French Polynesia, the scattered archipelagoes in the South-Central Pacific, is a paradise for scuba divers and deep-sea adventurers. With extensive corals and turquoise lagoons, these idyllic islands surrounded by the blue Pacific waves promise you daunting experiences in scuba diving, snorkelling, paddleboarding, surfing and parasailing. Visit the romantic islands of Bora Bora and swim with whales, dolphins and sharks in Mo'orea, Tikehau and Fakarava. Explore the fascinating culture in Hiva Ova, part of the pristine Marquesas Islands. The largest island Tahiti, home to the capital Papeete, is known for its black sands and lush tropical gardens.
From picturesque villages to overwater bungalows, the attractions are never-ending. And when it comes to accommodations, the best bet is to look into the dive resorts which offer necessary diving education and facilities. So all the avid divers out there, scroll down for the best dive resorts in French Polynesia.
We handpicked these listings carefully, considering (wherever possible) recent guest reviews, location, accommodation type, prices, availability of dates, decor, and access to diving spots, equipment, and diver education. The image galleries get refreshed with the latest updates regularly. They were last updated on April 14, 2024.
1. Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora, Bora Bora (from USD 2865)
High-end luxury, worth the splurge for a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Exceptional facilities including a spa, overwater bungalows, and a fantastic app for easy bookings.
Beautiful and exclusive, with a well-organized resort-owned boat transfer from Bora Bora Airport.
Great dining experiences, though some found the prices high and noted limited vegetarian options.
This luxurious resort in Bora Bora, with its grand villas and overwater bungalows, serves as the perfect romantic getaway for couples. The spacious interior has wood furnishings and high ceilings. From the terrace, the view of Mount Otemanu is mesmerizing. Additionally, a large outdoor pool, a spa by the waterfront and a fitness centre help you relax.
There’s an on-site diving centre which gives diving guidance and provides scuba equipment, including wet suits and Scubapro BCDs. Beginners can dive into the lagoon sanctuary for 15 minutes under the supervision of professional instructors. At Bora Bora’s top diving spots Anau, Toopua and Tapu, dive with manta rays and schools of fish as you witness the sharks and the exotic underwater coral gardens.
Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora
Address: BP 547, Motu Tehotu
232.58 km (144.6 mi) from Belvedere Lookout
2. Le Taha'a by Pearl Resorts, Motu Tautau (from USD 2267)
Located on the stunning Motu Tautau Island, this exclusive resort has gorgeous villas and suites with outdoor seating. While you can enjoy the panoramic mountain and beach views from the patio, be sure to indulge in the pool and fitness activities or a pampering spa day! You can even book a day of island tours with your family and engage in free kayaking, snorkelling and paddleboarding on the aqua waves.
The pristine Taha'a Lagoon is the ideal spot to begin your scuba diving journey. You’ll get to see the beautiful coral gardens and colourful marine life as you try out drift snorkelling. The Tahitian and Taha'a waters are known for their remarkable marine flora and fauna. Whether beginners or expert divers, follow the instructors and dive into the magical underwater world!
Le Taha'a by Pearl Resorts
Address: Motu Tautau
211.64 km (131.6 mi) from Belvedere Lookout
3. InterContinental Tahiti Resort & Spa, an IHG Hotel, Faaa (from USD 618)
Drive a few minutes from the capital Papeete and you’ll arrive at this grand resort offering spectacular views of a turquoise lagoon and volcanic peaks in the distance. The overwater bungalows have a sun terrace and direct access to the lagoon. Enjoy the gorgeous views of Mo'orea as you sip a classic French wine at the resort’s overwater restaurant. If you want to de-stress a bit more, there’s the pool, a soothing steam bath at the spa centre or a few hours in the fitness room should do the trick.
Horse riding, hiking, canoeing and snorkelling are some of the popular activities. Scuba diving enthusiasts can go straight to the PADI 5-star scuba diving centre. With adequate guidance and proper equipment, venture deep into the Tahitian waters and discover the fascinating reefs and marine life.
InterContinental Tahiti Resort & Spa, an IHG Hotel
Address: Pointe Tahiti, Faaa
22.32 km (13.9 mi) from Belvedere Lookout
4. Manava Beach Resort & Spa Moorea, Maharepa (from USD 454)
This resort is located in Maharepa, the picturesque village of Mo'orea Island. Constructed in a traditional Polynesian style, it features spacious garden bungalows with a sun terrace and private plunge pools. Indulge in the most exciting watersports, from snorkelling to fishing on the private beach and pamper yourselves with excellent massages and spa treatments.
The on-site diving centre provides you with exciting dive packages and thorough diving sessions. There’s an Open Water course in which you can enrol. From introductory dives for couples or families to sunset dives, you can book the sessions as per your preferences. 2 sharks and turtles dives allows you to watch the lemon sharks and turtles, while the 1 afternoon tank is for witnessing the amazing coral and sea turtles.
