Top Snorkeling & Scuba Diving Destinations in French Polynesia

Tivua Island in Fiji

Tivua Island is a quaint island located off the west coast of Fiji, celebrated for its exceptional snorkeling opportunities. Surrounded by a beautiful sandy beach and over 500 acres of vibrant coral reefs filled with marine life, it features only two small traditional Fijian huts. The island is uninhabited and serves mainly as a day trip destination for travelers. Although a stroll around Tivua Island takes just 10 to 15 minutes, you can easily spend hours in the water discovering the diverse sea life.

Your snorkeling adventure departs from your Lautoka, Fiji, port of call, with a sailing time of approximately one hour to reach Tivua Island.

Bora Bora, French Polynesia

Bora Bora stands as the ultimate destination for cruise travelers in French Polynesia, boasting a breathtaking volcanic landscape, serene lagoon, and sandy motus. Protected by a coral reef, Bora Bora is one of the finest spots globally for snorkeling and scuba diving. The lagoon is rich with diverse marine life, including friendly blacktip reef sharks and stingrays. You can also opt for a sailing adventure through Bora Bora's stunning reef-enclosed lagoon, where you can snorkel in the clear waters of Coral Gardens.

Raiatea, French Polynesia

Raiatea, the second largest island in French Polynesia's Society Islands, along with its sister island Taha'a, offers even more fantastic locations for snorkeling and scuba diving in the South Pacific. Both Raiatea and Taha'a are home to numerous vanilla plantations and pearl farms, boasting turquoise lagoons and reefs brimming with tropical marine life waiting to be explored both above and below the water's surface.

The coral reef gardens off Taha'a's coast provide an excellent setting for drift snorkeling, featuring a wide array of tropical fish and coral. In drift snorkeling, you begin at one spot and allow the current to carry you back to the boat without stopping along the way. Your guides may offer two or three stops depending on the timing.

Explore a pearl farm and then snorkel in one of Raiatea's stunning reefs, where you'll find vibrant coral formations, diverse underwater life, and a plethora of tropical fish.

Moorea, French Polynesia

Moorea is another favored destination for cruise ships in French Polynesia, recognized for its rugged mountains, lush jungles, and pristine beaches. The Cook's and Opunohu bays on the island's northern side are perfect for both snorkeling and taking in the breathtaking landscapes. These bays feature numerous lagoons and sandy inlets, offering safe and scenic snorkeling opportunities with a rich variety of marine life to discover.

During your journey to the snorkeling site, your guide will share fascinating insights about Moorea, including its flora, fauna, and geographical features. Once you dive into the water, you'll have the unique chance to interact with friendly stingrays. The water here is incredibly clear and shallow, ranging from 6 to 10 feet deep.