TWENTY. FORTY. SIXTY.
Seventy is as high as I reached when counting the blacktip sharks that gracefully glided past our small dive group as they went about their midmorning rituals. They seemed unaware of our presence in their underwater world, about 100 feet below the incredibly clear water’s surface. When I reached 70 in my counting exercise, I was only about two-thirds of the way across the ever-moving wall of sharks in Fakarava’s South Pass.
As I floated, watching, what caught me by surprise was how calm and controlled my breathing was at that depth with all of that activity happening on every side. As my body gently swayed with the current, the sheer beauty of the scene unfolding before my eyes far outweighed any thoughts of fear or anxiety. A sense of peace washed over me as I watched in awe of the life simply existing in this undersea world.
Bora Bora, Tahiti and essentially all of French Polynesia occupy the prime spots on many bucket lists, their positioning bolstered by images of crystal-clear waters in gradients of blues, deserted white-sand beaches with reaching palm trees and dreamy overwater bungalows. For scuba divers, even more enticements may just nudge the destination to the No. 1 spot on the list.
With water visibility at about 130 feet, temperatures ranging from 79 degrees Fahrenheit in winter to 84 degrees in summer, and a difference of only about one-half degree from the surface to 166 feet below, you may be hard-pressed to find better diving conditions. Add world-class dive sites with myriad options of open water to advanced diving including lagoons, drop offs and passes, plus more than 1,000 species of marine life and 20 shark species, and diving in French Polynesia becomes even more appealing to those eager to plunge in. Marine life is so rich here, in fact, scientists consider the 2.5 million-square-mile Polynesia sea zone the “richest aquarium on Earth.”
During my week-long French Polynesian dive trip, I visited the islands of Tahiti, Fakarava, Rangiroa and Bora Bora, diving into the “aquarium” off of the latter three with TOPDIVE, realizing each of the islands has its own personality. Fakarava in the Tuamotu Islands archipelago, for instance, is known not only for the wall of sharks but also for its rich coral reef systems, vibrant schools of fish by the thousands and underwater passes with swift-moving currents that ramp up drift diving to seemingly warp speeds.

Divers exploring a reef off Bora Bora © MARCO LIJOI | DREAMSTIME.COM
Likewise, marine life abounds in the waters surrounding Rangiroa, the world’s second-largest atoll, also found in the Tuamotu Islands. Here, 240 islets loop together more than 110 miles to completely encircle a deep lagoon known as Moana-tea, or Peaceful Ocean. On the other side of the chain of islets lies Moana-uri, or Wild Ocean, where you may spot larger marine life such as whales, manta rays, sharks and dolphins while drift diving. A highlight of one of my Rangiroa dives occurred when a pair of curious wild dolphins came close to check out our odd-to-them “pod.”
The calm, crystal-clear lagoons of Bora Bora in the Society Islands archipelago are full of marine life as well; bright, tropical-colored fish dart in and out of lively coral gardens while manta rays dance over underwater canyons.
Discover plenty of fun topside on non-diving days, too, like a personal Fakarava tour with Enoha, an islander who also shares a lagoon-front art gallery with his wife, Cecile. Or go off-roading on an ATV with Heiarii and Fakarava Adventure. Choose your own freshly harvested oyster (and, therefore, pearl) at a pearl farm, or hop onto a bike and explore the islands on two wheels. Of course, there is nothing wrong with sitting back, relaxing and soaking in the stunning atmosphere that surrounds the islands, especially after a day filled with diving.
Options for staying in French Polynesia are as varied as the dive sites and islands themselves. Choose from traditional Tahitian guesthouses, or pensions, such as Tokerau Village on Fakarava; a beachfront hotel like Hotel Kia Ora on Rangiroa; or a luxury resort such as Conrad Bora Bora Nui.
On the boat ride back to the north side of the island after our two dives in Fakarava’s South Pass, TOPDIVE dive master Mana and I chatted about the wonders of the undersea world we had just witnessed.
“If I could live my life underwater, I would,” Mana said as he gazed out onto the horizon. After spending a week in the undersea world of the Islands of Tahiti, I wholeheartedly understand his sentiment. Meaning “beautiful” or “making things superb,” Fakarava is thought to have inspired French painter Henri Matisse during his visit in 1930 and has been designated a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.
