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For the eighth consecutive year, The Islands of Tahiti has been named “Oceania’s Leading Dive Destination” at the 33rd edition of the World Travel Awards.

The award was presented at the World Travel Awards’ Asia, Oceania and Indian Ocean ceremony at CROSSROADS Maldives on 27 September, with The Islands of Tahiti recognised ahead of nominees including Australia, Palau and Papua New Guinea.

The latest accolade highlights the strength and diversity of French Polynesia’s diving offering across its five archipelagos: the Society, Tuamotu, Marquesas, Austral and Gambier Islands.

This recognition is part of an even longer success story: in 2018, Bora Bora had already been named “Australasia’s Leading Dive Destination”, before The Islands of Tahiti went on to win the title of “Oceania’s Leading Dive Destination” every year from 2019 onward.

Diving across five archipelagos

While The Islands of Tahiti is internationally recognised for the renowned dive sites of Rangiroa and Fakarava, the destination’s five archipelagos offer a much broader range of underwater experiences for divers of all levels. From Tahiti’s sea turtles and Moorea’s lemon sharks to the shipwrecks of Raiatea, the passes of Tikehau and Manihi, the preserved seabeds of the Marquesas Islands and the dive sites of the Austral Islands, each region offers its own distinctive marine environment.
The richness of French Polynesian waters lies not only in the presence of iconic species such as sharks, manta rays, dolphins and humpback whales, but also in the abundance of marine life that characterises its coral reefs. The destination is also home to one of the world’s highest concentrations of reef sharks and has protected its territorial waters as a sanctuary for whales and marine mammals since 2002.
With around 50 dive centres operating across the five archipelagos, visitors can access guided diving experiences throughout the destination, from introductory experiences for beginners through to more advanced sites for experienced divers.
The award further highlights the breadth of diving available across The Islands of Tahiti and supports efforts to encourage visitors to explore beyond its best-known dive destinations.

Vaihere LISSANT, Chief Executive Officer, Tahiti Tourisme, commented: “Receiving this distinction for the eighth consecutive year is a tremendous recognition for the destination and for all the professionals who help visitors discover our underwater world every day.

While The Islands of Tahiti is internationally renowned for the iconic passes of Rangiroa and Fakarava, it also offers a great diversity of experiences across its five archipelagos. From Tahiti’s sea turtles to Moorea’s lemon sharks, from the shipwrecks of Raiatea to the passes of Tikehau and Manihi, and from the preserved seabeds of the Marquesas Islands to the dive sites of the Austral Islands, each island has its own unique underwater identity.

For several years, we have worked to better showcase this richness and demonstrate that diving in French Polynesia is not only for experienced divers. Beginners, ocean enthusiasts and seasoned divers alike can enjoy a unique experience. More than a collection of exceptional dive sites, it is an entire destination that invites visitors to explore its underwater treasures.”