The Ultimate Guide To Scuba Diving In Bora Bora
Usually what first comes to mind when Bora Bora is brought up is the image of bungalows perched up on stilts over beautifully clear turquoise water. The next image, at least for us divers, is that of gliding through those waters, surrounded by vibrant coral reefs, graceful manta rays, and sleek sharks.
Welcome to the underwater paradise of scuba diving in Bora Bora! In this guide, we’ll take you on a journey through Bora Bora’s breathtaking marine world, with diving experiences for all skill levels. Get ready to dive into a world of wonder and create unforgettable memories in this Polynesian gem.
Getting There
You will need at least two flights to get to Bora Bora as there are no direct flights to this remote island. Travelers will fly into Faa’a International airport on Tahiti, which is THE international airport for the French Polynesia. From there, you can jump on a 50 minute flight to Bora Bora’s Motu Mute Airport.
The flights to and from Bora Bora are on smaller aircraft and there may be additional weight restrictions. Best to look ahead to make sure your snorkel doesn’t put you over the weight limit.
Once you’ve collected your luggage, you’ll head out to find your transportation to the main island. However, you’ll find no yellow cabs here as you’ll be traveling by boat! While there are general boats available, most resorts have their own boat that will pick you up.
Accommodations
Honestly, if going to Bora Bora you should take advantage of the unique experience of staying in one of the many bungalows that sit over the tranquil waters. Places like St. Regis Bora Bora Resort, Four Seasons Bora Bora and Maitai Polynesia Bora Bora offer both bungalow and beachfront accommodations.
Other places of consideration are Bora Bora Pearl Beach Resort & Spa, Intercontinental Le Moana Resort, and Royal Bora Bora.
Scuba Diving In Bora Bora
Whether it’s one of your first dives of your certification as an open water diver, or your hundredth, the quiet waters of Bora Bora have much to offer. The various dive site locations surrounding this island include huge reef formations – with swim-throughs and walls – that attract all sorts of marine life.
Dive operations
No worries of finding dive operators on Bora Bora. On the main island- North side – is HiRo Dive and on the South side – Bora Diving Center. In the middle of West side of the island is Bora Ocean Adventures. A little further North is H2O Bora Bora and at the lower East side can be found Dive and Smile.
Over on Motu Piti Aau you can find Diveeasy Bora-Bora – located within the hotel Le Meridien Bora Bora (which may still be closed for renovations) – and Top Dive (located in the InterContinental Resort & Thalasso Spa)
Diving Sites of Bora Bora
Certified divers – from beginner divers to advanced divers and beyond – will find wonderful dive sites in this part of the pacific ocean. Waiting for you down below are various fish species – including scorpion fish and clown fish – sharks – including lemon sharks and hammerhead sharks – and stingrays, manta rays and eagle rays. Let’s get diving!!
Anau
Anau Lagoon is located on the East side of the main island. It’s well known as a cleaning station for Manta Rays that can almost always be found here.
This calm lagoon starts at a depth of about 15ft and goes to a maximum depth of about 100ft. It is good for all level of divers and is even good for snorkeling. Divers will find two large coral reef formations here with an alley of sand in between.
Other than the gentle Manta rays, you can also find here spotted eagle rays, clown fish, hawksbill turtles and blacktip reef sharks.
This is a protected site, so dive times may be limited. Make sure to plan accordingly to not miss this top dive spot.
Tapu
Off of the West side of the main island is the private island of Motu Tapu. At this site you’ll hit the coral at about 30ft, but can descend down a nice drop-off to about 130ft. All level of divers can dive here minding their depth.
Among the coral you may see lemon sharks and blacktip reef sharks that really seem to like it here. Also at this site can usually be seen moray eels, lionfish, tuna, spotted eagle rays and sea turtles.
Toopua
This dive site is located off of the South East side of To’opuaiti. Toopua is another Bora Bora lagoon dive site that has it all. Among its magnificent coral garden you’ll find swim-throughs, caves, a variety of reef fish and maybe even some giant clams.
Among the coral walls and at the sandy bottom divers can also find clown fish swimming about large anemones, eagle rays and stingrays. This is a dive site not to be missed!
