Macro Diving in French Polynesia

The South Pacific has captivated the imagination ever since Rogers and Hammersmith penned their infamous hit musical, and by the time Jacques Cousteau described the lagoon at Tikehau as being one of the richest in fish life in the world, French Polynesia already had divers figuring out how to reach these remote paradise islands.

At Original Diving, we have already dispatched our dive experts to wander the islets and dive the passes and lagoons, so you have no need to scratch your head over the planning. Sit back and allow us to put together the ultimate French Polynesian itinerary to ensure you enjoy the best shark dives and the cream of the macro diving on offer.

Bora Bora

Known for its shark dives around Teavanui Pass, Bora Bora also gives you the chance to get in the water with your macro lens. Toopua and The Aquarium are both located within the lagoon, and the shallow water, with plenty of ambient light, lends itself well to shooting some excellent macro shots. The dive site Anau also provides a good opportunity for macro photography, as long as you don't get distracted by the manta rays...

Rangiroa

The pass diving around Rangiroa can be problematic for photographers; wide-angle is perfect for the sharks and rays in the passes, but the inner lagoons at the end of the dives throw up an array of macro subjects too. Octopus, scorpionfish, nudibranchs and a variety of shrimp will reward those who opted for a macro set-up, and forgoing the wide-angle means you get to enjoy the sharks without constantly needing to fiddle with your aperture and shutter speeds.

Tikehau

The fish life at Rangiroa's neighbouring atoll, Tikehau, left an impression on Jacques Cousteau, and you can sleep directly above it in an over-the-water bungalow. Tuheiava Pass is the perfect wake-up dive, and the inner-lagoon sites such as Aramu Ramu will drain your camera's battery as you endlessly zoom in on the macro critters.