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Bora Bora HomeWatersports Adventures Island Fun Relaxation > What to See > Vacation Planning, > Real Estate & Business > Tahiti News & General > Member's Quick Ref.
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Discover Bora Bora's amazing scuba diving opportunities.
Like many Polynesian islands, after snorkeling and swimming, scuba diving is the most popular and definitely one of the most exciting water activities to do in French Polynesia.
TST makes choosing your favorite island activity easy! If you want MORE choices, simply check out our "To Do" pages: WATERSPORTS, ISLAND FUN, RELAXATION, RECREATION & GAMES, or SHOPPING, SERVICES & RESTAURANTS.
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Many species of fishes, magnificent corals, and sea crustaceans of a thousand colors will amaze you with their diversity and large numbers within the lagoon. (It is reported that nearly 500 different species of fish live in the various Tahitian Island waters, and, although you won't see them all, you'll certainly be able to glimpse a good amount of them diving around Bora Bora!)
The scuba diving around Bora Bora, however, is not limited to diving the lagoon... the open waters of the deep sea are just outside, wherein there are also a great many dive sites to be enjoyed.
 Countless species of fish are common in the lagoon and out into the open ocean. |
In the deeper waters of the open ocean, more interesting and amazing sea creatures await your discovery, including sea turtles, larger and ever more species of fishes such as barracuda, tuna, jackfish, red snapper, napoleon fish, surgeon fish, impressively sized moray eels, various rays, dolphins, various species of sharks such as the black tipped, grey, and lemon, among others, and the migrating humpback whales during the months of August through October!
The powerful and graceful Manta Rays, among the world's largest, are regularly seen in Bora Bora's lagoon as well as the open waters outside of it's lagoon. (See Ray note below)
How is Bora Bora diving different than the other islands?
Each Island in French Polynesia has one or more particular scuba traits or special things that make it different from the rest... Moorea has the shark feeding and the turtles. Manihi and Tikehau have the pristine lagoon and magical corals. Raiatea has the wrecks, deep lagoon, and octopus dives, etc, etc...
In Bora Bora's case, it's likely to be the ever popular Manta Ray dives, and shark, turtle, dolphin, and whale watching when they're around that differentiate Bora bora from the other islands.
Bora Bora's Rays
 Bora Bora has many different kinds of rays.... |
Perfect natural conditions create plentiful and regular growth of marine plankton in parts of Bora Bora's famous lagoon. The largest of the world's rays, the Manta Rays, are plankton eaters, and thus regularly reside in the waters of the lagoon, as well as outside in the open sea.
Various other ray species such as leopard, bat, and eagle, and stingrays, are also common in Bora Bora waters. Although not as huge as Manta Rays, there is nothing quite like seeing a "school" of batrays silently glide by you...
Any time you see these rays, it leaves a lasting impression on your life... it's a "magical experience" for anyone... And that's what diving is all about. The island of Bora Bora waits for you to experience her own special brand of underwater magic!
 You might encounter a sea turtle! |
The scuba operators who have been diving the Bora Bora waters for years know the habits and schedules of all these impressive marine creatures and have become quite skilled at showing divers the best spots for viewing.
They are always respectful of their habits and space, and will make sure that you do the same. No touching or chasing... but pictures and closeup encounters are common.
Other features
During the months of August thrue late October, the annually migrating humpback whales are also a feature of the deep waters surrounding the Bora Bora lagoon.
Although not as common as on Moorea, the Bora-bora based scuba operators enjoy showing scubadivers the whales when they see them in the open waters of the ocean. They are extremely respective of their space, knowingly treating them with professionalism and proper distance.
Dolphins and turtles are also encountered outside of the lagoon. Some lucky divers are treated to seeing numerous dolphins, whales, or sea turtles at one time!
The Scuba outfitters who make it all possible
Their are 3 major scuba diving centers on Bora Bora, as well as a few other scuba businesses located at select hotels and elsewhere on the island.
Here, we list them all for you, along with basic information on their credentials, experience, etc. Multi-level dives are available for all skill levels, fulfilling most scuba divers wildest expectations.
Tahiti Sun Travel Recommends:
Blue Nui Dive Centers- BORA BORA
Based out of the Pearl Beach Hotel
B.P. 169, Vaitape 98730 - Bora Bora
Contact: Gille & Wendy Petre
Telephone- (689) 67.79.07, Mobile: (689) 79.22.72, Fax- (689) 60.50.51
E-MAIL & Reservations
 TSTN EZ Print Internet Coupon Participant. Print the Coupon Now to save 10% off your dives. |
Our full service scubadiving center and shop, managed by award winning scuba master Gille Petre, wants to take you diving on Bora bora!
Gille was voted DIVER OF THE YEAR by scubas top rated magazine "Scubadiving"- in 1999 for his expertise as a diver and the quality of his services.
