Scuba diving in

Tahiti and Moorea

Part of the Windward Islands in the Society Archipelago, Tahiti is formed from two distinct landmasses linked by a narrow strip of land known as Taravao. Tahiti Nui, to the northeast, is the larger of the two and is home to the nation’s capital city, Papeete. A vibrant atmosphere and festive appeal await visitors to Tahiti Nui, with colourful markets, bustling nightlife, and plenty of black pearl jewellery shops. Home to the world-famous Teahupoo surf spot, Tahiti Iti is markedly smaller and more wild in comparison, with a mix landscape of peaceful prairies, rugged mountains, and dense vegetation inaccessible by road.

Located just 14-kilometres northwest of Tahiti, Moorea is smaller and more developed island. Often described as a ‘garden island’ due to its spellbinding natural beauty, Moorea is dense with pineapple fields and verdant green jungle punctuated by volcanic mountain peaks, cascading rivers, and white sandy beaches. Two large bays on the island’s north coast, known as Cook’s Bay and Opuhonu Bay - the latter, somewhat ironically, being the spot James Cook chose to take his first steps ashore during his third voyage in 1777.

The only international airport in French Polynesia is located close to Tahiti’s capital Papeete, just five kilometres from the city centre. Once on the island, renting a car is likely your best option for getting around, particularly if you plan on doing a lot of sightseeing. Taxis and private tour guides are also easy to arrange. Certain parts of Tahiti Iti are inaccessible by road, but water taxis can be arranged from areas such as Teahupoo to help you see these secluded beauty spots. 

The ferry port is located a quick ten-minute drive from the airport and offers an enjoyable and affordable way to reach Moorea. Both the fast ferry and the slow ferry can take cars on board, and the trips last around 30 or 45-minutes respectively. While advanced booking is not necessary, it can usually be done online via the operator’s website and can give you extra peace of mind. It is also possible to fly from Tahiti to Moorea - a 15 minute hop. Again, once on Moorea, a hire car is advisable but taxis and private guides are readily available to help you explore.

Tahiti Nui is more geared towards tourism with plenty of bars, restaurants and shopping opportunities. Travellers will find a reasonable range of accommodation options to choose from here, particularly centred around the northwest coast, which include everything from small hotels to apartments and luxury resorts. Tahiti Iti delivers a slightly more off-grid and authentic experience, with one or two resorts, a handful of surf lodges, and a few guesthouses - known locally as ‘pensions’. Of course, surfing is one of the biggest top-side activities in Tahiti, but you can also enjoy pastimes such as sunset cruising, kayaking, jet skiing, and even golf in Atimaono, on Tahiti Nui. 

Moorea is more touristy than Tahiti and can cost a little more. Guesthouses and pensions can be found, but the majority of accommodation takes the form of mid-range hotels spread along the island’s coastline. Moorea is also a hotspot for honeymooners and luxury-seekers staying in several of French Polynesia’s iconic five-star resorts with sublime overwater villas and stunning scenery. Sometimes referred to as the ‘island of a thousand activities’, Moorea is packed with possible excursions, including hiking trails that weave through mountainous tropical jungle. And, of course, being French Polynesia, water sports such as paddleboarding, windsurfing, sailing, and canoeing are all readily available - particularly around the vast bays to the north.

Tahiti and Moorea have a warm tropical climate perfect for diving throughout the year, though there are two distinct seasons. The dry season runs from May to October and sees average air and water temperatures between 25-27°C. During the rainy season, which lasts from November to April, temperatures rise to around 28-30°C on land and in the water. The odd cyclone has been known to pass through the region at this time. The biggest event in the marine life calendar around these islands is the whale watching season which runs from August through October.

French Polynesia has been a cetacean sanctuary since 2002, and all whales and dolphins are protected. Whale watching tours follow strict guidelines to keep interactions as sustainable as possible. In 2014, the coasts around Tahiti’s southern tip were turned into a volunteer marine reserve by locals who understand the importance of the oceans and its inhabitants. This traditional practice, known as rahui, temporarily prohibits fishing and the harvesting of resources from the sea until such a time as they are deemed replenished. In addition, the neighbouring island of Moorea features eight marine protected areas around its coastline.