Scuba Diving in Bora Bora – Complete Destination Guide

Top Dive Sites in Bora Bora

The reefscape around Bora Bora offers sites for all skill levels.

Anau Wall (Manta Cleaning Station)

Located off the east coast, Anau Wall is a gently sloping coral reef that drops to about 30m. It’s renowned as a year-round manta ray cleaning station. Divers can descend along a plateau and watch reef mantas glide overhead as small cleaner wrasse pick parasites from their undersides. Eagle rays, turtles and schools of snapper are commonly seen in the adjacent reef flats. Calm currents make Anau ideal for underwater photography against a backdrop of schools of anthias and bannerfish.

Aquarium and Coral Gardens

Named for its clarity and color, the Aquarium dive site (northwest lagoon) features shallow reefs alive with neon anthias, triggerfish, and angelfish. No walls here – just endless coral bommies and swim-throughs at 10–15 m depth. Its calm, sandy bottom provides easy night dives to spot sleeping sharks and octopus. Nearby Taoto Pass (on the southern reef) and Haapiti Pass (northwest) are drift-friendly channels where hawksbill turtles and feeding sharks often congregate.

Tapu Canyon (South Reef)

At Tapu, dramatic drop-offs and ledges are home to cruising blacktip and lemon sharks. Look for shark caves carved into the reef, and flittering eagle rays by the reef mouths. With no strong currents in the lagoon, these sites are accessible for guided drift dives.

Haapiti Shark Canyon

This deep reef gully often hosts resting grey reef sharks, plus occasional nurse and hammerhead sharks farther out. Limestone arches and pinnacles create twilight ambush sites for groupers and jacks. A highlight is the Night Manta Dive – at dusk, lights attract plankton and mantas often swoop in to feed. In all, Bora Bora’s dive sites combine gentle coral gardens with patches of big pelagic action, giving divers the best of both worlds.

Want to dive Anau or Tapu? Let us build your custom dive itinerary.

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Why Book with Bluewater Dive Travel?

At Bluewater Dive Travel, we’re more than just a booking agency — we’re divers, underwater photographers, and passionate travel planners dedicated to creating unforgettable dive experiences. Here’s why thousands of divers trust us to plan their trips:

• Personalised Service: Our travel advisors are experienced divers who understand your needs. Whether you're seeking big pelagic encounters or macro photography heaven, we’ll tailor your itinerary to match your goals, budget, and travel style.
• Expert Knowledge: We've dived the destinations we recommend. That means insider tips, the best local operators, and advice on when and where to go — all from first-hand experience.
• Best Price Guarantee: You’ll get the same or better pricing than booking direct, with no added fees. Plus, we often have exclusive deals and special group rates.
• Trusted Partners: We work only with vetted resorts and dive centres known for safety, professionalism, and sustainability.
• Full-Service Planning: From flights and transfers to resort stays, dive packages and travel insurance, we handle every detail — so you can focus on enjoying the dive.
• 24/7 Support: Things don’t always go to plan. When they don’t, we’re just a phone call or email away, ready to help resolve issues quickly.

Let our dive travel experts turn your next trip into the experience of a lifetime.

Contact us now: info@bluewaterdivetravel.com or speak to a planner via our live chat.

Top Dive-Friendly Resorts in Bora Bora

Bora Bora is renowned for its overwater luxury, and many of its top resorts offer direct access to world-class diving. Whether you're seeking five-star pampering or a more affordable beach escape, there’s a perfect base for your underwater adventures.

Recommended Dive Resorts:

• InterContinental Bora Bora Resort & Thalasso Spa
  A premier overwater villa resort located on Motu Piti Aau in eastern Bora Bora.
• Features a luxury spa and on-site coral nursery (Lagoonarium)
• Dive operator runs daily trips to Anau, Taoto Pass, and more
• Convenient private dock access for dive departures
• Hotel Maitai Bora Bora
  A charming, budget-friendly resort on famous Matira Beach.
• Offers overwater and beachfront bungalows
• Steps from Eleuthera Bora dive centre
• Ideal for guided lagoon dives with experienced local crews
• Other Notables:
• Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora – Ultra-luxury bungalows with diving concierge services
• Conrad Bora Bora Nui – Secluded upscale stay with reef access

All these resorts provide fresh local cuisine, snorkelling gear rentals, and customisable dive excursions. Whether you're after a private reef from your deck or daily 2-tank boat dives, your accommodation can be as adventurous—or relaxing—as you like.