Blue Nui Dive Centers comprises 3 scuba centers in French Polynesia: One on Bora bora, and two on the Tuamotu island atolls of Manihi and Tikehau.
The staff is professional, english speaking, and safety minded.
Please see our website for all the details.
TOPdive Bora Bora by BATHY'S
Based at Vaitape
B.P. 515, Bora Bora
Telephone- (689) 60.50.50, Fax- (689) 60.50.51
E-MAIL & Reservations
Immerse yourself in the fascinating world of Bathy's!
Come join the exceptional atmosphere under the guidance of a dynamic and professional team of divemasters. We have 3 high performance scuba boats 23- 30 feet, all equipped with the most modern safety and diving equipment. Whatever your scuba wish is, we can provide it! First dives, lagoon and ocean dives, all levels of training
and scuba instruction available with top level certified experts.
We also have a 45 foot catamaran providing the ultimate transportation means to lovely and unspoiled Tupai Atoll.
Please see our website for all the details.
Bora Bora Activity Center
Located at Boutique "3 Tiki"
Vaitape- Bora bora
Telephone- (689) 21.69.36
E-MAIL & Reservations
Get an introduction to the exciting sport of scuba diving in one of the most amazing underwater locations on the planet- the famous blue lagoon of Bora bora.
You'll stay in shallow water with an experienced divemaster and learn about all the basics:
safety, equipment, etc. (This is the alternative to "the beginners pool" in many scuba diving classes in the states.)
After this introduction, you'll be ready to go for your certification- and then begin exploring the great undersea world...
Book this activity through the Bora Bora Activity Center.
"Local Experts Booking All Your Bora Bora Island Activities".
DiveEasy
Located on Matira point
B.P. 86, Vaitape 98730 - Bora bora)
Contact: Mr. Ben Heriteau
Telephone- (689) 79.22.55, Fax- (689) 67.69.36
E-MAIL & Reservations
| TSTN EZ Print Internet Coupon Participant. Print the Coupon Now to save 20% off your dives. |
Custom scuba diving (small groups only) on the island of Bora bora. Make your
diving experience a rich and special one with the unique technology of the Diveasy
UNDERWATER COMMUNICATION SYSTEM.
High quality, one on one diving instruction with local divemaster Ben. His years
of diving experience and great knowledge of the waters around his island will
make your dives a memorable experience you'll cherish for years to come.
State instructor BEES 1, Classe II, ANMP- Dive school- Examinations given: ANMP
and CMAS.
Please see our website for all the details.
Bora Diving Center - Nemo World -(PADI Dive Center # 6346)
Based at Matira beach, next to Hotel Bora bora
B.P. 503, Vaitape - Bora bora
Telephone- (689) 77.67.46, Fax- (689) 67.71.84
E-MAIL & Reservations
Plan a unique adventure in scuba diving... Bora Diving Center is happy to assist you ! It operates from the nicest beach: Matira beach, adjacent to Hotel Bora Bora, and we offer free transportation from any hotels or boats via our buses and boats. Famous for our personal service, flexibility, and attention to the individual makes your diving experience the best it can be. Day and night dives with Manta and Eagle rays, Lemon and grey sharks, Barracudas, turtles and more!
We feature 2 tank dives in the morning and 2 in the afternoon, in small groups of divers to get closer to the marine life. Choose from "fun dives", "intro", or training dives... 3 fast and comfortable boats provide rapid access to the various dive sites. Wall, drift, cave, and night dives, private and full day trips, video services and more. All levels welcome and certifications available including specialty diving.
A welcome desk with classroom, video services, retail shop, maps, and restroom is open everyday from 8am - 5pm.
Please see our website for all the details.
