French Polynesia guide
Diving in French Polynesia
French Polynesia is one of the great shark-diving destinations, and the best of it is in the Tuamotu passes, where current concentrates grey reef sharks and large schooling fish. Diving from a cruise here is usually arranged either through the ship's own operation or with local dive centres ashore. Pass dives ask for competence in current, so certification and recent experience matter.
What makes the diving here
Current and topography. The atoll passes funnel ocean water into the lagoon and back out again, and everything that eats plankton, and everything that eats those things, gathers where the water moves fastest. That is the mechanism behind the shark aggregations the Tuamotus are famous for.
The Society Islands offer gentler diving — reef slopes, drop-offs, rays and coral gardens — and are the better place to get current before heading to the atolls.
How diving works from a ship
Arrangements vary a great deal by vessel. Some ships run their own dive operation with equipment and instructors aboard; others book you with a local dive centre at each call. Whether dives are included in the fare or charged as a package also varies.
Because of that, we confirm the specific ship's dive arrangements before you count on diving at all. It is one of the most common mismatches we see between what a traveler assumed and what a fare included.
Experience and certification
Open-water certification is the baseline, and pass dives with strong current reasonably ask for more than that — advanced certification, recent dives, and honesty about your comfort level. Dive centres here are professional and will assess you; that assessment is for your benefit.
If you are certified but out of practice, a refresher before the trip is worth more than any piece of equipment you could buy.
Common questions
Can beginners dive in French Polynesia?
Yes, on sheltered Society Island sites, and many dive centres offer introductory dives. The strong-current pass dives in the Tuamotus are not beginner territory, and a responsible operator will say so.
Should I bring my own gear?
Bring a mask and computer if you have them; rental equipment for the rest is generally good. Confirm tank and weight arrangements with the specific operation, and remember that flying home has a no-fly interval after your last dive.
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Written by your expedition advisors
Chris Commisso · Expedition Expert
Erika Commisso · Travel Experience Architect
CLIA Elite Cruise Counselor · ASTA Verified Travel Advisor
Chris and Erika have personally sailed 18 expedition ships and explored eight expedition regions.
Last updated .