Scuba diving in Society Islands

The Society Islands are a large archipelago on French Polynesia, which got its name from Captain James Cook – the explorer of the region. The island clusters are located in the South Pacific Ocean and are divided into two groups: Windward Islands and Leeward Islands. The most popular destinations among the Society Islands are Bora Bora, Tahiti, Moorea, Raiatea and Huahine. Getting to the archipelago is really simple as each of the islands has its own airport. The region’s hospitable atmosphere, fairy nature and inspiring beauty will not leave anyone indifferent. Luxurious resorts encourage travelers to forget about the hustle and bustle of megapolises. Most of the islands have their volcanic origin forming steep-sloped coasts, coral congregations and atolls. Scuba diving is well presented in the area. Multicolored reefs provide plenty of opportunities for divers from across the globe. The most exciting is to dive around hard coral constructions teeming with underwater organisms, examine shallow reefs and deep vertical walls. The diversity of corals is striking and catches the eye by its colors and shapes. The wide range of caves, grooves, clefts and crevices have lots of secrets to be disclosed and plenty of nooks to be explored while diving. Scuba-diving in the Society Islands is the activity everyone should try, as there are dive sites suitable for divers of all levels. The range of depth varies from 5m/16ft to 40m/130ft. Dive sites are accessible by boat. Most popular dive sites Dive sites impress with their diversity. Teavapiti Pass, The Mounts of Ceran, Miri-Miri and Roses, St. Etienne Drop-Off, Anau, Eagle Rays’ Station, Muri Muri, Ceran Pass, the Spring, Abyss and Gorgonia are only a small part of the whole amount of dive sites in the Society Islands. There are also wrecks to be explored: the Cargo Ship, Catalina and Nordby.

The Society Islands have a tropical climate with two distinct seasons. The most advisable period for visiting the region is from May to October. This season is dry; however air temperatures are slightly cool – 25-27C/77-80F. Rainy season lasts from November to April with approximate temperatures of 27-30C/80-86F. Hurricanes are possible during this period as well. Water temperatures are between 26-29C/78-84F. Visibility is incredible – up to 50m/164ft. Currents are usually mild – 1-2 knots. What to see Diving in the Society Islands is interesting as divers can watch various marine species. Such local underwater inhabitants as gray and black-tip sharks are the most popular with divers. Triggerfish, snappers, butterflyfish, turtles, wrasses, angelfish and lionfish can be observed while diving around the Social Islands.