Combine world-class diving with luxury stays. Ask us about the best dive resorts.

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Luxury Dive Escape: InterContinental Bora Bora Resort & Thalasso Spa

Dreaming of barefoot luxury and world-class diving? At the InterContinental Bora Bora Resort & Thalasso Spa, you can step from your private overwater villa straight into a crystal-clear lagoon filled with vibrant marine life. This resort delivers the perfect mix of indulgence, privacy, and adventure—ideal for divers seeking something extraordinary.

Resort Highlights

• Location: Set on a private motu (islet) with panoramic views of Mount Otemanu
• Accommodation:
• 80 spacious overwater villas (each over 90 m²)
• Sleek Polynesian design with elegant furnishings
• Glass-bottom coffee tables for underwater viewing
• Lavish bathrooms with freestanding tubs and lagoon views
• Private sundecks with plunge pools and direct lagoon access
• Outdoor freshwater showers for post-swim refreshment

On-Site Amenities

• Deep Ocean Spa:
• Unique seawater treatments using filtered deep-sea water
• Overwater treatment rooms with serene ocean views
• Dining:
• Multiple gourmet restaurants
• Menus featuring French cuisine and fresh local delicacies
• Dive Centre:
• Offers guided boat dives and gear rentals
• Convenient departures to top sites like Anau and Tapu

Accessibility

• Private Boat Transfers:
• Fast and scenic 20-minute ride from Bora Bora Airport
• Easy access to dive sites and island excursions

Whether you're chasing manta rays or a spa day, this resort delivers it all. Luxury, comfort, and unforgettable diving—your perfect island retreat awaits at the InterContinental Bora Bora.

Best Time to Dive in Bora Bora

Thinking of diving in Bora Bora? You’re in luck – this South Pacific paradise offers excellent diving conditions year-round, with warm water, clear visibility, and incredible marine life. Here's a seasonal breakdown to help you plan your perfect trip.

Dry Season (May – October)

• Calmest seas and minimal rainfall
• Water temperature: ~26°C (cooler but still comfortable)
• Excellent visibility: often 30–40 m
• Long, sunny days ideal for reef exploration
• Overlaps with humpback whale season (July–September):
• Whales are mostly seen from shore or snorkelling trips
• Divers may hear whale calls underwater
• Peak diving season with ideal conditions

Green (Rainy) Season (November – April)

• Warmer temperatures and occasional tropical showers
• Water temperature: up to 29°C
• Rain most frequent in December and January
• Afternoon squalls may temporarily affect visibility
• Fewer tourists:
• Quieter dive boats
• Better resort availability
• Sharks and rays present year-round
• Manta rays most reliably seen from May to December

Plan around your priorities:

• Prefer calm seas and cooler weather? Visit June–September
• Don’t mind some rain and want fewer crowds? Try November–March

Bora Bora’s underwater beauty shines in every season – just choose the timing that suits your diving style best.

Not sure where to begin? Our team of French Polynesia experts is here to help

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Recommended Dive Operators

Diving Bora Bora is a safe and well-organized activity, and several top-rated operators serve the island.

Eleuthera Bora Diving Center is the most established: this 5-star center on Matira Beach has been guiding divers since 1992. Eleuthera boasts experienced multilingual divemasters, modern boats and gear, and a strong emphasis on safety and customer service. They run regular two-tank dives to all the main sites and will gladly customise trips to your interests.

PADI courses are available for all levels, so it’s easy to brush up skills or even learn to dive on the spot. Bluewater works only with partners that maintain rigorous safety standards and local knowledge. We can arrange guided private dives, technical wreck dives, or family-friendly introductory sessions.

