Scuba Diving in Moorea: Top 11 Dive Sites and Shops

Moorea Island is surrounded by clear turquoise waters filled with vibrant reefs and diverse marine life, providing everything a diver needs for a great dive.

There are plenty of sites for scuba diving in Moorea that offer an unforgettable underwater experience. You’ll see from sharks and rays to turtles and schools of different fish. Swimming with these sea creatures up close is always an exciting and never-boring experience.

Below, I’ve compiled the list of the best scuba diving shops and sites in Moorea, along with some useful general info about diving, so you have all the details needed to make the most of your aquatic adventure.

How is it like diving in Moorea?

The society islands of French Polynesia have always been known for their rich marine ecosystem, and Moorea is no exception. The water around Moorea is clean and warm with temperatures averaging between 79°F and 84°F. At most dive sites, currents are mild to moderate, and depth typically ranges from 60 to 100 feet.

Under the waters of Moorea, you get to see black tip sharks, white tip sharks, lemon sharks, eagle rays, stingrays, turtles, moray eels, crabs, octopus, barracudas, humpback whales (only in season) and many other fish in different colors and sizes.

Moorea diving sites are suitable for both beginner and seasoned divers. However, some sites are only recommended for experienced divers. It’s crucial to prioritize safety, so if you’re not experienced, it’s best to stick to the sites suitable for your skill level.

You’ll find many dive shops in Moorea that can help you explore its various diving sites. If you want to do it yourself, you can do so but I wouldn’t recommend it unless you’re experienced and equipped with all the necessary gear required for diving.

Moorea Dive Map

Best Dive Sites in Moorea

Most of the diving happens on the northern side of Moorea where the majority of the island’s dive sites are. These dive sites are boat dives and typically take around 10 minutes to get there. Plus you can’t dive alone, they require a buddy system.

If you don’t want to go out in the ocean, you can do a shore dive from various beaches of Moorea but don’t expect the same experience.

1. Tiki Point

Tiki Point is one of the famous dive spots in Moorea, located on the northwest of the island near Motu Fareone. You can expect calm waters here with excellent visibility of up to 100 feet, and reaching depths between 55 to 75 feet (16-22 meters).

This site is just a 10-minute boat ride away. While on your way, you might catch a sight of dolphins playing in and out of the water.

Going down, you’ll see abundant corals and tropical fish of different sizes and colors adding charm to this place. The reefs here are mostly healthy with a mix of hard and soft corals. Tiki Point is also among the least affected areas in Moorea by bleaching events.

The highlight of the site is the sharks, particularly the rarely seen lemon sharks. Diving here gives you the unique opportunity to see these animals, plus the underwater sculptures made by a local artist.

No matter what your experience level is, you’re sure to enjoy the stunning aquamarine surroundings here. Plus you can capture your moments with underwater photography.

2. The Rose Garden

The rose garden site is at least 45 feet (14 meters) deep and goes down to a depth of 120 feet (36 meters). Due to the depth and underwater pressure, this site is only recommended for experienced divers with a minimum level 2 certification, some dive centers may also ask for rescue diver certification.

The site is located on the northern side of the island facing Hilton Moorea and would take about a 10-minute boat ride from Opunohu Bay to get there.

The water at the site is clear and calm with mild currents. Visibility is also good and for the best experience, diving in daylight is recommended.

Newbies don’t need to worry, they can still explore this site with a snorkeling tour from Ta’ahiamanu Beach to the rose garden.

At the site, you’ll see lots of rose shaped coral reefs that make you feel like you are in an underwater garden, and that’s how this place got its name.

Other than the amazing coral reefs, you’ll see many black-tip sharks, moray eels, rainbow runners, and other types of fish swimming around. Going deeper can reveal bigger sharks and more pressure that can be dangerous, so it’s only for experts.

So if you’re into snapping pics or want to witness some of the most beautiful coral structures in Moorea, this is your dive site.

3. The Canyons

The Canyons is another popular reef diving site located on the north of Moorea Island. The maximum depth the Canyons reaches is about 90 feet and you can find mooring depths around 45 feet.

The water at the site is clean and warm with occasional strong currents that can make diving a bit difficult. But normally it’s calm here which makes it a great dive spot for divers of all levels.

The site is close to the Rose Garden site, and it’d take around 10 minutes to get there either from the Hilton Moorea, Manava Resorts, or the Opunohu anchorage. Dive shops usually start their tour from these places.

Once reach the site, you’ll dive from the boat and get to explore the vibrant canyon reefs and many small fish tucked in them. You’ll also see many black tip sharks swimming around and minding their own business.

If lucky, you might encounter pods of dolphins on the surface of blue water on your way to the site. The views of the ocean and the island from the boat are itself worth it.

Since this spot is close to the Tiki point, you may also encounter big lemon sharks. Besides, there are green turtles, anemones, clown fish and other marine animals.

4. Coral Wall

True to its name, the Coral Wall site is packed with tons of coral reefs forming walls and beautiful canyons on the seafloor. It has a maximum depth of 90 feet (27 meters) and can easily be a multiple-tank dive as it’s split into three sections.

