Liveaboard Diving in French Polynesia

French Polynesia boasts several fascinating areas to explore. From gorgeous soft corals to tons of sharks, it’s likely you’ll find something to interest you in this island nation. Heavy currents attract sharks to the channels of the Tuamotu Archipelago and the plankton-rich waters of the Marquesas Islands are a haven for manta rays. On the other hand, coral beds and protected bays give a home to an abundance of macro and fish species in the Society Islands. Napoleon fish, jack, clown fish and pygmy seahorses can all be spotted. Because it is spread out over 1250 miles (2000 kilometers) in the South Pacific, French Polynesia features a wide variety of underwater environments. You’ll find great drift dives in places like the Tiputa Pass of Rangiroa. There are also several atolls with coral beds, walls and pinnacles to explore. Fakarava and Rangiroa both sport some of the sharkiest dive sites on Earth, and Mahini boasts great manta ray dive sites. While there are plenty of pelagics, wreck divers will also be spoiled by several World War II wrecks, and underwater photographers will delight in the wide-angle panoramas. Because of the depths and heavy current present at many of the region’s dive sites, liveaboards in French Polynesia generally require either an Advanced certificate or an Open Water certificate with 30 logged dives. Do check with your chosen operator for certification requirements.