Most dive shops in Bora Bora boast small boat crews, attentive service and flexible itineraries. When you arrive, your resort or dive center will brief you on local conditions and wildlife, and trips are conducted at a relaxed pace befitting the island lifestyle.

Beyond the Reef: The Ultimate Bora Bora Experience

Bora Bora is more than just a world-class dive destination — it's a complete escape. From fine dining and cultural experiences to exhilarating excursions and pure relaxation, this island paradise offers something for every traveller.

Island Flavours & Dining Experiences

• Local Delicacies:
• Poisson cru – fresh raw fish marinated in coconut milk and lime
• Grilled mahi-mahi, lobster, and tropical fruit platters
• Dining Settings:
• Open-air bars and restaurants under the stars
• The InterContinental’s Beachcomber Café – famed BBQ buffet with lagoon views
• Casual Eats in Vaitape: Pizza, Asian fusion dishes, and island-style rum cocktails

Culture & Craftsmanship

• Polynesian Evenings at Resorts – traditional music, dance performances, and live ukulele shows
• Local Markets & Artisans – black pearl jewellery, hand-woven mats, and shell crafts
• Cultural Visits – pearl farms offering a glimpse into Tahitian tradition

Adventure Above Water

• Island Activities – jet-ski tours, kayaking through turquoise Motu channels
• Must-Do Excursions:
• The Lagoonarium – snorkel with manta rays, turtles, reef sharks, and stingrays
• Shark-and-ray feeding cruises – close encounters in shallow water

Relaxation & Wellness

• Luxury Resort Amenities – infinity pools, private sun decks, overwater lounges
• Spa Experiences:
• InterContinental’s Deep Ocean Spa – seawater and seaweed therapies
• Outdoor massages in bungalow pavilions with ocean views

Bora Bora delivers more than a dive trip — it offers a full spectrum of sensory delights.

Make your Bora Bora dive trip a reality.

Book Your Dive Adventure

Ready to plan your dream escape?

Contact Bluewater’s French Polynesia specialists to customise your perfect dive holiday. We’ll handle your flights, transfers, accommodation, and diving—all at competitive rates.

Email us at info@bluewaterdivetravel.com or start a conversation through our live chat to connect with one of our expert dive travel planners.

Underwater Photography in Bora Bora: Sites & Setups

Bora Bora’s vibrant marine life and exceptional visibility make it a dream destination for underwater photographers. Whether you’re capturing wide-angle shots of manta rays or macro reef details, these dive sites and gear recommendations will help you get the most from your dives.

Top Marine Encounters

• Manta Rays – Graceful and often seen at cleaning stations, manta rays are one of Bora Bora’s most iconic underwater sights.

• Shark Dives – Encounter blacktip reef sharks, lemon sharks, and even the occasional hammerhead in safe, thrilling conditions.

• Humpback Whales (Seasonal) – From July to November (peaking August to October), snorkelers may spot humpbacks migrating through the area.

• Tapu Dive Site – Known for its excellent visibility and impressive shark population, Tapu is a favourite among experienced divers and underwater photographers.

Recommended Photo & Video Gear

Whether you're diving with a smartphone or a full-frame camera, Bora Bora offers the conditions to capture stunning underwater imagery.

Smartphone & Action Camera Options

• GoPro Hero 13
  Recommended with a Weefine WFH-GF1 housing, wide-angle wet lens, and Kraken 12000 lumen video lights, all mounted on a Weefine tray for stability and control.

• Smartphones
  The Weefine WFH07 underwater housing is compatible with most smartphones. Add a Weefine tray to enhance grip and usability.

Compact Camera Setup

• Sony RX100 VII
  Pair this compact camera with the Nauticam RX100VII housing and a WWL-1B wet lens for high-quality wide-angle shooting in a small package.

Mirrorless Camera Option

• Sony a6700
  A great choice for divers wanting excellent image quality in a compact system. Match it with the Ikelite a6700 DLM/E housing. For lighting, consider the Ikelite DS165 or RC165 strobes for powerful wide-angle fill flash and vibrant underwater colours.