Whether you’re an experienced or a beginner, you can dive here with confidence. It’s situated near Opunohu Bay on the north of the island which is just a quick 5 minute boat ride away.

As you drift down, the site reveals its beauty and diverse sea life that’s just amazing to watch. You’ll get to see many blacktip reef sharks, turtles, moray eels, sharksuckers and many other tropical fish that inhabit the reefs.

Since this site falls in the Opunohu Bay area, most waves and winds are restricted, so the water remains steady ensuring a wonderful diving experience in Moorea.

5. Taotoi

Taotoi is a well-liked Moorea dive site where you can witness vast sea life in a single area. The site isn’t too deep, only around 50 feet which is perfect for beginners. There can be light to moderate currents, so try to swim up currents and stick with your dive master.

This site is easily reachable, located just outside the lagoon on the northern shores of the island which would take about 5 minutes to reach here.

Here you can see a greater variety of sea life than in other sites. The channels here serve as pathways for numerous fish moving from one side to the other of Moorea Island.

Like many dives in Moorea, this site is no exception when it comes to blacktip sharks. And that’s not all, there are giant moray eels, sea turtles, eagle rays, wrasses, bluestripe snapper, triggerfish and many other reef fish swimming around.

6. The Rays Corridor

If you’re up for a fantastic drift dive on Moorea Island, the Rays Corridor is your spot. It goes to a depth of about 60 feet and can be found north of the island right in front of Opunohu Bay, just a quick 5-minute boat ride away.

This dive site is not only great for experienced but also for beginners as it’s a lagoon dive close to the barrier reef. You’ll probably experience more current here than at the dive sites outside the reef. But the currents here can help you in exploring the site if you handle them well.

As you go down the lagoon channel, you’ll encounter vibrant corals and lots of eye-catching reef fish throughout your diving excursion. Since this dive site is close to the coral wall site, you’ll also come across walls of coral reefs.

In short, it’s a fun dive with awesome sightseeing and plenty of marine life including swarms of eagle rays, black tip sharks, white tip sharks, turtles, and even humpback whales but only in whale season.

7. The Aquarium

The Aquarium is a go-to spot for both diving and snorkeling, situated within the lagoon and reaching depths of up to 40 feet. The waters here are shallow with little to no currents.

You can find it up on the north side of Moorea near Cook’s Bay, and just a quick boat ride of less than 5 minutes will get you there.

Once in the water, you’ll notice that the ocean floor is sandy with plenty of coral reefs of various colors dotted on the floor. Apart from that, there are lots of anemones here too.

You’ll also get to see schools of colorful fish in different sizes, from tiny pipefish to big hawkbill turtles, eagle rays, clown fish, parrotfish and many more whose presence makes for an amazing scuba diving experience.

This is also a famous spot for diving lessons in Moorea due to its convenient location and ideal conditions for open-water divers. You’ll find many dive shops around this place.

8. Aito

Adjacent to the Taotoi site, there is a dive site called Aito which is known for spotting uncommon emperor angelfish. With a depth of up to 80 feet (24m), it’s an ideal spot for divers beyond the beginner level.

Because the site is close to the reef break, you might face occasional swells and currents which could be an extra workout for you. Even so you’ll enjoy diving here because of its great visibility and lots of coral formations hiding numerous reef fish.

Moreover, you’ll get to watch green turtles, blacktip sharks, eels and other marine life randomly swimming here and there.

9. Eden Park

Eden Park is an amazing dive site that goes down to 70 feet, and offers diving opportunities for divers of all levels. It’s on the north of Moorea near Opunohu Bay beyond the lagoon, which can be reached in 10 minutes.

The site is neighbor to the Canyons, so you can expect somewhat a similar experience. It’s teeming with coral reefs providing habitat to reef fish and more.

Not only do you see black tip sharks, but you may encounter a lemon shark which can be a bit intimidating. But don’t worry, they are rare and usually stay off. Additionally, there are turtles, barracudas, clownfish, butterfly fish and lovely anemones.

Overall it’s a great dive site for anyone looking not only for just calm and friendly diving in Moorea but also contains various sea animals of the South Pacific

10. Temae

Right in front of Temae village, in the east of Moorea lies a dive site called Temae. It offers a relaxed diving experience with its gentle currents and great visibility and has a depth of approximately 66 feet.

After diving in, you’ll come across a coral plate followed by a gentle slope, guiding divers down to the bottom where you’ll find more reef and fish.

Furthermore, you’ll encounter black tip sharks, sleeper sharks, turtles, tuna, and damselfish along with the nursery of heterocongers. You might even spot whales and dolphins in this area.

Whether you’re a scuba diver or a snorkeler, you’ll definitely love marine life and underwater landscapes here. The site is close to Sofitel Resorts Moorea and Temae Beach.

11. Vaiare

The depth of the Vaiare dive site is about 25-30m, and the currents are a bit stronger than in most sites. It’s a great dive site that’s more suited for experienced divers rather than beginners.

The site is teeming with coral reefs and marine species which makes it one of the best sites for diving in Moorea.

