This is your ultimate guide to scuba diving in Bora Bora. Whether you’re a beginner looking to take your first plunge or an experienced diver seeking new adventures, this guide will provide you with everything you need to know about the best dive sites in Bora Bora!

Bora Bora is a diver’s dream destination. Crystal-clear waters, vibrant coral reefs, and an abundance of marine life await you at the best dives sites in Bora Bora. Whether you’re a novice eager to explore the underwater world or an experienced diver in search of new thrills, scuba diving in Bora Bora has something extraordinary to offer.

In this guide, I cover everything you need to know about scuba diving in Bora Bora. From the best dive sites in Bora Bora to essential information about dive conditions, marine life and best tours to explore Bora Bora’s underwater world.

Welcome to your next underwater adventure: scuba diving in Bora Bora!

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Scuba Diving in Bora Bora Details

Best Dive Sites in Bora Bora

Bora Bora boasts numerous world-class dive sites, each offering unique underwater experiences. Some of the most popular diving spots in Bora Bora include Anau, famous for its manta rays, Toopua, where spotted eagle rays reside, Tapu, known for its shark sightings, and lastly the Aquarium, perfect for beginners with its calm waters and abundant marine life.

In this guide, I highlight three of the best dive sites in Bora Bora: Anau, Toopua and Tapu. All of these can be visited with Scuba Diving Tour Operators in Bora Bora.

Check Out Viator’s Top Bora Bora Scuba Diving Tours

Marine Life

The vibrant waters of Bora Bora are teeming with marine life. Divers can encounter everything from graceful manta rays, spotted eagle rays and blacktip reef sharks to colorful parrotfish and moray eels. The coral reefs are equally stunning, home to a myriad of coral species that create a breathtaking underwater landscape.

Diving Conditions

Bora Bora offers excellent diving conditions year-round, with water temperatures ranging from 26°C (79°F) to 29°C (84°F). Visibility is typically outstanding, often exceeding 100 feet (30 meters). The calm lagoon waters make it ideal for beginners, while the outer reef offers more challenging conditions for advanced divers.

Dive Shops and Tours

There are several reputable dive shops and tour operators in Bora Bora, offering a range of services from introductory dives and certification courses to guided tours of the best dive sites.

Some of the top operators include Top Dive, and Eleuthera Bora Diving Center. These operators provide high-quality equipment, experienced guides, and tailored experiences to suit all skill levels.

Safety Tips

Safety is paramount when diving in Bora Bora. Always dive with a certified instructor or guide, ensure your equipment is in good working order, and be mindful of the local marine life. Remember to stay hydrated, apply reef-safe sunscreen, and never touch or disturb the coral reefs or marine creatures.

Best Time to Dive

While diving in Bora Bora is excellent throughout the year, the best time to visit is during the dry season, from May to October. During these months, the weather is more predictable, and the water is at its clearest. However, even during the wet season, diving conditions remain favorable, with fewer crowds and abundant marine life.

Eco-Friendly Diving

Bora Bora is committed to preserving its pristine marine environment. Divers are encouraged to practice eco-friendly diving by not touching or collecting marine life, minimizing the use of plastic, and supporting local conservation efforts.

Participating in reef clean-up dives and choosing environmentally conscious dive operators can help protect Bora Bora’s underwater paradise for future generations.

You are also encouraged to use reef-safe sunscreen that does not harm coral reefs.

By understanding these key details, you can make the most of your scuba diving adventure in Bora Bora, ensuring a safe, enjoyable, and unforgettable experience.

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What you need to know

Scuba diving in Bora Bora is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, but before venturing out, there are a few important things to consider:

Certification

Before diving in Bora Bora’s pristine waters, ensure you hold a valid scuba diving certification. If you’re not certified yet, local dive centers like Bora Diving Center offer courses to get you certified and ready for underwater exploration.

