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Why Dive in Bora Bora?

Bora Bora, known for its turquoise lagoon and iconic overwater bungalows, is equally spectacular beneath the surface. The island is surrounded by vibrant coral reefs, dramatic drop-offs, and crystal-clear visibility, making it one of the top scuba diving destinations in the South Pacific.

Top 5 Dive Sites in Bora Bora

1. Tapu

  • Just outside the reef, Tapu is famous for shark sightings—lemon sharks, blacktips, and grey reef sharks.

  • Depth: 18–30 meters

  • Best for: Certified divers looking for excitement.

2. Manta Ray Channel

  • Located between the main island and Motu Toopua.

  • See majestic giant manta rays gliding effortlessly over coral gardens.

  • Best for: Beginners and intermediate divers.

3. Anau

  • Rich in soft coral and known for cleaning stations where rays gather.

  • Calm conditions, great visibility.

  • Best for: Macro photographers and manta lovers.

4. Haapiti

  • Home to turtles, eagle rays, and large schools of snapper and barracuda.

  • Combination of reef walls and sandy bottom habitats.

  • Best for: Intermediate divers.

5. Toopua Grotto

  • A maze of small caves and tunnels with swim-throughs.

  • Popular for night diving with vibrant marine biodiversity.

  • Best for: Adventurous, experienced divers.

What You’ll See Underwater

  • Manta rays

  • Blacktip and lemon sharks

  • Green sea turtles

  • Napoleon wrasses

  • Clownfish, butterflyfish, and parrotfish

  • Vibrant corals and anemones

Local Tips & Cultural Context

  • Best diving season: April to November (dry season with optimal visibility).

  • Water temperature: Warm year-round (26–29°C), so no thick wetsuit needed.

  • Local language: French and Tahitian, but dive guides speak English.

  • Environmental tip: Don’t touch coral or marine life. Use reef-safe sunscreen and follow the local dive code.

Recommended Dive Shops

Top Dive Bora Bora

  • Multiple locations, PADI certified, eco-conscious operations.

  • Offers packages for multi-day diving and intro dives.

Eleuthera Bora Diving Center

  • Great for personalized dives and small group outings.

  • Multilingual staff, high safety standards, and tailored experiences.

Bora Diving Center

  • One of the oldest on the island, excellent for manta and shark dives.

  • Great reviews for knowledgeable instructors and relaxed atmosphere.

How to Book Your Dive Trip

  • Trip.com – Browse Bora Bora diving resorts and book full dive-and-stay packages.

  • Kiwi.com – Compare multi-leg flights to Bora Bora via Tahiti, ideal for flexible travel planning.

Summary

Scuba diving in Bora Bora is a magical underwater experience—from manta ray encounters to colorful coral gardens and thrilling shark dives. Whether you’re a beginner looking for calm, lagoon dives or an expert chasing pelagics in the deep, Bora Bora offers diving for every skill level with a backdrop of paradise.

FAQs

Q: Can beginners scuba dive in Bora Bora?
A: Yes! Many centers offer Discover Scuba Diving sessions with no certification required, especially at shallow lagoon sites like Anau.

Q: What’s the best time of year for diving in Bora Bora?
A: April to November is ideal due to calm seas and high visibility.

Q: Is it safe to dive with sharks in Bora Bora?
A: Yes, local dive centers follow strict safety protocols, and reef sharks are generally not aggressive.

Q: How much does scuba diving in Bora Bora cost?
A: Expect around $100–$150 per dive. Multi-dive packages offer better value.

Q: Can I see manta rays all year?
A: They’re most reliably seen between May and October at sites like Anau and Manta Ray Channel.