Moorea
Explore Windward IslandsThe Windward Islands are a collection of the eastern islands in French Polyn
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
Dive Activity
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.
Top Wildlife Sightings in Windward Islands
The Windward Islands, part of the Caribbean, boast rich marine biodiversity, making them a popular destination for divers. The coral reefs are teeming with vibrant species such as parrotfish, angelfish, and butterflyfish. These colorful inhabitants are commonly seen year-round, providing a lively underwater experience for divers of all levels.
Seasonal highlights add to the allure, with hawksbill and green sea turtles frequently spotted, especially around the nesting season from June to November. Additionally, nurse sharks and reef sharks can often be encountered, particularly in deeper waters. Manta rays, though less common, may be seen gliding gracefully during the warmer months. The diverse marine life offers a dynamic and thrilling experience for those exploring these tropical waters.
Wildlife Sightings are Based on User Generated Content
Shutterstock-Shane Myers Photography
Green Turtle
4k Sightings
J
302
F
229
M
281
A
341
M
292
J
315
J
366
A
360
S
411
O
434
N
368
D
305
Shutterstock-Ed Jenkins
Hawksbill Turtle
1.9k Sightings
J
123
F
89
M
128
A
161
M
164
J
152
J
202
A
167
S
253
O
198
N
155
D
147
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
913 Sightings
J
58
F
54
M
50
A
84
M
56
J
77
J
106
A
107
S
92
O
54
N
101
D
74
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
354 Sightings
J
29
F
16
M
36
A
21
M
19
J
24
J
17
A
44
S
29
O
40
N
46
D
33
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
258 Sightings
J
13
F
18
M
18
A
10
M
21
J
21
J
30
A
32
S
19
O
32
N
27
D
17
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
220 Sightings
J
6
F
9
M
8
A
30
M
12
J
17
J
40
A
12
S
21
O
18
N
40
D
7
AdobeStock-Nikolai Sorokin
Blacktip Reef Shark
2k Sightings
J
132
F
96
M
132
A
187
M
170
J
156
J
179
A
257
S
225
O
211
N
171
D
129
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species: 100
iStock-burnsboxco
Parrotfish
2k Sightings
J
157
F
106
M
131
A
171
M
104
J
149
J
202
A
186
S
220
O
191
N
197
D
160
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species: 40
iStock-wrangel
Triggerfish
1.8k Sightings
J
177
F
107
M
149
A
163
M
89
J
119
J
166
A
168
S
183
O
157
N
175
D
160
iStock-June Jacobsen
Whitetip Reef Shark
1.4k Sightings
J
110
F
71
M
92
A
100
M
86
J
87
J
134
A
167
S
171
O
148
N
140
D
89
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.
