Tahiti Snorkeling Guide: Best Spots and Tips You Can’t Miss

French Polynesian islands are known for their incredible waters and great marine life. Snorkeling and scuba diving are some of the top activities on these islands.

But not every island here has rich underwater experience. Islands like Fakarava, Rangiroa, and Taha’a are high on the list if ­you want the best snorkeling, followed by Moorea and Bora Bora.

Tahiti snorkeling scene, on the other hand, isn’t quite the same as on other islands. This activity isn’t as popular and lacks the richness found elsewhere. Still, there are some fantastic spots where you can satisfy your snorkeling cravings.

Best snorkeling spots in Tahiti

Vaiava Beach (Plage Vaiava)

Vaiava Beach is one of the most popular beaches in Tahiti, located on the west coast of Tahiti at PK18. Along with its white sand, the amazing snorkeling opportunity here also makes this beach a popular spot on the island.

You’ll have to swim away about 200 to 300 meters from the shore to see all the amazing underwater life. Don’t worry, there are buoys in the water for marking, so you’d know where to swim.

The water here is clear and is teeming with marine life and coral reefs. You’ll see lots of small fish like convict tangs, speckled butterflyfish, purple queens, etc. swimming around the corals. You might also spot eagle rays and blacktip reef sharks.

The good thing is that the lagoon is in a protected area, so it stays pretty calm, with just a few swells. Plus, if you’re with kids, they can have fun in the shallow waters, and beginners can practice safely, too. All this makes snorkeling at this spot much more enjoyable.

Mahana Park Beach

If you want to snorkel away from crowds, Mahana Park Beach is the perfect spot for you. It’s located in Punaauia, about a 10 minute walk from Vaiava Beach.

It’s relatively a small beach but we’re not here for that, it’s about snorkeling. And trust me, you won’t be disappointed. The water is clear with plenty of corals to explore. You’ll see schools of colorful fish, as well as some turtles and even small sharks.

About 300 meters north of the beach, there’s a coral garden marked by buoys. It’s the same site I mentioned at Vaiava Beach, and it’s great that you can reach it from here too. Just be cautious of the channel and occasional currents.

Toaroto Beach

If you want to go shore snorkeling in Tahiti, Toaroto Beach is the place to be. It offers perfect conditions for an excellent snorkeling experience right off the beach. It’s located on the west coast of Tahiti, about 1.5 miles before Vaiava Beach.

The water at this spot is clear and reefs are close to the shore, so you won’t have to swim far from the beach to see the underwater world. You’ll see swarms of reef fish and a variety of aquatic life down there.

Be careful that you don’t step on the corals as they can get damaged easily. Sometimes currents can also get strong here that can push you away from the beach. So, keep all that in mind before diving in.

Just a heads up that there will be lots of red ants on the beach. They are harmless though and really not a problem if you plan to spend most of your time in the water.

Rohotu Beach

About 2 miles south of Vaiaiva Beach is the Rohotu Beach, which is larger and has a stunning lagoon filled with vibrant coral reefs and colorful fish.

The water here mostly remains calm and has good visibility, which makes this place great for snorkeling. I suggest swimming about 300 meters out from the shore for an enhanced underwater experience. But be cautious of the pass and watch for occasional currents.

Besides snorkeling, you can relax and have some quiet time here, as this place doesn’t get very crowded. Rohotu Beach’s timing is from 7 am to 7 pm.

The Aquarium

There’s a famous diving and snorkeling spot in Papeete called The Aquarium. It’s only a quick 10-minute boat ride from Tahiti harbor. Booking a tour is the best option to get there and explore the site.

The unique thing about this place is the airplane wreckage and sunk boats. Over time, the site has grown lots of corals and attracts many different types of fish. The water is crystal clear, just perfect for capturing stunning underwater photos. It’s about 40-50 feet deep.

Sometimes there can be strong cross currents that can make snorkeling here a bit tricky. If you’re a strong swimmer, you might be able to handle it. If not, you might want to skip it and come back another day when the currents are lighter or not present at all.

La Source

On the northwest side of Tahiti, there’s a spot popular among snorkelers and divers called La Source. It’s about a 10-15 minute boat ride from the coast of Punaauia.

