French Polynesia

Plentiful shark action and exceptional visibility make these islands unique.

French Polynesia is a system of five archipelagos, including the Society, Tuamotu, Marquesas and Australs Islands, all fringed by vibrant reefs and protected lagoons. Clear, shallow waters and walls of bright coral give way to steep oceanic drop-offs and wrecks swarming with marine life. But if you enjoy seeing the big guys, this is the place to be. Lemon, grey, black tip, white tip, and hammerhead sharks all make these waters their home, and a thrilling drift dive with these predators is not to be missed.

Since the scuba diving is fast-paced and drift dives are less predictable, liveaboard diving is the best way to experience all that French Polynesia has to offer. For a real thrill, jump on a liveaboard diving boat that explores the passes and channel entrances of the Tuamotu Atolls, which include Rangiroa, Kaukara, Fakarava, Toau and Apataki. You’re guaranteed some of the best drift dives of your life.

When to Go
Year-round. Manta rays are prevalent from early September through mid-October, and hammerheads steal the show during January and February.

Dive Conditions
The average water temperature is from the high-70s to the mid-80s, and average visibility consistently exceeds 100 feet.