Tahitian Islands Info to Go
The Islands of Tahiti are accessible via daily, eight-hour direct flights from Los Angeles (LAX) to Papeete, Tahiti (PPT), on Air Tahiti Nui. Within French Polynesia, Air Tahiti provides inter-island flights to more than 25 of the 118 outlying islands, making island hopping fast and easy so you can spend more time in the water.
Read This Next
Take A Cave Cruise in Fermanagh, Northern Ireland
Daily
May 20, 2025
Introducing
FX Excursions
FX Excursions offers the chance for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in destinations around the world.
#globility
Insta FeedDaily
May 22, 2025Red Savannah Sets Sail with Expanded Luxury Boat Portfolio
Red Savannah recently expanded its portfolio of private yachts and gulets for 2025, allowing guests to explore coastlines around the world in style, comfort and privacy. The newly added vessels were chosen for design, superior service and unforgettable onboard experiences, with each charter delivering customizable itineraries, crews and private chefs. Destinations can include Croatia’s Dalmatian Coast, the Turkish Riviera, the Greek isles and more.
Sponsored Content
Explore Europe with the Best River Cruise Line this November
Experience Europe from a fresh perspective with AmaWaterways, just awarded Best River Cruise Line by Global Traveler for the third consecutive year. Step aboard, unpack once and embark on a cruise through iconic capital cities and awe-inspiring landscapes. AmaWaterways' ships, which accommodate an average of just 156 guests, offer a spacious yet intimate setting. Throughout your journey, you'll enjoy exquisite farm-to-table dining; unparalleled service; and a variety of included excursions, from city tours for gentle walkers to thrilling bike rides along the rivers.
Daily
May 22, 2025Mandarin Oriental, Geneva, Announces Opening of New Ottolenghi Geneva Restaurant
Overlooking the Rhône river within walking distance of the city's main attractions like Lake Geneva, Jet D'eau and St. Peter's Cathedral, Geneva’s Mandarin Oriental, Geneva is a 5-star hotel with contemporary Swiss hospitality, offering supreme views of Geneva’s Old Town and the snow-capped mountains. Its 178 rooms and suites are designed with a contemporary and refined style inspired by nature, mountains and water.
Daily
May 22, 2025Punta Mita Resort Debuts Exclusive Private-Label Tequila
Four Seasons Resort Punta Mita in Riviera Nayarit, Mexico, recently announced its own private-label tequila in collaboration with Reserva de la Familia, the ultra-premium line from Jose Cuervo.
Sponsored Content
Royal Air Maroc Introduces Groundbreaking Safety Video: A Captivating Invitation to Discover Moroccan Heritage
Royal Air Maroc continues to elevate the passenger experience with the launch of its new in-flight safety video — a cinematic journey that seamlessly blends essential safety instructions with a celebration of Moroccan cultural heritage.
eFlyer Reviews
May 21, 2025Hotel Nice Beau Rivage Review
In the city Henri Matisse once called home — and where Musée Matisse holds his largest collection — Hotel Beau Rivage has a special connection with the artist, who first visited the hotel in 1916 and painted famous sea views from his room 89 in 1917. Today, framed Matisse prints — many brightly colored cut-out collages from the artist’s JAZZ collection — decorate its walls. Hotel guests also benefit from a partnership with the museum.
Celebrity Cruises Launches Limited-Time Sale
eFlyer Deals
May 21, 2025eFlyer Lead
May 21, 2025A Look at United Airlines’ New Polaris Studio Suites
Last week, United Airlines unveiled the United Elevated interior for the new Boeing 787-9 aircraft, raising the standard of international premium travel. The new interior includes two new business-class suites, an Ossetra caviar amuse-bouche service, the greatest number of total premium seats in United Airlines’ fleet, Starlink connectivity and even larger 4-K OLED seatback screens.
Sponsored Content
Sail Unique with Explora Journeys
SAIL UNIQUE: A New Chapter in Luxury Ocean Travel Imagine a place where modern European elegance meets the rhythm of the sea — where time slows down, and every detail is crafted to inspire connection and quiet indulgence. This is Explora Journeys, the luxury lifestyle ocean brand from MSC Group created to redefine how we explore the world.
Daily
May 21, 2025Embark on Scientist-Led Galápagos Journey with Quasar Expeditions
How amazing would it be to sail around the Galápagos islands in the company of Charles Darwin? We don’t have a time machine to loan you (sorry), but you can do the next best thing by embarking upon a sailing with Professor Kenneth Noll, a distinguished scientist who channels Darwin through a spot-on depiction, right down to hat, beard and period clothing.
ShareThis