This spot is famous for its dense coral environment and the turtles living here. If you’re interested in seeing turtles, this is the place to snorkel. Besides that, you’ll see rays, blacktip sharks, and many kinds of small fish swimming around.

The water here is crystal clear, with depths around 70 feet. I’d definitely recommend snorkeling with a guide or tour. You’ll need a boat or stour service to reach this spot anyway.

Tahiti snorkeling map

What’s it like to snorkel in Tahiti?

Tahiti offers snorkeling opportunities for both novice and avid snorkelers. While the island’s marine ecosystem is enough for most people, seasoned snorkelers might find it a bit underwhelming because of the limited underwater biodiversity and fewer snorkeling spots.

The water around Tahiti is generally warm and offers clear visibility. It’s about 3-10 feet deep near the shores, but it gets deeper as you snorkel farther out into the ocean.

Currents and waves can be strong at the black sand lagoons, however at the white sand lagoons, currents are typically mild to moderate with occasional swells. Rip currents are not common at the beaches in Tahiti.

Most of Tahiti’s snorkeling happens on the west coast of the island. It’s because the seabed on this side is white sanded, and the water is clear with protected lagoons. Plus, there are lots of vibrant corals and fish you can explore either by yourself or with a guide.

Can you snorkel on your own? Yes, you can snorkel on your own in Tahiti, usually at the beaches. However, if you want a more enhanced experience and the chance to see wildlife like dolphins or even whales during the right season, you’ll need to take a boat ride out into the ocean. I’d recommend booking one of the tours, or if you’re an experienced snorkeler, take a buddy along to explore on your own.

What’s the best time to snorkel?

You can snorkel at any time in Tahiti, but the best time to snorkel is during the dry season from May to October. This period typically brings clearer weather with more sunshine and less rain and wind, which means lagoon water is less stirring and you have better visibility for snorkeling.

However, southern trade winds during this season can sometimes make the ocean choppy, but it’s not always the case and it’s usually fine at snorkeling spots in Tahiti.

Another good thing about this time of year is that you get the opportunity to see the humpback whales, which are only around from July to November.

Are there healthy coral reefs in Tahiti?

Tahiti and its islands are home to some of the healthiest coral reefs in the world. Unfortunately, due to the influx of tourists and climate change, those reefs are facing decline. On the bright side, the coral reefs at some atolls and the Tuamotu Islands are seen thriving. Additionally, many coral restoration programs are actively working to protect marine life.

In 2019, Tahiti and Moorea underwent a coral bleaching event caused by rising water temperatures. While some reefs were severely impacted in certain areas, most of them remained unaffected and continue to thrive.

Tahiti or Moorea?

Snorkeling in Moorea is better than in Tahiti. There are plenty of spots and resorts where you can have a wonderful snorkeling experience. The turquoise waters of Moorea are crystal clear, filled with vibrant corals and a variety of fish.

In Tahiti, however, there are fewer snorkeling spots and only a handful of resorts that provide good snorkeling experiences. While you’ll find clear water here, it doesn’t have the same aquatic richness as you might find in Moorea.

However, it’s not true that there’s no snorkeling in Tahiti, despite what many people think. There are some excellent spots like La Source and Mahana Park Beach where you can get just as good an experience as in Moorea if not better.

What marine life you can see in Tahiti?

Following are some of the marine species that you’d see in Tahiti:

• Green sea turtles
• Dolphins
• Humpback whales
• Blacktip reef sharks
• Stingrays
• Eagle rays
• Convict surgeonfish
• Butterflyfish
• Sea cucumbers
• Moray eels
• Wrasses

What to bring for snorkeling?

