Published on 14 August 2023
Reading time: 4 min.
The Islands of Tahiti have an exceptional variety of marine life. During your stay in the islands, take an excursion to explore the superb coral reefs and the magnificent scenery that lies beneath the waves. Put on a mask and tuba or go diving, and you’ll have the experience of a lifetime in the waters of French Polynesia.
The biggest deep sea reef in the world is in The Islands of Tahiti. A few years ago, scientists discovered the ‘field of roses’ about 40 meters below the surface of the water. Its depth seem to shelter it from the effects of global warming. Many of the other coral reefs are in need of protection, like the one in Bora Bora. The corals turn white and die in the elevated sea temperatures. Thankfully, there are several associations and institutions in French Polynesia that are committed to preserving our coral reefs. So please be careful where you tread when you’re diving or snorkeling.
Multicolored coral reefs
The magnificent coral reefs in The Islands of Tahiti are home to all kinds of tropical fish and a variety of marine life, such as sea turtles, rays and sharks. You can explore them on a scuba dive, seascooter or even with a simple mask and tuba. Corals and tropical fish of all colors, can sometimes even be seen from the deck of your boat. For an unforgettable experience, go snorkeling in the coral gardens of Taha’a and Huahine or the aquatic trails in Bora Bora and Rangiroa. A useful tip; if you cut yourself on some coral, fresh lime juice is the perfect natural remedy.
Make sure that you’ve applied plenty of eco-friendly sun cream before you go snorkeling or diving on the reef. The coral is threatened because of climate change, so please be careful not to add to its problems by kicking it ith your fins as you swim past. You can help to preserve the reef by adopting a piece of coral, through associations such as the Coral Gardeners in Moorea. They take cuttings from healthy, resistant corals and grow them in a nursery, to be planted back out on the reef. When you adopt a piece, they will keep you informed of where it has been planted and its growth and development.
The best places to see the coral
There are many dive centers in The Islands of Tahiti that offer excursions to observe the coral and its marine life. You’ll see that beneath the waves in the clear turquoise waters of French Polynesia, there’s a whole new world waiting to be discovered.
The island of Taha’a shares its magnificent lagoon with Raiatea. For a truly wonderful experience, go snorkeling in the coral garden, located between two motu on the lagoon. Take a guided boat trip on the lagoon to discover the rich variety of coral in Moorea. In the Austral Islands, explore the barrier reef of Raivavae, an extraordinary dive spot with a multitude of colorful coral. And one of the most famous dive destinations in the world is Rangiroa, where you can admire coral in all its shapes and colors.
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