Some resorts and local dive centers also offer diving without a certificate like a No Certificate Introductory Dive Class with Hiro Dive but don’t expect to get taken to any of the fantastic dive sites described in this post.

You can also find a few beginner-friendly diving tours that do not require certification on Viator’s website for diving in Bora Bora.

If you’re keen on exploring the magic realm below the surface, but not keen on diving, you can always opt for snorkeling instead. I have written some snorkeling guides to French Polynesia.

Check out Viator’s Top Snorkeling Tours in Bora Bora

Dive Operators

Choose a reputable dive operator with experienced instructors to ensure a safe and enjoyable diving experience. Bora Diving Center, for instance, provides tailored scuba diving trips suitable for divers of all levels, from beginners to advanced.

Equipment

Whether you prefer traveling light or bringing your own gear, most dive operators in Bora Bora offer equipment rental options. Ensure your equipment is well-maintained and suitable for the dives you plan to undertake.

Health and Fitness

Scuba diving requires physical exertion and mental focus. Before diving, ensure you are in good health and consider a medical check-up if needed to ensure you’re fit for diving activities.

Travel Insurance

Check if your travel insurance covers scuba diving-related accidents. Consider obtaining dive-specific insurance to provide comprehensive coverage during your underwater adventures in Bora Bora.

Above all, cherish every moment exploring Bora Bora’s spectacular underwater world. From vibrant coral gardens to encounters with marine creatures, your diving experience here promises to be unforgettable.

Best 3 Dive Sites in Bora Bora

Dive Site 1: Anau — Manta Rays

Highlights: Manta Rays, Coral Reef

Anau is a premier dive spot, celebrated for its frequent sightings of majestic manta rays, making Anau a must-visit for any diver.

The site features vibrant coral gardens and a diverse range of marine life, including colorful reef fish and moray eels.

With depths ranging from 15 to 30 meters (50 to 100 feet) and excellent visibility, Anau is suitable for divers of all skill levels.

Location and Accessibility

Anau is situated on the eastern side of Bora Bora’s lagoon, making it easily accessible by boat from most resorts and dive shops on the island.

The site is renowned for its relatively shallow waters and calm conditions, making it suitable for divers of all experience levels.

Marine Life

Anau is famous for its incredible opportunities to see manta rays up close. These gentle giants frequent the area, often seen gliding gracefully through the water or feeding on plankton near the surface. Additionally, divers can encounter a variety of other marine species, including colorful reef fish, moray eels, and sometimes even spotted eagle rays.

Dive Experience

The dive site at Anau typically ranges from 15 to 30 meters (50 to 100 feet), allowing both novice and experienced divers to enjoy the underwater scenery.

Visibility is usually excellent, often exceeding 30 meters (100 feet), providing clear views of the marine life and coral formations.

The currents at Anau are generally mild, contributing to the site’s popularity among divers of all skill levels.

Best Time to Dive

The best time to dive at Anau is during the dry season, from May to October, when the water conditions are most favorable. However, manta rays can be seen year-round, making Anau a worthwhile dive destination regardless of the season.

Dive Safety

Always dive with a certified instructor or guide who is familiar with Anau’s conditions and marine life. Ensure your diving gear is in good working order before the dive, and maintain a safe distance from manta rays and other marine creatures to avoid disturbing them.

My Experience

Diving at Anau in Bora Bora was like slipping into another world, one where the lines between fantasy and reality blur, and the ocean reveals its most hidden secrets. The boat ride to Anau was tranquil, the turquoise water shimmering under the sun. As we approached the site, the sense of anticipation was palpable.

As I descended into the crystal-clear waters, I was greeted by the graceful dance of manta rays gliding effortlessly through the ocean currents. Now, you might think that you’re a stoic iceberg of a diver, but when these majestic beasts glide above you with their 7-meter wingspan (okay, that’s the biggest they can get), it’s hard not to feel like a giddy kid.