Depths at this dive site range from about 15ft to 100ft and this is also a good spot for all level of divers and snorkeling. This site can also be done as a drift dive, if the conditions are right.
Muri Muri – The White Valley
Also known as “The White Valley” Muri Muri is a famous lagoon dive site located East of the Motu Mute Airport. This site can be done as a drift dive – weather dependent – or anchor. Depths range from between 30ft to 130ft deep.
On your way down to the bottom, you’ll most likely encounter grey reef sharks that have taken up residency here. You’ll then hit a large plateau covered with coral that leads to a sand bank.
At the bottom of this top dive site you should look for barracuda, dolphins and the strange garden eels. Not too bad for things to see all in the same dive.
The Aquarium
The Aquarium is a wonderful dive site for beginners and snorkelers, but more experienced divers can enjoy this spot too. Located off of the South side of Pitiuu Uta in depths only between about 13ft and 16ft deep is…well an aquarium of marine life.
Among the coral head formations there are vast multicolored reef fish playing and maybe a spotted eagle ray or two. This is a protected dive site that is good for the whole family.
Tupitipitu
Looking for what is perhaps the best dive spot of all of Bora Bora, then look no further than Tupitipitu. This dive site is located off of Pointe Taurere on the South side of Piti Aau and has depths between 20ft and 150ft.
Below the waves is an explosion of colorful sponges and coral formations that have created an array of swim-throughs, canyons and corridors that are teeming with marine life. Among the coral formations can be found tropical fish like parrotfish and large groupers. various sharks and rays can also be seen here, and possibly – if you’re lucky – a humpback whale!
Technical divers can get in on the fun too, given the depth and grottos to be found here. Tupitipitu is a site only visited in good weather and takes about a 40 minute boat ride to get to. But if you can make it there, paradise awaits.
Haapiti
West of the Motu Mute Airport you’ll find Haapiti, another dive site good for everyone. An easy slope filled with beautiful coral formations will guide you down to the site’s maximum depth of about 98ft.
Along the descent you’ll notice tunnels, swim-throughs and canyons where play an abundance of marine life. Keep an eye out for blacktip, grey and lemon sharks along with the reef fish including schools of trigger fish and the strange looking Napoleon wrasse.
No matter your dive skill level, Haapiti is a fun dive site that will leave you happy.
Other Activities
This South Pacific island retreat is not just for us divers. There are plenty of other things to do in Bora Bora to keep everyone entertained . Below are some of the fun activities.
Whale Watching
If your timing is right, you can charter a boat to see the awe-inspiring humpback whales as they make their seasonal migration.
These gentle giants travel thousands of miles between their feeding and breeding sites. This provides a unique opportunity to see – and perhaps even swim alongside – them and witness their wonderous beauty.
If seeing the humpback whales is high on your list, plan your trip between July and November, when they are making their migration.
Helmet Dive/Underwater Walk
If you are a certified diver that has always wanted to try out helmet diving, or a beginner who just wants to take in some of the underwater world, then Bora Bora has you covered.
These dives can be done privately, or as a group and can even be paired with an ATV or 4×4 excursion. Contact Aqua Safari Bora Bora to set up your adventurous outing and walk (not sleep) among the fishes.
Underwater Scooter
So if walking underwater is not your thing, how about scootering?
Hop on your scooter, close the top viewport over your head and motor around the big blue. Underwater adventuring has never been more fun!
Sunset Cruise
hopeless romantic time. Grab someone special and board a catamaran for a romantic cruise to watch the sun go down on this paradise of the South Pacific.
If you’d rather get out on the water during the day, you can do a snorkeling excursion with a floating bar. Don’t have to swim to far when you have a floating bar!!
Wrapping Things Up
From vibrant coral reefs to majestic manta rays, Bora Bora’s underwater world offers an unforgettable experience for divers of all skill levels. Whether you’re a beginner seeking a tranquil lagoon dive or an experienced diver looking for a thrilling challenge, Bora Bora has something for everyone
Pack the scuba gear and sandals and go see for yourself why so many consider diving in Bora Bora to be some of the best diving in the world.
“How boring would the world be if everywhere and everyone were the same. Safe travels and good adventures.” Scuba Jay
