First trip to French Polynesia

[Ct_purley]

Hi, I'm a new member to the site and keen to tap into the experience of all those who've dived in French Polynesia before.

To set the scene, we're planning a 14-16 day vacation around May 2026 for my wife's 50th birthday. I'm a AOW diver with about 80-90 completed dives, the wife won't enter the water if she even hears the word shark . Whilst many visit the area for the big pelagic sights I'm more focused on visiting the best coral gardens and smaller fish ecosystems that the area has to offer, my problem is trying to narrow down to those as most discussion threads focus on sharks, rays and dolphins.

We plan to fly into Tahiti, spend little time there with the bulk of the time spent in Bora Bora, Moorea and potentially Rangiroa. I need to ensure that my wife has a nice base whilst im out diving.

Any recommendations around the best dive sites for really healthy corals and which of those islands we should spend the longer periods of time on?

Thanks!!

 

[ColoDale]

The inside of the reef of Moorea had few if any sharks. Decent coral, small fish, eagle rays, pipehorses. You may see sharks at any of the Societies and Tuomotus. The lagoon side of Bora Bora did not have sharks when we dove it. The outside of the reefs and near the passes is where we saw most sharks on all islands. This does mean that you won't see sharks at any location. It's known for it. So generally, the "coral gardens" will be on the inside of the fringing reefs.

 

[pintodog]

I was in FP in May (2nd time there). Moorea is a great island if you want to do things besides diving. Said differently....don't go there only for the diving. So...it will suit your partner needs very well! Stayed in the northwest of the island near Tipaniers Beach. Tipaniers Beach is a great beach and there is a dive shop there as well (Scubapiti). I did two morning dives with them. Moorea gives you the chance to see lemon sharks (which I did see) but the overall life is rather sparse. However...I would still highly recommend spending time in Moorea...the restaurants are great, the hiking is good, and the island is gorgeous. I also spent time in Rangiroa (on the first trip) and Fakarava (the 2nd trip). Of the two...I much prefer Fakarava. I highly recommend staying at Havaiki Lodge on Fakarava. There were a lot of non-divers at the resort. It has a beautiful beach, which is a great place for your wife to chill while you dive. I dove the South Pass (which I highly recommend...you can do it as a day trip while staying in the North at Havaiki) and the North Pass. Both are good but the South Pass is really special...sharks everywhere and very close! I found the diving to be much better in Fakarava (except that Rangiroa does have dolphins).