Diving & Travel Guide to Maupiti (Society Islands)

About Maupiti (Society Islands)

Maupiti represents the ultimate in unspoiled Polynesian diving, an island so remote and undeveloped that visiting divers experience marine environments virtually unchanged from centuries ago. The island's single pass, Onoiau, is a thrilling deep channel where pristine coral formations frame encounters with manta rays during the May to November season, grey reef sharks patrolling year-round, and occasional hammerhead schools in deeper water. The currents through the pass can be strong, making it an advanced dive site that rewards experienced divers with extraordinary marine life density. Within the lagoon, shallow coral gardens remain virtually untouched by human impact, supporting healthy populations of green turtles, stingrays, and diverse reef fish. The Caves on the outer reef feature limestone overhangs and swim-throughs harbouring glassfish, lobsters, and moray eels in dramatic light conditions. Maupiti has almost no tourist infrastructure, with a handful of family pensions providing the only accommodation. The island's residents maintain traditional fishing practices and a subsistence lifestyle that has preserved the surrounding reefs in exceptional condition. Access is by Air Tahiti flights to the small airstrip on a motu, with boat transfers to the main village. For divers seeking authentic wilderness diving without crowds or commercial operations, Maupiti offers a rare and precious experience that is increasingly difficult to find anywhere in the world.

Highlights

• ✓Onoiau Pass: Stunning deep pass with pristine coral, manta rays (seasonal), grey reef sharks, hammerheads occasionally, and strong currents.
• ✓Maupiti Lagoon: Shallow coral gardens with turtles, stingrays, few divers, and completely untouched reef environments.
• ✓The Caves: Limestone overhangs and caverns on the outer reef with glassfish, lobsters, and moray eels.

Getting There

Air Tahiti flights from Papeete via Bora Bora or Raiatea. The airstrip is on a motu with boat transfer to the village.