You’ll not only see the amazing coral garden, but also many sharks, rays, turtles and a variety of fish like jackfish, barracuda, bluestripe snapper, etc.

If visiting Moorea just for diving, then you cannot miss the Vaiare dive site which is located in front of the ferry dock in the east of the island. It will take about 5 minutes to get there from the dock.

Best Dive Shops in Moorea

Moore Blue Diving

Moorea Blue Diving is one of the best dive shops of Moorea, located north of the island, right where Hotel Manava is. They offer diving tours and assist with SSI training that can last from 3 to 5 days depending on the training level you choose.

The dive shop keeps the groups small, usually maxing out at 4-5 to keep it manageable and ensure everyone has an amazing diving experience. They also provide diving gear and any equipment needed for diving.

This shop doesn’t just do day dives, they also offer night diving during full moons in Moorea. The staff and your diving instructor give instructions before you plunge in and also help you with the dive.

Another good thing is they offer pick and drop service from different locations on the island.

NEMO’Z Diving

NEMO’Z Diving Center is located in the north of the island in Tiahura village. They offer different activities that include scuba diving, snorkeling, and whale excursions to cater to different customers.

They run daily diving tours from dawn to noon and sometimes at sunset. They also offer diving courses and introductory dives for beginners.

They also provide divers with all diving equipment like masks, wetsuits, fins, scuba gloves, and scuba tank, plus they have nitrox available if you want to do multiple dives per day.

On a diving tour, your dive master will share insights about Moorea’s marine ecosystem and other relevant dive info. The staff also offers tea/coffee and light snacks if you are on a two tank dive or more.

Moreover, if you’re two divers, you can get free pick up service no matter where you’re on the island. And for solo divers, free pickup only applies if located in the north of the island.

Moorea Underwater Experience

If you’re after personalized underwater tours that match your preferences, then Moorea Underwater Experience is your shop, offering a variety of underwater activities all in one place.

Whether you’re solo or with a group of divers, they’ve got you covered with personalized packages. They not only offer diving tours but also help with diving courses for anyone looking for private coaching.

Plus, if you want to dive at night and observe sea life that is otherwise unseen, they can help you with that with different night packages.

You can find this Moorea diving shop near Opunohu Bay in Papeto’ai in the north of the island.

Scubapiti

Located on Tipanias Beach in the north of the Island, the Scubapiti dive center offers a variety of underwater activities including Moorea scuba diving tours.

Whether you’re just starting out or already a certified diver, they have dives for everyone. You can do lagoon diving as well as open water diving depending on your skill and budget.

Furthermore, if you’re with family or prefer private diving, you can choose from their private packages. Interestingly, the dive shop also has underwater scooters for an effortless diving experience.

Moorea Fun Dive

Moorea Fun Dive is located in the northwest of Moorea in Hauru village, offering refresher to level 3 dives at different locations around the island. They also assist new divers with training and PADI (Professional Association of Diving Instructors) certifications.

The company does two dive sessions per day, one in the morning and one in the afternoon. Moreover, divers looking to do multiple dives and private sessions can also book them.

Overall this is a great dive shop with knowledgeable instructors who make diving fun and memorable.

Moorea Dark Waters

You might have guessed it from their name, Moorea Dark Waters specializes in night dive tours, helping divers to witness species and animals that come to life after dark.

They provide both public and private tours, accommodating a maximum of 6 people and a minimum of 2 people.

Also, bear in mind that during night dives, marine life can be scarce at times and abundant at others. So don’t get upset, it’s all part of the underwater adventure.

Since they are located in the neighborhood of Temae, most of their diving takes place at Temae dive site. You can find this shop near Temae beach, east of Moorea.

Moorea Scuba Diving Cost

The cost of scuba diving in Moorea starts at around $70 and goes up to $800 depending on the dive package you select. For beginners, an introductory dive is about $80 per person and if you’re a certified diver, expect to pay around $70 per person for one tank dive.

Additionally, if you want to do private diving or go with a family or group, your cost increases significantly from a few hundred dollars to $800.

While prices may vary slightly between different seasons and dive centers, this gives you an idea of what to expect when paying for a dive session on the island.

What’s the best time to dive?

May to November are considered the best months to scuba dive in Moorea. During this period, the weather is dry and warm with less rainfall compared to other times of the year.

Moreover, this time frame in Moorea provides an opportunity to see not only the incredible aquatic life of Moorea but also the presence of whales, which are only around during these months.

If you’re traveling to Moorea at other times, you can still do this activity as Moorea offers favorable diving conditions throughout the year.

What to bring to scuba dives in Moorea?

Although dive shops on the island provide all the necessary diving equipments, there are a few items that you might want to bring along to make your diving trip to Moorea more enjoyable.

• Dry towel
• Underwater phone/camera case
• Reef-safe sunscreen
• Sea sickness medicine
• Antiseptic ointment
• Extra drysuit or wetsuit
• Extra dive mask

Conclusion

In conclusion, Moorea is a great place to dive regardless of your experience level. Whether you prefer guided dives or exploring on your own, you can do that here. Above, I’ve outlined the top dive sites, shops, and more to help you plan a perfect diving trip in Moorea.