Explore Windward Islands

The Windward Islands are a collection of the eastern islands in French Polynesia. It is made up of: Tahiti (the largest and most populous island), Moorea, Mehetia, Tetiaroa and Maiao. French Polynesia is known throughout the world as the ultimate paradise destination: lush, palm fringed beaches, glittering turquoise seas and tranquil lagoons. It is also known to have some of the best scuba diving in the world and diving in the Windward Islands is no exception. 

The people of French Polynesia are defined by their proximity to the ocean - so much so that many choose to have tribal tattoos of marine animals like turtles etched into their skin. This love of the sea has translated into their booming tourism industry and water activities like diving are popular. 

Dive resorts are popular in this top honeymoon location and it's easy to find a luxury resort with a dive centre. Independent dive centres are rarer but they do exist, with a number found in the economic capital, Papeete, which is found on Tahiti. Beginner dive courses are big business - the conditions are ideal for both new and seasoned divers alike. Liveaboards are a great way to experience more of the Windward Islands diving. Most vessels leave and return to Papeete. 

One of the highlights of diving in the Windward Islands is the chance to dive with humpback whales on Moorea. They migrate here in July to breed and give birth and they remain in these warm, shallow waters until November when they return to the Antarctic. It is one of only three locations in the world where you can dive with humpback whales.

Places to Explore

Moorea

14 Divesites 3 Centers

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. 

Tahiti

30 Divesites 6 Centers

The islands of French Polynesia are renowned for their romantic appeal and spectacular scenery, their sparkling turquoise water hardly seems real. Tahiti is the largest and most populous of the group of Windward Islands (part of the Society Islands) in French Polynesia. The population is densest in the capital of Papeete, which also has Faa’a airport, the only international gateway to the archipelago. Tahiti is divided into two; Tahiti Nui - the bigger northwestern area and Tahiti Iti, the smaller southeastern part. 

Top Dive Sites Map

★★★★☆ La Vavi

This is the name of the river which flows down from the valley. Here you will discover an overhanging reef covered with gorgonians. You can also spot white-tipped sharks fast asleep. Ocean diving up to 50m.

43
Logs
30
Divers
30.0 m
⌀ Depth
23.0 m
⌀ Visibility

★★★★☆ Le Trou du Lagon

A richly diversified lagoon basin, from 2 to 30 meters, where you can observe sleeping white-tip sharks, huge tetrodons, scorpionfish, savon fish, milkfish, anemones, a magnificent coral rose, spondylls, turtles and leopard rays.

67
Logs
38
Divers
18.0 m
⌀ Depth
19.0 m
⌀ Visibility

★★★★☆ Tombant de Papeari

This reef drop-off is covered with gorgonians and soft coral. Without fail you’ll see schools of chubs and paddletail snappers at a depth of 20m. In the deep blue you might just meet mackerel scads being chased by bonito or tuna. Spadelfish (paraha peue) are regular to this spot!

131
Logs
90
Divers
24.0 m
⌀ Depth
27.0 m
⌀ Visibility

★★★★☆ Le Fer à Cheval

A natural tunnel, shaped like a horseshoe, is carved into the coral and allows the lagoon to meet the ocean. On the side of the ocean you can see white-tipped sharks sleeping on the sand, dancing heteroconger eels, and pipefish (cousin to the seahorse).

9
Logs
7
Divers
26.0 m
⌀ Depth

★★★★★ La Marado

A spectacular terrain : chimneys, a peak (called Oti point), water which is almost always crystal clear. An untouched fauna and flora: gorgonians, octocoralia, anemones, sea slugs, jack fish, murena eels, napoleon fish...

69
Logs
38
Divers
26.0 m
⌀ Depth
25.0 m
⌀ Visibility

★★★★☆ Les Gorgones

A dive up to 50m in depth, perfect for budding photographers: orange and violet gorgonians, black coral, octocoralia, soft coral, ghost coral, sea slugs...

22
Logs
20
Divers
31.0 m
⌀ Depth
30.0 m
⌀ Visibility

★★★★☆ Dérivante aux tortues

As the name suggests, this is a drift dive where we often bump into turtles! With a little bit of luck we might also see jack mackerels, striped bonitos and dog-toothed tuna in the deep blue... We’ve even seen an Indo-Pacific sailfish!

17
Logs
14
Divers
24.0 m
⌀ Depth
16.0 m
⌀ Visibility

★★★★☆ Tables de Taravao

This is a “2in1” diving experience. First, explore a magnificent vertical drop-off with numerous crevasses, where passing platax and tuna are often encountered. The second part of the dive will take you to explore a superb platier covered with vaulted troughs over a vast expanse.

