visibility is typically outstanding, often exceeding 30 meters/98 feet, especially during the dry season. The archipelago's waters are influenced by tidal currents, providing nutrient-rich environments that attract diverse marine life.
Diving is possible throughout the year, but divers might encounter stronger winds and currents during the austral winter months of June to August. This period might be less favorable for those seeking calmer conditions. However, the consistent visibility and vibrant underwater ecosystems make the Tuamotu Archipelago a desirable destination for divers at any time of the year.