Manava Beach Resort & Spa Moorea
Address: Bp 3410 Tenae
7.01 km (4.4 mi) from Belvedere Lookout
5. Hotel Kia Ora Resort & Spa, Avatoru (from USD 521)
With an extensive property comprising overwater bungalows, villas and bungalows by the beach, this resort is a wonderful accommodation in the beautiful Rangiroa region. The sandy beach area and lagoon promise you plenty of water activities, including drift snorkelling, canoeing and tours around the Blue Lagoon and pink sand beaches. There’s also an indoor swimming pool inside the property, with luxurious spa and fitness facilities.
The resort diving centre arranges fascinating underwater adventures. The diving departures from the hotel’s pontoon take you inside the crystal-clear waters of Rangiroa as you observe the rich aquatic species, such as the playful dolphins, gentle manta rays and grey sharks.
Hotel Kia Ora Resort & Spa
Address: B.P. 198, Avatoru, Rangiroa, French Polynesia
369.78 km (229.8 mi) from Belvedere Lookout
6. Ninamu Resort, Tikehau (from USD 382)
This resort at Tikehau features a private beach, a garden and outdoor barbeque facilities. Some of the rooms offer sea views as well. A range of indoor games, from billiards to table tennis, is arranged for the guests, while windsurfing and snorkelling are the most popular outdoor activities.
Scuba diving is going to be a memorable experience here. You can book scuba activities with Tikehau Diving and they’ll take you to the finest dive zones. Tuamotu atolls are famous for undersea life and Tikehau’s lagoon is home to a variety of vibrant fish species. Experience the magical marine world as you swim around the colourful fish, manta rays, dolphins and sea turtles.
Ninamu Resort
Address: Bp 37 Tuherahea
318.21 km (197.8 mi) from Belvedere Lookout
7. Le Meridien Bora Bora, Bora Bora (from USD 832)
With a private beach and two outdoor pools, this luxurious property in Bora Bora guarantees a fun-filled stay. Hearty breakfasts are available daily and there are three on-site restaurants serving delicious cuisines. To shed off the excess calories, you can visit the gym or engage in a game of beach volleyball. Enjoy drinks from the poolside bar and first-class spa treatments at your leisure.
Exciting water recreation includes kayaking, rowing, sailing and scuba diving. The beautiful Bora Bora lagoons offer great scuba diving experiences. Gear up with scuba equipment and plunge underwater at diving spots such as Anau to explore the sharks, manta rays and exotic coral gardens.
The Westin Bora Bora Resort & Spa
Address: Motu Tape, BP 190
230.64 km (143.4 mi) from Belvedere Lookout
8. The St Regis Bora Bora Resort, Bora Bora (from USD 3129)
This beachfront resort has villas with Polynesian sculptures and wooden decor and some of the villas come with a private pool or a whirlpool. Two pools, bars, a restaurant and spa facilities are available. You can also enjoy views of the breathtaking islands and lagoon from the private balconies.
While snorkelling and boat excursions are some of the favourite tourist activities, scuba diving in the shallow clear waters is a magical experience. Guided underwater explorations lead you to discover the vibrant coral reefs as you swim amongst the marine life. Some of the diving equipments can be provided by the diving instructors. What’s unique here is that diving enthusiats can use an eco-friendly jet engine, which makes scuba diving a smooth experience for everyone.
The St. Regis Bora Bora Resort
Address: Motu Ome'e BP 506
230.92 km (143.5 mi) from Belvedere Lookout
9. Hilton Moorea Lagoon Resort & Spa, Papetoai (from USD 805)
In between bays on the island of Mo'orea, this resort at Papetoai welcomes you for a luxurious stay. The spacious bungalows with balconies are located among the garden or suspended above the gorgeous lagoon. A refreshing swim followed by a sip of cocktail and a few hours at the fitness centre or spa lounge will make the most of your free time.
While you can try out fishing, jet skiing and windsurfing, the 5-star diving centre guides you to the most mesmerising scuba diving experiences. From introductory dives for beginners to speciality courses for advanced divers, the instructors provide all the scuba equipment and prepare you for fascinating dives. Surrounded by the lemon sharks, discover the ultimate underwater adventures!
Hilton Moorea Lagoon Resort & Spa
Address: BP 1005, Papetoai
6.36 km (4.0 mi) from Belvedere Lookout
10. Le Tikehau by Pearl Resorts, Tikehau (from USD 381)
This luxurious property is located on a pink and white sandy beach overlooking the ocean. The spacious rooms have a touch of Polynesian decor, while the amazing glass floor panels allow clear undersea views. You have access to a day spa, an outdoor pool and a bar. Snorkelling and kayaking are immensely popular activities on the lagoon, which is known for its rich marine ecosystem.
Diving here introduces you to the wonderful marine fauna inside the gorgeous lagoon. As you explore deeper underwater, you meet a wide variety of species, from sharks to sea turtles. If you’re a beginner or fear the depth, try a guided scuba manta car wash dive on the shallow waters of the lagoon and you just might witness the gentle manta rays greeting you!
Le Tikehau by Pearl Resorts
Address: Bp 20 Tuherahea
318.46 km (197.9 mi) from Belvedere Lookout
Dive and discover marine life in French Polynesia
With so many ocean ventures, the islands of French Polynesia truly offer a spectacular experience in discovering the marvels of underwater. Become a pro at diving and explore the finest diving spots of the region while you take note of the best dive resorts in French Polynesia.
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