42
Logs
32
Divers
25.0 m
⌀ Depth
22.0 m
⌀ Visibility

★★★★☆ La Grotte du Pari

The cave is located in a lavatube between Teahupoo and Tautira. It’s a large tunnel, just over a hundred meters long and 20 to 30 meters wide.

8
Logs
7
Divers
14.0 m
⌀ Depth

★★★★☆ La Source, Tahiti

The site owes its name to a freshwater spring emerging from the depths of the ocean. It gushes out at 5-6 meters below the surface and is easily visible due to the column of fresh water escaping from it. This is what is called a halocline. This site is well-known in Tahiti for turtle watching.

2,907
Logs
1,148
Divers
20.0 m
⌀ Depth
21.0 m
⌀ Visibility

★★★★☆ La Faille St Etienne, Tahiti

Beautiful opening in the reef. A lot of verticality when arriving at the St. Etienne Drop-off. The upper part of the drop-off is very lively, with plenty of fish and turtles. A magnificent dive, especially with good visibility.

1,986
Logs
818
Divers
24.0 m
⌀ Depth
21.0 m
⌀ Visibility

★★★★☆ L' Aquarium, Tahiti

Certainly the best site for beginners in Tahiti. A coral ring which is ideal for a first dive. There are also 3 wrecks lying on the sand: a Cessna (5 m) and 2 boats.

2,275
Logs
873
Divers
10.0 m
⌀ Depth
20.0 m
⌀ Visibility

★★★★☆ La Vallée blanche, Tahiti

One of the most beautiful dive of Tahiti for its fauna. Grey sharks, white tip, black tip, lemon and sometimes even the majestic tiger shark. The dive is particularly recommended for drift diving.

3,117
Logs
1,120
Divers
24.0 m
⌀ Depth
21.0 m
⌀ Visibility

★★★★☆ La Zélée, Tahiti

The Zélée site is located near the port of Papeete, where you can find the remnants of the wreck of a small gunboat scattered in several pieces. The Zélée was a French gunboat launched in 1899 and sunk in 1914 during the Battle of Papeete.

615
Logs
393
Divers
23.0 m
⌀ Depth
20.0 m
⌀ Visibility

★★★★☆ La Faille d Arue

This wall starts at 5 meters, after crossing a beautiful coral plateau and then, at about 25m, you will find a beautiful cave that looks strangely like a church door.

2,545
Logs
881
Divers
25.0 m
⌀ Depth
18.0 m
⌀ Visibility

Diving in Windward Islands

The Windward Islands offer a diverse range of dive sites that cater to both shore and liveaboard divers. Among the top sites is the famed "Lesleen M" wreck in St. Lucia, a favorite for wreck enthusiasts, where divers can explore the vibrant coral-encrusted ship, teeming with marine life. Shore dives in Grenada, like Flamingo Bay, provide easy access to thriving reefs and are perfect for those who prefer less structure in their diving adventures.

For those seeking unique underwater experiences, night dives in Bequia reveal fascinating nocturnal marine life, including bioluminescent organisms that light up the dark waters. The islands strike a balance between the ease of shore diving and the extensive reach of liveaboard trips, offering divers the flexibility to explore both the vibrant marine ecosystems close to the coast and the hidden treasures further offshore.

The best Months to dive in Windward Islands

The Windward Islands offer year-round diving opportunities with varying conditions. Water temperatures range from 26°C–29°C/79°F–84°F, making wetsuits unnecessary for most divers. Visibility is generally excellent, averaging 15–30 meters/49–98 feet, but can be affected by seasonal changes.

From December to May, conditions tend to be drier and more stable, ideal for diving. However, from June to November, the islands experience a hurricane season, which can bring stronger winds and currents, potentially impacting dive plans. Despite this, diving remains possible throughout the year, with the best visibility and calmer conditions typically found during the dry season.

Statistics

Historical data and trends

Dive Activity & Environmental Conditions

Centers Map

TAHITI ITI DIVING

Marina de Phaëton, 98719 TARAVAO, PYF

FLUID Tahiti - Diving Center

CHEZ MOSS FLUID BP 2006, 98703 PUNAAUIA, PYF

TAHITI DIVE MANAGEMENT

BP 2006, 98703 PUNAAUIA, PYF

MOOREA BLUE DIVING

Hotel Moorea Manava Beach, 98728 MOOREA, PYF

Dive and Sea Tahiti

BP 42681, 98713 PAPEETE, PYF

NEMOZ DIVING

Ex - Intercontinental Moorea Tiahura, 98728 Moorea, PYF

Ecole de Plongée de TAHITI

Marina du Yacht Club, 98701 ARUE - TAHITI, PYF

AQUAFORMATION

Marina Yach Club - Arue, 98713 PAPEETE, PYF

SCUBAPITI

HOTEL LES TIPANIERS, 98729 PAPETOAI, PYF