French Polynesia is located in the Pacific Ocean and is made up of 121 atolls and islands. It is noted for the vibrant coral reefs that sway from side to side in its inviting waters and provides perfect diving temperatures. The wide range of water activities available on the islands has made it a popular choice for those looking to explore caverns and shipwrecks, and to encounter pelagics and other large marine animals including barracuda. Adventure-oriented divers looking to experience a shark encounter that may include one or more of the following species of silvertip, blacktip, whitetip, gray reef and hammerhead sharks all in one place will love the thrill they get from French Polynesia. Compared to other countries, this water paradise is a leader in having a high number of sharks present on every dive and this explains why shark feeding is one of the most popular activities here.
If you are thinking of jumping into crystalline water wearing a diving suit and being held securely in place with weights while holding onto a secure rope and seeing large sharks swim from corner to corner looking for food, then the rest of this article may just tickle your fancy. Follow along as we explore the top five diving destinations in French Polynesia that should not be missed for those that want an adrenaline rush of thrill and fright, all at the same time. Let’s take a closer look!
Fakarava
Fakarava is an unspoiled diving locale that has not been explored by many divers, thus making it a magnificent site to see a wide range of sea life. It is one of the new areas that has been added to French Polynesia’s portfolio of shark diving destinations. At Fakarava, it is possible to see large pelagic animals in their natural habitat while they roam looking for food, mating or just touring through the lovely waters. It is a great place to see tuna, a variety of sharks, and mantas; perfect for intermediate and advanced divers. The most popular sharks on the list include hammerheads and whitetips.
Tahiti
Tahiti Island is synonymous for adventurous shark diving. It can be explored by both novice and advanced divers and with its relatively calm waters divers are rewarded with a colorful marine life amidst some of nature’s most frightening sea creatures. You will see large sharks moving around naturally and totally oblivious to your presence (if you follow the rules set in place by your guide) sharing the same home with moray eels and hundreds of fish that light up the waters with a wonderful combination of dazzling colors and forms. Shark Cave is a favorite among locals and visitors alike and features trained shark feeders ‘playing’ and ‘petting’ hungry sharks while they frantically look for food. It is also possible to explore shipwrecks and see the famous underwater plateau Tahiti Wall. Here you will see the long stretch of the ocean while you marvel at the scope and size of the underwater world.
Bora Bora
The White Valley is the featured location for seeing gray sharks hovering above your head or swimming next to you. It is noted for its natural beauty and is full of large Manta Rays that often accompany divers at sites such as Anau and theTeavanui Pass. Additional shark feeding can be seen and done at Tapu Dive.
Rangiroa
Rangiroa is considered the world’s largest atoll and with its magnificence and beauty it is easy to understand why. Divers will not experience any challenges peering through its crystalline waters and will be prized with various types of marine life such as: hammerhead sharks, gray reef sharks, turtles, dolphins, and barracudas. This site is noted for its high concentration of marine life that are all too happy to pose for diver photos so don’t forget to bring your camera!
Huahine
The Avepeihi is a popular diving spot among local and professional divers for the beautiful gray sharks that spring up from every corner of the site. Leopard rays, tortoise, eels and barracudas are also quite popular here. This area is often visited by divers that are looking for a quiet place to dive far from the frenzy and excitement that are known in other islands.