Dive· Moorea· French Polynesia — Society Islands
Opunohu Canyons Dive
17° 29.1′ S · 149° 51.1′ W · approximate
A series of coral canyons, drop-offs, overhangs and small caves on the outer reef beside Tareu Pass at the mouth of Opunohu Bay. Blacktip reef sharks patrol the valleys, turtles rest on the ledges and clownfish live in the anemones, which gives the site its other name, Anemone.
Practical
Position from a February 2004 cruiser log (17°29.1'S 149°51.1'W), which the authors say was taken from a chart afterwards, not GPS, so treat it as ±300 m. Depth 15–25 m (Scubapiti); the 2004 divers went 11–20 m with no bottom below. Tahiti Tourisme says the wall is split into three dive sites and suits all levels. The 2004 divers reported 'occasional strong current' and surge that varied between valleys, and four to six blacktips in view at once. Life: tropical fish, turtles, anemones and clownfish, blacktips (Scubapiti, Moorea Blue Diving). The deep Jardin des Roses lies on the same slope at about 40 m. The 2004 divers dived it from their own dinghy on a mooring; today use an operator (Moorea Blue Diving at Maharepa is closest). Feeding sharks and fish is prohibited (2026 brief). Under the 2025 anchoring decree divers may not use occupied ZMR moorings; dive with an operator or from a tended dinghy flying a dive flag.
Best for
Canyons, anemones and turtles near Opunohu
Nearby
- Jardin des Roses (Rose Garden) Deep Dive0.2 NM away
- Ta'ahiamanu Anchorage (Opunohu Bay mouth, east)0.3 NM away
- Hilton Moorea Lagoon Resort (day pass & shows)0.4 NM away
- Ta'hiamanu Public Beach0.4 NM away
- ZMR de Pihaena (Moorea)0.7 NM away
- Humpback Whale Rest Area (Moorea AMP)0.8 NM away
- Lemon Shark Dives (Lemon Shark Valley, Mamaru, Eden Park)0.8 NM away
- Tropical Garden (Opunohu)1 NM away