Iaora Diving

Ia Ora Diving is situated on the east coast of Moorea, positioned at the Sofitel Kia Ora Resort beach. Since its establishment in 2005, the centre has provided access to some of the most pristine and wild marine environments on the island's eastern side.

The centre operates with a focus on both lagoon and ocean diving, offering everything from introductory dives to advanced training. Whether you are looking for a relaxed reef exploration or a more structured course, the location allows for direct access to the local marine life.

The centre was taken over in 2025 by Quentin and Marie-Pierre, who lead a team of experienced and dedicated instructors. They are proficient in English, French, and Spanish, making them accessible to a wide range of international divers.

Safety and individual attention are central to their operation, with a guide-to-diver ratio of 2 divers per guide. This ensures that even during drift dives or ocean outings, you receive close supervision and professional guidance.

Training is available for all ages, with specific programmes for younger divers. Children as young as 8 can participate in Bubblemaker and introductory dives, while those aged 10 and up can work towards their Open Water Junior certification.

Ia Ora Diving offers a comprehensive curriculum through PADI and FFESSM/CMAS affiliations. Beginners can start with the Open Water Diver course, while those looking to progress can enrol in the Advanced Open Water Diver programme.

For divers seeking to refine their skills and safety protocols, the Rescue Diver course is available. The centre also caters to younger divers with the Open Water Junior certification, ensuring a structured path for those starting their diving journey at an early age.

The centre provides a full range of rental kit for those not travelling with their own equipment. This includes regulators, BCDs, wetsuits, fins, and masks, all maintained to a high standard.

For those planning to dive the local reefs, the centre is well-equipped to handle the requirements of both lagoon and ocean dives. They focus on providing reliable, high-quality gear to ensure comfort throughout your sessions.

The marine life around Moorea's east coast is diverse and often quite wild. You will regularly encounter various sharks, including lemon sharks, grey sharks, Blacktip reef shark (Carcharhinus melanopterus), Grey reef shark, and whitetip sharks. Sea turtles, including green turtle and Hawksbill turtle, are also common visitors to the reefs.

The reef itself is home to a wide array of tropical species. You can observe leopard rays, various tropical fish, Moray eel (Muraenidae), and large schools of fish. Larger pelagics like long-beaked dolphins are also known to frequent these waters.

For those interested in the smaller details of the reef, look out for the octopus (Octopus vulgaris) and various species of reef fish. The ecosystem is supported by a healthy variety of marine life that keeps the local habitats thriving.

Diving in this area includes a variety of environments, from calm lagoon settings to more active ocean dives. The centre offers both lagoon and drift diving, depending on the conditions and your certification level.

Whale watching excursions are a seasonal highlight, occurring from July to November. These outings are conducted in small groups of maximum 6 people to ensure a close and respectful encounter with the Humpback whale.