Snorkel· Tahiti· French Polynesia — Society Islands
Pointe des Pêcheurs (La Source) Snorkel, Punaauia
17° 38.1′ S · 149° 37.1′ W
Considered the best place on Tahiti to see spotted eagle rays and turtles from the surface, at the reef by Fishermen's Point where a freshwater spring rises from a coral head.
Practical
Coordinates are Eleuthera's 'Dérive des Raies' site, a few metres from Pointe des Pêcheurs; its 'La Source' site is just north-west (-17.63356, -149.61903). Snorkeling-report warns that currents here can be very strong and dangerous, so go with someone who knows the spot. The spring rises 5–6 m down and shows as a ring of rippling water on calm days; go early in the morning, not after rain or a strong maraamu (Diving in Tahiti guide, 1990s). Surfers ride the Sapinus wave next door: keep the dinghy well clear of the break. Dive operators from Marina Taina visit daily.
Best for
Eagle rays and turtles for confident snorkellers
Nearby
- La Source & Plateau aux Tortues (Pointe des Pêcheurs)0.1 NM away
- Musée de Tahiti et des Îles (Punaauia)0.3 NM away
- Plage de Toaroto (PK15.4), Punaauia0.5 NM away
- Saint-Étienne Drop-offs (Grand Tombant, Faille St-Étienne, Piton aux Gorgones)1.2 NM away
- Temaruata (off PK18, Punaauia)1.2 NM away
- Plage de Vaiava (PK18), Punaauia1.7 NM away
- Vaiava (PK18) Lagoon Snorkel (Punaauia)1.7 NM away
- Vallée aux Rougets & Droite de Taapuna (Taapuna Pass)2.6 NM away