Learn Scuba Diving in Tahiti for an Unforgettable Adventure

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I’ll be the first to admit, taking up the sport of scuba had never really crossed my mind. The water isn’t necessarily my comfort zone and I’m certainly not the strongest of swimmers. That all changed when I recently received an invite to learn to dive in Tahiti.

The author was hosted.

By the time my visit concluded, I went from a true beginner to an SSI open water certified diver in a quick but safe process that put me at ease. It also opened my eyes to a whole new world under the sea. Here’s why Tahiti is the perfect place to take the plunge for the very first time.

Clear, Comfortable Water

Bungalows appear over the crystal-clear ocean waters of French Polynesia. The sea is so clear you can see the coral below, clouds hover in the distance against a bright blue sky. — French Polynesia’s islands are blessed with crystal clear water, making visibility close to perfect above and below surface. Photo credit: Erika Ebsworth-Goold

Tahiti and her islands are a top destination for divers in the know. You’d be hard-pressed to find better water for underwater exploration.

Crystalline Visibility: I could see dozens of feet down to the coral bed at several of my dive sites and I could see everything all around me, which helped eliminate jitters, boosted my confidence and let me more easily explore and observe.

Consistently Warm Water: Averaging 79 to 84 degrees–even at depth–requiring only a thin shorty bodysuit to prevent chills and spare my skin from scrapes. That layer of neoprene also protected wildlife and me from any unintended close encounters.

Every Dive the Same Extraordinary Experience: The very first dive site I visited is affectionately known as the Aquarium. Indeed, I had the same experience at each spot: it was as if I had slipped into an infinite, brilliant fishbowl. Tahiti’s gentle water was the perfect setting for me to practice my scuba skills in comfort and ease.

Incomparable Biodiversity

Three masked scuba divers float just above a sea turtle feeding on a coral bed in the waters off Tikehau, an atoll in French Polynesia’s Tuomotu Archipelago. — The author gets up close and personal with a feeding sea turtle near the atoll of Tikehau. Tahiti and her islands boast some of the best biodiversity on the planet. Photo credit: Coco Drive Tikehau and Corto Murcia

I explored five different dive sites across three French Polynesian islands: Tahiti Nui, Tikehau and Fakarava, part of a UNESCO Biosphere Reserves. The biodiversity at each spot was absolutely mind boggling.

Species of All Sorts: I spied a school of convict surgeonfish changing color from black to white and back again. Enormous Napoleon wrasses glided by, with their distinctive humped foreheads. Bright parrotfish and tiny tangs darted past during the entire hour-long dive. I was even lucky enough to see four different species of sharks.

Pinch-Me Moment: Near the ocean pass at Tikehau, I came upon a sea turtle foraging on the coral floor. I observed it for a bit, then watched it gracefully drift back up to the surface for air long before I had to. Amazing!

Better Than You Can Imagine: When I slipped under the sea, and immediately started seeing the colorful creatures below, my beginner’s anxiety quickly melted away. I started focusing on the incredible animals just feet from me instead of my nerves; a revelatory experience, indeed.

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Incredible Instructors

Using a boat’s anchor line, one scuba diver slowly guides a scuba student under the water toward coral beds below. Both are blowing bubbles. The water is clear. — A scuba instructor guided the author on a slow, steady descent along a boat’s anchor line off the coast of Tahiti Nui. This helped ease ear pressure, ensuring an enjoyable, safe time under the water. Photo credit: Souled Outside Exploration Company.

French Polynesia is a favorite global destination among divers of all experience levels, especially beginners. The islands cater to the sport, big-time.

Kind and Caring: Every instructor I encountered in French Polynesia knew I was a beginner. All took the time to explain what to expect. When I had ear pressure issues, they gave me tips to descend safely and pain-free. During one anxious moment, one dive master patiently held my hand and slowly guided me to the coral below.

Testing Made Fun: The SSI certification process includes a series of underwater tests. My instructors demonstrated each requirement first, I followed in my own time, taking a couple of deep breaths to steady myself. I removed my regulator and replaced it, took off my mask and cleared it and was able to demonstrate a shared-air technique in case of emergency. My teachers made the drills fun, which made all the difference!

Certification Success: I might not have been the most buoyant or elegant, but thanks to my incredible instructors, I got down there each and every dive. It was a true testament to their skills, rather than my own. I was deeply grateful for their cool, calm guidance.

It’s the Perfect Place to Celebrate

Palm trees shade posh over-water bungalows atop the clear waters off Tikehau, an atoll in French Polynesia. — Tahiti and her islands offer guests a variety of accommodation types where they can rest, recharge and reflect on all they see underwater. Photo credit: Erika Ebsworth-Goold

There’s no better feeling than emerging from your first dives. Chances are after you high-five your team, you’ll want to kick back, reflect on all the amazing things you saw, and celebrate. Spoiler alert: Tahiti is the perfect place to do just that.

Friendly Island Vibe: Whether you opt to stay on the better-known, more populated islands including Moorea or Bora Bora, or decide to venture out further afield to different atolls, you’ll encounter a friendly laidback vibe. French Polynesia is the perfect place to rest and relax after your underwater adventure.

Incomparable Natural Beauty: You’d be hard-pressed to find better beaches anywhere else in the world, the perfect place to lounge apres-scuba. But there’s much more to Tahiti than sand and surf: there are lush, tropical valleys, roaring waterfalls and quiet motus all ready for you to explore.

World-Renowned Accommodations and Rich Culture: After your dives, you’ll need a comfortable place to lay your weary head. Tahiti and her islands offer guests a wide variety of lodging options, from five-star overwater bungalows to homey family stays that give you a true sense of the islands. Tahiti’s deep culture also shines. Take the time to meet and learn from its gracious people, and immerse yourself in the mana, or spiritual lifeforce, of this special place.

Ready to Plan?

A female scuba diver swims and blows bubbles while under the water off the coast of Tahiti Nui in French Polynesia. — It takes a bit of planning and preparation, but a world of underwater amazement awaits in Tahiti. SSI makes the process easy, fun and nearly stress-free. Photo credit: Souled Outside Exploration Company.

Scuba is a terrific sport for people of all ages and skill levels. SSI offers lessons for children as young as six years old and has affiliated centers around the world, including 16 across French Polynesia.

Getting Ready For Open Water: If you’re seeking open water certification, I highly recommend obtaining a doctor’s sign-off first, then getting your academic work and test dives done at a local center close to home. Staffers there can give you ideas for their preferred dive sites and accommodations on the islands.

Required Gear: During your initial sessions, you might get fitted for gear. All that’s necessary to pack is a mask and snorkel. Once you get to Tahiti, dive outfitters will provide you with everything else from fins and wetsuit to your buoyancy control device.

Relax and Enjoy: Dive masters in Tahiti will plan your entire experience, share what you can expect to see under the waves and work with you every step of the way to make sure you have an enjoyable time. While I was a bit apprehensive at first, my friendly and knowledgeable instructors helped me prove to myself diving is absolutely doable.

“You don’t have to be some big-shot athlete,” one gently advised me as we were about to make our way down. “Just relax, breathe and take it all in.”