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Dive centre · Tahiti · French Polynesia

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Tbsa The Brando

Explore the pristine coral gardens of the Tetiaroa atoll via guided marine expeditions from the eco-responsible Le Brando resort.

What sets this centre apart

  • Located on the protected Tetiaroa atoll
  • Direct access via a 20-minute private flight from Tahiti
  • Close collaboration with the Tetiaroa Society for conservation
  • Eco-responsible resort infrastructure using solar energy
  • Guided expeditions led by local experts and naturalists
  • Access to a preserved marine sanctuary
Une femme assise au bord d'une piscine, vue d'en haut, lumière naturelle

Tbsa The Brando about the centre

Le Brando is situated on the Tetiaroa atoll, a collection of twelve motu located approximately 50 kilometres north of Tahiti. This remote sanctuary is defined by its turquoise lagoons and a protective coral reef system that has remained largely untouched by modern development.

The resort has operated since 2014, focusing on a philosophy of responsible luxury that integrates seamlessly with the natural environment. It serves as a hub for both high-end hospitality and scientific research, driven by the work of the Tetiaroa Society to protect the atoll's unique biodiversity.

The club and its team

The diving experience at Le Brando is deeply connected to the atoll's conservation mission. Rather than a standalone dive shop, the marine activities are integrated into the resort's wider naturalist-led programmes, ensuring that every excursion contributes to an understanding of the local ecosystem.

Explorations are conducted with an emphasis on environmental stewardship. Guests are guided by experts who focus on the symbiotic relationships within the coral reefs and the delicate balance of the atoll's marine life.

The centre at a glance

Affiliation
FFESSM · CMAS
Certification level
Platinum
Operating since
2014
Website available in
French · English
Access and transfers
Le Brando is just a 20-minute flight from the island of Tahiti. After leaving the private lounge and boarding a private aircraft with other guests, travellers are transported from Faa'a International Airport (Papeete, Tahiti) to Tetiaroa by Air Tetiaroa. Air Tetiaroa staff assist guests on their arrival in Tahiti for the 20-minute flight.
Accommodation
Le Brando offers 35 private villas and one residence spread across the Onetahi motu, set back from the beach. The architecture is designed to blend harmoniously into the lush surroundings. The resort is a luxury property that lives in harmony with the exceptional natural environment of the Tetiaroa atoll.
Address
Arue 98702, French Polynesia
Official website
thebrando.com

Courses on offer

The centre focuses on marine exploration and guided excursions. While the primary offering revolves around guided dives and reef explorations, all participants must hold a valid diving certification to join the deeper expeditions.

Dive sites with Tbsa The Brando

Reef Quest (Barrier Reef) is a shallow site suitable for those at a beginner level. It offers a chance to explore vibrant coral gardens and a mosaic of marine life, including stingrays and sharks.

Dive Expeditions take you further into the sanctuary to explore coral outcrops. These dives are designed for certified divers and provide opportunities to see eagle rays and blacktip reef sharks in their natural habitat.

And some of the dive sites the centre runs.

Reef Quest (Récif Barrière)Expéditions de Plongée

Marine life around Tahiti

The atoll's reefs are home to a vast array of life, from colourful parrotfish to various species of sharks and rays. You will frequently encounter blacktip reef sharks and eagle rays patrolling the reef slopes, alongside sea turtles and various species of rays.

The reef structure itself is built upon thriving coral communities and sea cucumbers, which play a vital role in the ecosystem. In the surrounding waters, you may also spot spiny lobsters and a variety of crabs.

Macro life and smaller inhabitants include sea urchins and a diverse range of reef fish. The biodiversity is a direct result of the atoll's status as a protected sanctuary.

Seasonality plays a significant role in what you might encounter. Humpback whales are present from August to October, while green turtles are most active during their nesting season from September to March. Migratory birds, such as the Pacific Golden Plover, can also be observed during the winter months.

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