Anau’s underwater landscape, adorned with vibrant coral formations and teeming with colorful fish, provided a perfect backdrop for observing these magnificent rays. The visibility was exceptional, allowing me to witness their elegant maneuvers up close.

Swimming alongside the manta rays, I felt a profound sense of connection to this underwater world. The experience was serene yet exhilarating, a reminder of the ocean’s immense power and beauty. The mild currents allowed for easy exploration, making it accessible even for those new to diving.

I won’t promise you that you’ll see any manta rays, I’m just saying that there’s a very, very, very good chance, that you will. I’ve dived this spot several times, months apart, and every time I’ve been lucky enough to spot one or more of the beautiful beasts.

The feeling of being part of their world, if only for a fleeting moment, is beyond words. It’s a dive site that truly captures the essence of underwater wonder, making it a must-visit for any diving enthusiast.

Dive Site 2: Toopua — Spotted Eagle Rays

Highlights: Spotted Eagle Rays, Coral Reef

Toopua, situated on the western side of Bora Bora’s lagoon, is renowned for its stunning coral gardens and the opportunity to see spotted eagle rays.

The site offers a diverse underwater landscape with beautiful coral formations, creating a picturesque setting for divers.

With depths ranging from 10 to 30 meters (33 to 82 feet), Toopua is an excellent choice for both novice and experienced divers. Depending on weather conditions, this can sometimes be a thrilling drift dive.

Location and Accessibility

Toopua is located off the coast of Bora Bora, accessible by boat from various resorts and dive centers on the island. The dive site is situated in a picturesque lagoon area, surrounded by clear, turquoise waters.

Marine Life

Toopua is renowned for its diverse marine life, including colorful reef fish, moray eels, and of course, spotted eagle rays – and sometimes even sea turtles.

The spotted eagle rays are a highlight, known for their distinctive patterns and graceful movements as they glide through the ocean.

I also saw the biggest moray eel I have ever seen at this dive site.

Dive Experience

Diving at Toopua provides an immersive experience in Bora Bora’s underwater world. The site features vibrant coral formations and excellent visibility, making it ideal for observing marine life up close.

Divers can expect to encounter spotted eagle rays and explore the rich biodiversity. Sometimes this site can also be a thrilling drift dive, but that depends on the weather conditions.

Best Time to Dive

The best time to dive at Toopua is during the dry season, from May to October, when water visibility is at its best and the weather is generally favorable. This period offers optimal conditions for underwater exploration and marine life sightings.

Dive Safety

Ensure dive safety by choosing a reputable dive operator with experienced guides familiar with the local conditions. Follow all safety protocols and guidelines, including proper equipment usage and underwater behavior to respect the marine environment.

My Experience

As I plopped in the water, I had no idea that this would become my favorite dive so far. Why? Well, picture this: 80 spotted eagle rays, yes, 80, in a formation that would put even the most synchronized swimmers to shame.

It was like swimming through a living, breathing work of art. These rays boast a wingspan of up to 3 m and are known for their distinctive spots, reminiscent of a painter’s masterpiece.

I got so caught up in it, that I accidentally hit my ‘No Decompression Limit’ because I was cruising around at 30 meters depth for too long, completely mesmerized by their elegance. Oops.

There are normally two groups of spotted eagle rays at this spot. The first group you can witness whether you’re Open Water or Advanced since you won’t need to go below 20 meters.

When I was there, this group probably held 30 something spotted eagle rays, all showcasing their beautiful patterns as they glided through the azure. Yet, if you follow the current and go deeper down (you’ll have to be certified Advanced for this part), another assembly of 80 rays unfurls an even more breathtaking ballet.

Spotted eagle rays have a certain shyness about them, making patience a virtue. So try and stay as still as a coral formation, if you want to see magic unfold before your eyes.

If this dive site isn’t already on your bucket list, make sure to add it! It’s an experience that stays with you, a vivid memory of a world that few get to see but everyone should dream of.