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Underwater cameras & video available!Bora Bora Camera Shop |
Bora Diving Center |
Frequently asked questions about Bora bora diving:
Where is Bora Bora? | Bora Bora is one of the Tahitian Islands, located in the Southern Hemisphere about half way between Australia and South America. It is in the same time zone as Hawaii. The flight from Los Angeles to Tahiti is about 7 1/2 hours. Air Tahiti provides four 45-minute flights each day from Papeete, the Capital of Tahiti, to Bora Bora. |
What's the best time of year for diving in Bora Bora? | Scuba diving is good all year round in French Polynesia. The best diving conditions are between April and November. |
When can I see humpback whales? |
Bora Bora is visited by whales from July to early October. They come to mate and to care for their newborns. You may spot them jumping on your way to a diving site and possibly see them under water, too. The experience is always magical! |
What are the local diving conditions? | Local visibility often reaches 130 feet. The average temperature of the ocean is 79 degrees F (28 C) in the winter season and 84 F (30 C) during the summer. There is no noticeable temperature variation between the surface and a depth of 166 feet (50 M). A light wetsuit, 1/8 inch (3 mm), or even a lycra suit is sufficient for year-round thermal protection. |
What types of diving will I find in Bora Bora? | There are three basic types of dives: lagoon dives, outside-the-reef dives, and pass dives. The Lagoon - Dives within the lagoon are generally shallow with very clear water. These conditions make them ideal for scuba lessons or for brushing up on your diving skills. However, there are some deep dive sites within the Bora Bora lagoon: canyons filed with manta rays and eagle rays, moray eels and tropical fish. These deeper sites are for certified divers only. Outside the Reef -- Just outside Bora Bora's coral reef, the ocean floor drops off dramatically. Here the reef is alive with a variety of corals and colorful fish, including the larger predators: lemon sharks, grey sharks, black & white sharks, moray eels, Napoleon fish, jack fish, barracuda, tuna, turtles, and dolphins. Teavanui Pass -- The only opening in the coral reef connects the lagoon with the ocean. There are always a large number of fish in this area, as the tidal flows provide abundant nutrients. It is a cruising zone for large schools of eagle rays. The current here can be strong at times, but the coral is really nice. |
How deep will the dives be? | Most of the dives are between 60 feet (18 m) and 80 feet (24m). For experienced divers, there are deeper dives both within the lagoon and outside the reef. |
Do I need to have a lot of diving experience to dive in Bora Bora? | Most of the diving in Bora Bora is fairly easy in favorable conditions and does not require a lot of diving experience. Many people learn to scuba dive for the first time in Bora Bora, and it is a wonderful spot for newly certified divers to improve their skills. For divers who wish to obtain additional training, most of the Scuba centers of Bora Bora offer continuing education and full instruction for PADI, CMAS, and FFESSM certifications. |
What certification is required? | Except for beginning divers, you must provide your diving certification card and your diving log. |
Will I need a dive buddy? | You will not need a dive buddy. On every dive, you will be accompanied by an experienced dive guide who is also an instructor. The guide knows the different local conditions and specific dive areas well and will contribute to a very safe and enjoyable dive holiday. This service is included at no extra charge. However, if you wish to dive with a particular buddy, that is always possible as well. |
Do I need to bring my own equipment? |
No. All the Scuba centers of Bora Bora provide all the equipment you will need for a great diving experience. This includes BCD, regulator, octopus, pressure gauge, wetsuit, weights, mask, fins, and snorkel. Of course, you can always bring your own equipment. Most divers prefer to bring their own mask, fins, and snorkel. |
I haven't dived in several years. Can you provide an initiation dive to help me brush up on my diving skills? | Of course! Several of the dive sites are ideal for this purpose. Toopua, located in the lagoon, provides a great refresher dive. Here you are likely to see rays on your very first dive! All Bora Bora's dive masters pay very close attention when taking you out for the first time. They will ensure that your first dive is a safe and rewarding experience. |
What types of fish will I encounter? |
Bora Bora is home to many types of fish, and the Scuba centers on Borabora strive to make sure that divers get to see as many of them as possible. You can expect to see manta rays, eagle rays, moray eels, grey sharks, black & white sharks, Napoleon fish, and barracuda. Most divers also encounter tuna, jack fish, turtles, lemon sharks, and dolphins. Occasionally divers are rewarded with a close look at humpback whales and even whale sharks. |
What about sharks? | In Bora Bora, the sharks are not as aggressive as they are in other parts of the world. While diving, it is safe to get close to them for pictures and observation. |
If I have an accident, how will I receive help? | French Polynesia possesses one of the best sea search-and-rescue programs in the world. In case of an accident, there is an evacuation procedure, either by plane or helicopter, available around the clock. In Papeete, there is an ultra modern decompression chamber along with a team of doctors highly trained in hyperbaric medicine. |
Does my travel insurance cover me while diving? |
Most travel insurance policies do not cover scuba diving. You should inquire with your travel agent and include a special clause in your insurance contract prior to departure. It is possible to contract for insurance at the individual diving centers on Bora Bora, valid for your entire stay that covers any type of accident. Ask the individual outfitters for details. |
Is spear fishing allowed? |
French law prohibits spear fishing or collecting anything while wearing scuba tanks. |
(Information credits to: Philippe Molle, Anne & Michel Condesse, and Tahiti Sun Travel's notes)
Check out the Scuba Diving on the Other Islands of
An Internetwork of Travel & Tourism Guides
for the Main Islands of Tahiti Polynesia.
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| Bora
Blue Nui Scuba Centers |
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 Bora Bora's favorite scuba diving center supports divers of all levels. Instruction and dives stressing safety.  See our website for all the details |
Ask questions, get advice, meet people, be crazy! It's fun, easy, and informative!  |
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| Snorkeling fun with Moana Jetboat! |
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 You'll have fun snorkeling with us on your jetboat tour of the Bora bora lagoon. SEE THE VIDEO! |
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