Page 88 - French Polynesia
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Tahiti Dive Sites
E tienne Drops - This is probably one of Tahiti’s richest div- You’ll find a coral ring, as an ideal introduction to the first dives.
ing spots. The barrier reef protecting the lagoon drops down Hundreds of colorful tropical fish frequent the area. Three wrecks
towards the depth of the ocean. Before it completely disappears, serve as artificial reefs to this area.
it offers the dizzying spectacle of gigantic vertical walls covered
with yellow gorgonians and dense schools of anthias. Schools of M arado - Great underwater falls and reef gorges covered with
barracuda and jacks swim near the wall as dogtooth tuna cruise gorgonians and little caves with plenty of fish.
by. Look for the sharks.
M ea Spit Drop-off - A point famous for its fauna, filled with
G orgones - Vertiginous falls under schools of wrasses, sharks black coral, anemones and pelagics.
and moray eels. This spot owes its name to the gorgons, a
type of anemone which recovers the whole roof in these underwa- M oray Eel Point - Maximum depth : 147 feet. Located on the
ter caves. Whitetip sharks. west coast in the direction of Punaauia, near the Tapuna
pass. You find a coral plateau with canyons. There is also coral
L a zélée - Maximum depth: 196 feet. Site located around Pap- reef barrier where you may see moray eels, blacktip and whitetip
eete, next to the main port, near the pass. The site of an old sharks as well as other marine species.
wreck in several pieces. You can see black and pink coral at around
70 feet. Many pelagic fish frequent the area. P apara - Sheer drop-off, home to many whitetip reef sharks and
other spectacular species
L agoon Dive - Maximum depth: 40 feet. Located on the west
coast, it is one of the best spots for novice divers to discover.