Dive Site 3: Tapu – Sharks

Highlights: Shark Encounters, Diverse Marine Life

Tapu is one of Bora Bora’s most thrilling dive sites, located just outside the lagoon on the western side of the island. Known for its exhilarating shark encounters, Tapu offers divers the chance to see blacktip reef sharks, lemon sharks, and occasionally even tiger sharks.

The site also boasts an abundance of other marine life, such as barracudas, jacks, and vibrant coral formations.

With depths of up to 40 meters (130 feet) and strong currents, Tapu is best suited for experienced divers seeking adventure and adrenaline.

Location and Accessibility

Tapu is located on the outer reef of Bora Bora’s lagoon, accessible by boat from the island’s main resorts and dive centers. The dive site is situated in deeper waters, making it suitable for intermediate to advanced divers.

Marine Life

The marine life at Tapu is diverse and spectacular. Divers can expect to see a variety of reef fish, moray eels, and large pelagic species such as blacktip reef sharks and lemon sharks. During certain times of the year, manta rays and even whale sharks can be spotted in the area.

Dive Experience

The underwater landscape at Tapu features steep drop-offs, coral walls, and swim-throughs, providing an exciting and varied dive experience. The visibility is generally excellent, often exceeding 30 meters (100 feet), which enhances the opportunity to observe the marine life and coral formations in detail.

Best Time to Dive

The optimal time to dive at Tapu is during the dry season, from May to October. During this period, the weather is more stable, and water conditions are ideal for diving, with better visibility and calmer seas.

Dive Safety

Diving at Tapu requires attention to safety due to its deeper waters and potential for strong currents. It is recommended to dive with a reputable operator who provides experienced guides familiar with the site. Ensure you have the appropriate certification and experience level for deeper dives.

My Experience

Diving at Tapu in Bora Bora was like stepping into a scene from a Jacques Cousteau documentary, but with a bit more grit and a whole lot of adrenaline. The boat ride out to the site was a prelude to the adventure, slicing through the crystal-clear waters of Bora Bora’s outer reef. As we anchored, I could feel the anticipation tingling in the salty air.

The descent was immediate; the ocean seemed to open up, revealing a dramatic drop-off that beckoned like an abyssal siren. I could see the steep coral walls stretching into the blue, teeming with life. Schools of fish darted around like Manhattan pedestrians during rush hour, and the corals looked like an artist’s palette, splashed with grey/purple/brown-ish colores.

And then, there they were. Blacktip reef sharks, gliding effortlessly through the water, their sleek forms a beautiful contrast to the rugged coral landscape. The encounter was both humbling and electrifying.

The currents at Tapu kept things interesting—not too strong, but enough to remind you that you were in their domain. Each drift revealed more of the site’s hidden gems: moray eels peeking out from crevices, and vibrant anemones with their resident clownfish.

Tapu wasn’t just a dive; it was an exploration of Bora Bora’s wild side, a dive that left me craving more of its enigmatic depths. It was an unforgettable mix of adventure and serenity, a perfect taste of the untamed underwater world.

Remember to leave only bubbles, take only memories. Whether you’re a seasoned diver or a newbie – these dive sites in Bora Bora are going to leave you in awe. Enjoy!

FAQ

Questions and Answers about visiting Bora Bora, Scuba Diving and Other Activities

When is the best time to visit Bora Bora?

• The best time to visit Bora Bora is during the dry season, from May to October, when the weather is pleasant, and there’s less rainfall. This period offers ideal conditions for outdoor activities and water sports.

What is the weather like in Bora Bora?

• Bora Bora enjoys a tropical climate with warm temperatures year-round. The dry season (May to October) has temperatures ranging from 24°C to 29°C (75°F to 85°F), while the wet season (November to April) can bring higher humidity and occasional rain.

How do I get to Bora Bora?

