Immerse yourself in a world of vibrant marine life and dazzling coral gardens as you explore the breathtaking underwater realm of French Polynesia. Glide effortlessly through crystal-clear lagoons where parrotfish flash like jewels among branching corals, clownfish nestle in swaying anemones, and sea turtles move with serene grace. Dive deeper into the blue to witness the majesty of eagle rays in flight and curious reef sharks patrolling their territory.

French Polynesia’s pristine lagoons—bathed in hues of turquoise and aquamarine—invite you to uncover their secrets. And there’s no better vantage point than the m/s Paul Gauguin’s onboard dive center with direct ocean access, offering easy access to optional SCUBA excursions. Whether you're a certified diver or eager to try diving for the first time, an unforgettable adventure awaits.

Even if you’ve never donned a dive mask before, The Paul Gauguin makes it easy to take your first plunge. Within just a few hours, you could find yourself face-to-face with spectacular marine creatures, drifting among coral gardens bursting with life. Our SCUBA program caters to all levels, with introductory dives, refresher courses, and PADI certification options for those looking to gain or grow their diving skills.

Here are highlights of what else you might expect to find in dives off specific islands along the path of your itinerary:

Society Islands

The Society Islands are ideal for beginner divers with shallow dives and comfortable surface conditions inside peaceful lagoons.

• Moorea – Encounter blacktip and lemon sharks, observe sea turtles tucked into coral crevices, and glide beside butterfly fish and school of snappers.
• Bora Bora – Witness the elegance and grace of manta and eagle rays as they soar through one of the most iconic lagoons on Earth.
• Huahine – Dive the Avapehi Pass, a thrilling site known for its strong currents. Reserved for experienced divers, this pass is teeming with life—grey reef sharks while schools of jackfish and barracuda swirl in the blue.

Tuamotus Islands

With exceptional year-round visibility and incredible biodiversity, diving in the Tuamotus Islands will delight all divers.

• Rangiroa & Fakarava—World-renowned for thrilling drift dives, these atolls promise encounters with many sharks, manta rays, dolphins, turtles, eagle rays, and vast schools of barracuda. Fakarava, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, features dramatic coral canyons and famous reef passes that make every dive singular and unforgettable.

Marquesas Islands

Accessible only through the m/s Paul Gauguin, the Marquesas are among the most remote and untouched dive destinations on Earth—reserved for Advanced Open Water divers and Deep Diver Specialty Certification. Expect dramatic drop-offs, caves, and vibrant marine life across these exclusive sites.

• Nuku Hiva – Best known for sightings of hammerhead sharks along steep cliffs and nutrient-rich waters that attract manta rays.
• Tahuata – A thriving marine ecosystem with manta rays, grey reef sharks, tuna, and schools of juvenile fish.
• Fatu Hiva – Volcanic walls and slopes alive with reef fish, tuna, barracuda, and passing sharks.
• Ua Pou – Remarkable biodiversity and remote sites featuring walls, pinnacles and abundant sea life—often with no other divers in sight.

Due to depth and surface conditions, dives in the Marquesas are reserved for experienced divers with an Advanced Open Water diver certification or a Deep Diver Specialty.

SCUBA diving certifications and excursions are subject to availability and weather conditions.