Bora Bora Diving: Discover Polynesia’s Most Iconic Island
March 12, 2025Bora Bora, the "Pearl of the Pacific," is celebrated worldwide for its stunning blue lagoons, luxurious resorts, and thriving marine ecosystem, making it a dream destination for scuba divers. This iconic island offers some of the best diving in French Polynesia, with coral gardens, clear water, and abundant marine life all to be explored. Here is a guide to the best dive sites, marine life, and travel tips to help you make the most of your Bora Bora diving adventure.
Top Dive Sites in Bora Bora
1.Tapu
Tapu needs to be on your Bora Bora diving wish list if you love diving with sharks. Blacktip and lemon sharks are commonly spotted here, making it one of Bora Bora’s most thrilling dive sites. The coral structures are impressive, providing ample hiding spots for smaller reef fish. The maximum dive depth is around 30 meters (98 feet). It is perfect for divers looking to see a wide range of marine life in one place.
2.The Anau Wall
Famous for its manta ray encounters, Anau Wall is ideal for divers who want to see these majestic creatures up close. This spot serves as a manta ray cleaning station, so divers can observe rays as they glide by to get cleaned by smaller fish. The maximum dive depth is around 30 meters (98 feet). The excellent visibility, gentle currents, and the chance to swim with mantas make this a great location for underwater photography, too.
Love sharks? Check out: 10 Best Places to Go Scuba Diving with Sharks
3.Toopua
With vibrant coral formations, Toopua provides a unique Bora Bora diving experience. Small underwater caves and crevices attract a range of marine life, including lionfish, moray eels, and reef sharks. The maximum dive depth is around 20-30 meters (66-98 feet). This spot is ideal for photographers, with plenty of coral and marine species.
4.Muri Muri
Muri Muri, also known as White Valley, is a dive site in Bora Bora that presents certain challenges due to its depth and potential currents. The site features a coral plateau leading to a sandbank, with depths ranging from approximately 18 to 37 meters (60 to 120 feet). These factors make Muri Muri more suitable for intermediate to advanced divers. Divers can expect to encounter marine life such as grey reef sharks, turtles, tuna, jacks, giant barracuda, and occasionally dolphins.
READ MORE: French Polynesia Diving: 8 Best Places To Go
What Marine Life Can You See in Bora Bora?
Bora Bora diving boasts an impressive range of marine life. The island’s lagoons and reefs are home to both colorful reef fish and larger pelagic species. Reef manta rays are a huge draw for divers, particularly during their mating season from June to November. They are found mainly at Anau Wall.
Blacktip reef sharks, lemon sharks, and the occasional hammerhead shark also frequent these waters, though hammerheads are more commonly seen at Rangiroa’s Tiputa Pass. Parrotfish, butterflyfish, angelfish, wrasses, and other reef fish also add bursts of color across Bora Bora’s coral gardens.
Eagle rays and green sea turtles are commonly seen, too, and add to the sense of tranquility as they swim by. The coral reefs themselves are stunning, offering many crevices and caves for eels, octopus, and other species to hide in.
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What Else Can You Do in Bora Bora?
Beyond your Bora Bora diving adventure, you will find this island offers an array of activities suited for all ages. The shallow reefs are perfect for snorkeling, with local guides offering tours to help you see rays, turtles, and tropical fish up close.
The trails around Mount Pahia and Mount Otemanu provide breathtaking views and allow you to see more of Bora Bora’s landscape from above. Visitors can also immerse themselves in Polynesian culture by attending traditional dance performances, enjoying local cuisine, and visiting cultural centers.
Keen to spend more time in the water? Kayaking, paddleboarding, and jet skiing are widely available, making it easy for travelers to enjoy the island’s iconic turquoise waters.
Is Bora Bora Expensive? Tips for Budget-Friendly Travel
Bora Bora is known for luxury, but there are ways to enjoy Bora Bora diving and explore the island on a budget. Stay at guesthouses or budget resorts rather than high-end resorts. Many local options provide beautiful views and proximity to Bora Bora dive centers.
Avoid pricey resort meals by dining at local restaurants, food trucks, or even buying fresh food from local markets. You can consider booking multi-dive packages or group dives, as many operators offer discounts. Renting equipment for snorkeling or kayaking lets you explore the island’s beauty at your own pace and budget.
Still not quite convinced? Here are: 11 Great Reasons to Go Diving in Bora Bora
Bora Bora Diving Experience Levels
Bora Bora diving caters to a range of skill levels, from beginner-friendly shallow reefs to challenging deep dives. Newer Open Water Divers can enjoy calm sites, where mild currents and colorful reefs make for a relaxing experience.
For Advanced Open Water and more experienced divers, deeper sites offer thrilling encounters with larger species but with stronger currents that require more experience. We recommend new scuba divers book a guided dive with a Divemaster or ask for site-specific advice to make the most of their diving experience.
When is The Best Time to go Diving in Bora Bora?
The ideal time to dive in Bora Bora is during the dry season from May to October, when visibility is highest, temperatures are comfortable, and rain is minimal. Here is a breakdown of Bora Bora’s seasonal highlights:
- May to October: The dry season brings mild, sunny days, making it the peak travel season. Water temperatures range from 26–29°C (79–84°F), perfect for comfortable diving and snorkeling.
- June to November: Manta ray season, making sites like Anau Wall a must-visit.
- December to March: The rainy season sees warmer waters but can bring more rain and occasional cyclones. However, diving is still possible, and it is a quieter time for visitors.
For those interested in manta rays, visiting during the mating season offers the best chance to see them in larger numbers. However, Bora Bora’s beauty and marine life make it a year-round diving destination.
With its stunning underwater landscapes, diverse dive sites, and cultural richness, Bora Bora promises a diving experience unlike any other!
Ready to explore? Plan your Bora Bora dive trip here.