• Most travelers fly into Faa’a International Airport (PPT) in Tahiti and then take a connecting flight to Bora Bora Airport (BOB). The flight from Tahiti to Bora Bora is about 50 minutes. You can also catch a ferry for half the price that currently runs three times a week: Wednesday, Friday and Sunday (OBS. may be subject to change)

What are the best accommodations in Bora Bora?

• Bora Bora is famous for its luxurious overwater bungalows. Some top resorts include Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora, InterContinental Bora Bora Resort & Thalasso Spa, and St. Regis Bora Bora Resort. These resorts offer stunning views and top-notch amenities.

What activities can I do in Bora Bora?

• Bora Bora offers a wide range of activities, including snorkeling, scuba diving, jet skiing, paddleboarding, and shark and ray feeding tours. You can also enjoy sunset cruises, hiking, and exploring the island by bike or buggy.
• Read my bicycle guide to Bora Bora for inspiration.

Is Bora Bora suitable for families?

• Absolutely. Many resorts offer kid-friendly activities and amenities, including safe swimming areas, beach games, and guided tours suitable for children. Family-friendly excursions such as snorkeling tours and lagoon trips are also available.

What is the local cuisine like in Bora Bora?

• Bora Bora’s cuisine features a blend of French and Polynesian flavors. Fresh seafood, tropical fruits, and dishes like poisson cru (raw fish marinated in lime and coconut milk) are popular. Many resorts and restaurants offer gourmet dining experiences.

Do I need a visa to visit Bora Bora?

• Visa requirements depend on your nationality. Visitors from the US, Canada, EU countries, Australia, and New Zealand typically do not need a visa for stays up to 90 days. Check with the French Polynesian consulate for specific requirements.

What currency is used in Bora Bora?

• The official currency is the French Pacific Franc (XPF). Major credit cards are widely accepted, and ATMs are available at the airport and in larger resorts.

Is Bora Bora a safe destination?

• Yes, Bora Bora is considered very safe for tourists. However, it’s always wise to take standard travel precautions, such as safeguarding your belongings and being aware of your surroundings. A travel insurance is also recommended.

Where are the best scuba diving spots in Bora Bora?

• Anau and Toopua are top diving spots in Bora Bora. Anau is famous for sightings of manta rays, while Toopua is known for its beautiful coral gardens and the chance to see spotted eagle rays.

Can beginners go scuba diving in Bora Bora?

• Yes, Bora Bora is suitable for beginners. Many dive shops offer introductory dives and PADI certification courses. Dive sites like the Aquarium provide calm, shallow waters ideal for novice divers.

What marine life can I expect to see while diving in Bora Bora?

• Divers in Bora Bora can encounter manta rays, spotted eagle rays, blacktip reef sharks, lemon sharks, colorful reef fish, moray eels, and vibrant coral formations.

Are there other water activities besides scuba diving?

• Yes, Bora Bora offers numerous water activities such as snorkeling, jet skiing, paddleboarding, kiteboarding, and parasailing. You can also enjoy lagoon tours, shark and ray feeding excursions, and sunset cruises.

What land activities can I do in Bora Bora?

• On land, you can explore Bora Bora by bike or buggy, hike up Mount Pahia for stunning views, visit local markets and shops, and enjoy a traditional Polynesian dance show. Many resorts also offer spa treatments and wellness activities.
• I’ve written a hiking guide to Mount Pahia, if you’re ready to get your sweat on.

How can I experience the local culture in Bora Bora?

• To experience local culture, visit a Polynesian village, attend a traditional dance show, or participate in a cultural tour. You can also learn about local crafts, try traditional foods, and explore historical sites.

What should I pack for a trip to Bora Bora?

• Pack light, breathable clothing, swimwear, reef-safe sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, and water shoes. Don’t forget your underwater camera, snorkel gear if you have it, and any necessary travel documents.

Read More

• Guides: French Polynesia
• Hiking: French Polynesia