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Moorea · French Polynesia · Pacific

Max. depth · 25 m

Le Tiki, Moorea: experience shark encounters in French Polynesia

Descend into the waters of Le Tiki, where impressive grey reef sharks and lemon sharks over 3 meters long patrol alongside schools of yellowfin goatfish.

What makes this site special

  • Observe blacktip reef sharks
  • Encounter large grey reef sharks
  • See lemon sharks exceeding 3 meters
  • Witness schools of yellowfin goatfish
  • Chance to spot whitetip reef sharks
  • Opportunity to see nurse sharks

Le Tiki about the site

Diving Le Tiki immediately immerses you into a dynamic marine environment, characteristic of Moorea's vibrant underwater landscape. As you begin your descent, you're entering a zone known for frequent and close encounters with a variety of shark species. The topography here provides excellent conditions for these pelagic visitors, offering them a natural hunting ground and a strong presence for divers to observe.

The primary draw to Le Tiki is the sheer number and size of the sharks you'll encounter. Blacktip reef sharks (Carcharhinus melanopterus) are commonly seen, weaving through the water with their distinctive fin tips. What truly sets this site apart are the robust grey reef sharks (Carcharhinus amblyrhynchos) and the impressive lemon sharks (Negaprion brevirostris), some of which stretch over three meters in length, providing a sense of scale and power to your dive.

Beyond the prominent shark population, Le Tiki also hosts bustling schools of yellowfin goatfish, whose presence adds a vivid flash of colour to the deeper blue. These schools move in unison, creating beautiful patterns against the backdrop of the reef. The interaction between these schooling fish and their larger predators is a constant, fascinating ballet to witness.

While blacktips, grey reefs, and lemon sharks are the main event, keeping a keen eye out can reward you with sightings of other, less common species. Occasionally, you might spot a whitetip reef shark (Triaenodon obesus) resting on the sandy bottom or cruising closer to the reef structure. The more elusive nurse shark (Ginglymostoma cirratum), often found in crevices or under overhangs, also makes an appearance here, adding another layer to the site's rich biodiversity.

Diving conditions

Le Tiki is accessible to divers holding a N1 or Open Water certification. The maximum depth reached at this site is 25 meters.

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Frequently asked questions about LE TIKI

What certification level do you need for LE TIKI?

You can dive LE TIKI if you hold an N1 or Open Water certification. The site is accessible to divers with either qualification, making it suitable for those certified at these levels. Your dive takes place in Moorea’s dynamic underwater environment, known for encounters with several shark species.

How deep is LE TIKI?

LE TIKI reaches a maximum depth of 25 meters. As you descend, you enter an area where sharks are frequently encountered, including blacktip reef sharks, grey reef sharks, and lemon sharks. The deeper blue also provides a backdrop for schools of yellowfin goatfish moving above the reef.

What sharks might you see at LE TIKI?

At LE TIKI, you may encounter blacktip reef sharks, large grey reef sharks, and lemon sharks exceeding 3 meters. Whitetip reef sharks may rest on the sandy bottom or cruise near the reef, while nurse sharks can appear in crevices or beneath overhangs.

What other marine life can you see at LE TIKI?

Beyond its shark encounters, LE TIKI features schools of yellowfin goatfish moving together in vivid patterns through the blue. Their activity adds colour to the reef environment, while the surrounding topography provides a setting where schooling fish and larger predators can be observed together during your dive.