• Wet bag: To keep your belongings safe from water, bring a dry/wet bag.
• Mask & Snorkel: While you can rent a mask or snorkel, or your tour may provide one, I prefer to use my own gear whether I’m snorkeling solo or with a group. I recommend doing the same!
• Polarized Sunglasses: Polarized sunglasses are best if you want to better enjoy the underwater views and colors of water.
• Towel: Be sure to bring your own towel when you go snorkeling.
• Water shoes: Don’t skip on water shoes/reef shoes as they protect your feet from coral cuts and even from a few fish that might bite.
• Rash guard: For extra protection from the sun and the ocean environment, wear a rash guard swimsuit.
• Reef-safe sunscreen: You’ll be out under the tropical sun while snorkeling, so definitely bring sunscreen.
• Waterproof phone case:  A waterproof phone case will let you safely use your phone for taking pictures on the boat or in water without worrying about water damage.

Where to buy snorkeling equipment in Tahiti?

If you didn’t bring your snorkel gear or don’t want to use rentals, you can buy your own in Tahiti. Papeete is the best place to buy snorkeling equipment as there are many sports shops where you can find them. You can also check out Carrefour supermarket, which is located at multiple locations in Tahiti.

Where to stay for snorkeling in Tahiti?

InterContinental Tahiti

The Intercontinental Tahiti is a popular upscale hotel situated on the north coast, about 1.5 miles from Faaa International Airport.

The resort has two swimming areas, one is an enclosed large pool that’s ideal for beginners and kids to swim & snorkel in a safer environment. The other area is the lagoon that connects the resort to Tahiti’s open waters, so If you’re experienced, go out in that area to explore tons of corals and fish there.

I’d recommend swimming about 20 meters away from the resort, especially on the overwater bungalow side, to see more of the underwater life.

Te Moana Resort

Te Moana Resort is a superb option for those looking for an amazing snorkeling experience right off their property. It’s situated in the northwest of Tahiti, in the Puna’auia commune.

The resort has done a great job maintaining the lagoon area, so you will find healthy corals and a variety of tropical fish.

You can also snorkel out in the ocean, but be cautious of the channel and watch out for boats, especially on weekends.

In addition to snorkeling, you can do other water activities like paddling kayaks, surfing and more.

Pension Te Miti

If you’re looking for a budget-friendly hotel that also offers good snorkeling, Pension Te Miti is a great choice. It’s located in Paea commune, close to Mahana Park Beach. Since it’s just a short walk from the beach, you can easily take advantage of both the beach and the snorkeling opportunities available there.

Snorkeling tours in Tahiti

Sea Scooter Snorkel Tour – Guided Lagoon Adventure

If you want to get the best out of Tahiti’s waters, consider ATAE’s half-day snorkeling tour. They’ll guide you to the best spots for an unforgettable experience.

They offer a fun and convenient way to explore the waters around Tahiti, by providing handheld sea scooters. Since you’ll be checking out multiple underwater sites such as The Aquarium, White Valley, The Source and Mont Rae Rae, it can get tiring especially if you’re not a pro swimmer. So, the sea scooters can help you cruise without wearing yourself out.

You’ll see a variety of aquatic life including wildlife animals like dolphins which occasionally swim by.

The other good thing about this tour is that they capture photos and videos of you underwater. They also offer pick and drop service if you request it.

Small group snorkeling: Wrecks & tropical fishes

If you’re in a hurry or looking for a budget-friendly tour, this small group snorkeling tour is for you. With a limit of just five people, it offers a more private experience.

Your guide Captain Benoit will share all the important snorkeling tips and tricks while onboard, and provide you with all the gear necessary gear like snorkel, mask, fins, life jacket, etc.

The tour is about 1.5 hours long, it’s enough for someone who doesn’t want to spend too much time in the water but still wants to have a great experience exploring the waters around Tahiti.

Moreover, they do tours at multiple times throughout the day, so you can pick the time convenient for you.

3H dolphin and snorkeling tour

If you’re traveling to Tahiti between November and April, consider looking into this excursion. Why? You can tell by the title that they offer you a chance to swim with dolphins.

While it’s not guaranteed that you’ll see dolphins since it depends on ocean conditions, the crew will definitely be on the lookout for them. In addition to dolphins, you’d see turtles and a variety of other fish.

Final thoughts

Snorkeling is worth it in Tahiti despite its fewer spots, you’ll get to see lots of colorful fish and vibrant coral reefs underwater. You can snorkel here both solo and with a group. You don’t need to travel to other islands just for snorkeling since Tahiti has great spots of its own.