Hi all of you awesome scuba divers out there, welcome to Scuba Diver Magazine. Tahiti is a world-renowned scuba diving destination, with crystal-clear waters, colorful coral reefs, and an abundance of marine life. The best time to go scuba diving in Tahiti is during the dry season, which runs from April to November. During this time, the weather is sunny and warm, with little rain. The water temperature is also ideal for scuba diving, ranging from 79 to 84 degrees Fahrenheit. But, lets learn a bit more about Tahiti and what it’s like to go scuba diving there…
TAHITI
Tahiti is a beautiful island in the South Pacific, known for its stunning beaches, crystal-clear waters, and lush rainforests. It is the largest island in French Polynesia, and is home to a rich culture and history. The island is located about 1,500 miles northeast of New Zealand in the Pacific and it’s a volcanic island, with a mountainous interior and a coastline of coral reefs and white-sand beaches.
The capital of Tahiti is Papeete, which is also the largest city in French Polynesia. The official language of Tahiti is French, but many people also speak Tahitian and you can usually find plenty of English speakers also. The currency of Tahiti is the French Polynesian franc, which is pegged to the dollar at a rate of around 100 Francs to 1 dollar. Credit cards are widely accepted in Tahiti, but it is always a good idea to have some cash on hand.
The average temperature in Tahiti ranges from 71°F (21°C) to 84°F (29°C) throughout the year. The warmest months are December to April, when the average temperature is 80°F (27°C). The coolest months are May to October, when the average temperature is 75°F (24°C). The humidity in Tahiti is relatively high, averaging around 75%. The humidity is highest during the wet season, which runs from November to April.
The average annual rainfall in Tahiti is about 120 inches (300 centimeters). The wet season runs from November to April, when the average rainfall is about 18 inches (45 centimeters). The dry season runs from April to November, when the average rainfall is about 4 inches (10 centimeters).
Scuba Diving
The water temperature in Tahiti ranges from 75°F (24°C) to 85°F (30°C) throughout the year. This means that you can scuba dive in Tahiti all year round, and exposure protection will range from a rashvest to probably a 3mm depending on how good you are with the cold. But you definitely want something to cover you up even in the warmer months to protect you from the sun. The visibility in Tahiti is often excellent, reaching up to 100 feet (30 meters) or more. This is due to the clear, calm waters and the lack of sediment in the water. The currents in Tahiti are generally mild, making it a good place for divers of all levels. However, there can be stronger currents in some areas, so it is important to check with a local dive operator before diving.
Tahiti is home to a wide variety of marine life, including sharks, rays, turtles, fish, and coral. Some of the most popular species to see while scuba diving in Tahiti includes Blacktip reef sharks, Whitetip reef sharks, Eagle rays, Morays eels along with all of the popular butterfly fish and angelfish. But, if you’re lucky you can also find Humpback Whales and Dolphins and sea turtles.
There are many different dive sites to choose from in Tahiti, each with its own unique underwater landscape. Some of the most popular dive sites include:
The Aquarium: This shallow lagoon is home to a wide variety of fish, including parrotfish, butterflyfish, and angelfish. The visibility is often excellent, making it a great place to learn to dive or to snorkel.
There are several shipwrecks that can be explored off the coast of Tahiti, including the Maiana, a cargo ship that sank in 1966.
The Lagoon Hole is a deep underwater sinkhole is home to a variety of sharks, rays, and other marine life. The visibility is not as good as in some other sites, but the unique topography makes it a worthwhile dive.
And Papa Whisky: This cave is home to stalactites and stalagmites, as well as a variety of fish and crustaceans. Again the visibility is not as good as in some other sites, but the cave is a unique and interesting place to dive.
Be sure to check the weather forecast before you go diving. The weather can change quickly in Tahiti, so it's important to be prepared for the day. If you're not a certified diver, you can take a diving course in Tahiti. There are many reputable dive shops on the islands that offer courses for all levels. And it’s best to dive with a guide because they’ll know where the high current areas are and where to avoid. Also book your dive in advance, especially if you're visiting during the high season.
For more information about travelling to Tahiti visit TahitiTourisme.org. It’s about as remote as you can get for a scuba diving and you also have the wonderful island life for your surface interval. So, if you need to plan your next shot of vitamin sea and want to go diving somewhere unique then check out Tahiti.
