French Polynesia

Dive Into Paradise

Wetsuits and cosy digs.

Equalise your ears and prepare yourself for a deep exploration of the top spots to dive and the cosiest places to stay in the piece of paradise that goes by the name Tahiti

If your idea of a perfect holiday involves tugging on a wetsuit and submerging yourself in vibrant, sea creature-filled underwater worlds by day and friendly, family-run accommodations by night, hang on to your scuba gear because we’re about to show you some places that will blow your flippers off.

1. Rangiroa

DIVE

A 50-minute flight from Tahiti’s capital is all you need to reach Rangiroa, the world’s second largest atoll and home to some of the world’s best dive sites according to French oceanographer and filmmaker Jacques Cousteau – and he knows stuff.

Rangiroa is made up of about 415 small islets and sandbars filled with crystal-clear waters that teem with marine life. Advanced divers can tackle the Tiputa Pass, sharing the water with curious dolphins and the occasional hammerhead shark, mantas, sting rays, tuna, and sea turtles.

DREAM

Rangiroa Bliss

When the water visibility is up to 39 metres and its temperature hovers between 26.7 to 28.9 degrees Celcius, it’s hard to drag yourself out of the ocean but you don’t need to go far when you stay at Rangiroa Bliss.

The guesthouse has its own private beach and its six rooms abutt the lagoon. Rangiroa Bliss caters more to sandy feet than fancy pedicures and trades room service for unforgettable starry nights and family-cooked meals. It does have WiFi if you want to connect to the outside world. Bet you won’t.

2. Moorea

DIVE

If you want to know what Moorea looks like, get your mum to pull out your kinder drawings of an island paradise. You’ll have nailed it. Jagged volcanic mountains and powder-like sandy shores. Moorea is so lovely it even takes the shape of a heart from above, which helps attract honeymooners as well as diving fanatics.

Most of the island's dive spots are to the north, accessible via short boat rides. Highlights include Tiki Point, known for its clear waters and abundant marine life, including lemon sharks and vibrant coral reefs.

DREAM

Fare Nani

These traditional bungalows are hugged by lush, exotic gardens and boast their own private beach where you can enjoy your breakfast served with a side of ocean breeze. Kick back on the steps of your bungalow and eat your breakfast with your toes digging into the sand or enjoy a meal in the communal outdoor dining area where you can swap stories with fellow travellers and the friendly owners.

3. Rurutu

DIVE

If deep-sea diving and exploring oceanic caves is your jam, Rurutu is blessed with incredible drop-offs and underwater caves and vibrant coral reefs that provide habitats for a myriad of marine species.

Known as 'Whale Island’, Rurutu is on the annual migratory route for humpback whales, which means there’s not only the opportunity to spot humpback whales, but to share the water with them. The experience of swimming in the ocean with a whale song as your backing track? Priceless.

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Vaitumu Village

Luxury hotels just aren't a thing on Rurutu and why would they be when you can stay at an authentic family-run Tahitian guesthouse like Vaitumu Village where the hospitality is as warm as the ocean breeze.

Located on Rurutu’s northwest coast, the village offers seven charming bungalows, a large communal area with a bar where you can relax after a day’s diving while soaking up local tunes or continue your love affair with the water at the pool. If the beach pulls you back, keep your eyes peeled for a glimpse of whales breaching.

4. Fakarava

DIVE

Home to a range of spectacular, and protected species, Fakarava’s abundant biodiversity has led it to be declared a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.

The largest pass in French Polynesia, Garuae Pass, is a diving magnet thanks to its pristine coral reefs and exciting drift dives.

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Vaiama Guest House

On the edge of the lagoon, Vaiama Guest House tells its guests they will ‘Come for the views, stay for the vibe’ - and you couldn’t argue. After a day of underwater exploration, there’s nothing like a home-cooked meal in a cozy setting where you’re treated like family.

The guest house has an idyllic setting on a pristine white beach. You won’t want to leave the deck over the water, which offers the perfect vantage point to watch colourful schools of fish and the occasional stingray swim by during the day, and ponder life, the universe, and everything under the incredible sky at night.

5. Tikehau

DIVE

Tikehau is the underwater equivalent of a tropical fish parade, with schools of colourful creatures putting on a display that makes Mardi Gras look like a Sunday stroll.

Divers from around the world talk in hushed tones about the vibrant underwater world on display at Tuheiava Pass where manta rays and reef sharks will accompany you on adrenaline-pumping drift dives.

DREAM

Le Tikehau by Pearl Resorts

Le Tikehau is more of a luxury stay than the others on this list but when your forced to literally decompress from your diving adventures before flying home, it’s pretty tempting to end your stay somewhere you can indulge in a little pampering.

At Le Tikehau, your biggest stress will be whether to stay in a lux bungalow on the beach or over the water, but you’ll be able to massage the tension of that decision away at the resort’s spa, where you can trade saltwater for an oil and coconut scrub.