TAHITI — The mere mention of the name conjures up images of a fantasy world blessed with crystal-clear water and colourful coral reefs, endless white sand beaches, calm turquoise lagoons, swaying palm trees and the happiest residents on Earth.
And there's always plenty to smile about on the Islands of Tahiti. For here, the sun shines over 3,000 hours per year and the daytime temperature rarely dips below 26C. When the golden orb does drop into the Pacific after another glorious sun-kissed day, gentle trade winds cool this largest of the Society Islands in French Polynesia. The only sounds you’ll hear as you drift off to sleep are the waves gently lapping the shore and the playing of traditional drums (tariparu) or ukuleles by Tahitians paying homage to their Polynesian culture.
However, as beautiful as Tahiti is above the azure Pacific, it’s what lies below its tranquil waves that makes it a magnet for some of the most serious divers in the world.

Above: Tahiti has one of the largest concentrations of sharks anywhere in the world.

That’s because the warm waters here are teeming with exotic fish. In fact, researchers have found that Tahiti boasts some of the healthiest corals on the planet, as well as the highest diversity and density of reef fish in the world.
Here, it’s not unusual to see more than 20 spieces of sharks on one dive. Oh, you’ll also see a wide variety of tropical fish, including sea turtles, manta and sting rays, not to mention scores of dolphins and humpback whales.
But sharks are what gets a diver’s pulse racing and the Tahitian islands accommodates the thrill seekers with the largest collection of sharks in the world. And the sharks are well protected here, thanks to Tahiti's 4-million-sq-km shark preserve that’s the largest in the world.

Above: Divers enjoy crystal clear water and old wrecks when they take the plunge in Tahiti.

Tahiti is where divers will find the motherlode of the ocean’s most feared and prolific predator. Almost every species of shark imaginable lives here — hammerheads, lemons, black tip, grey, tiger and reef sharks, all call Tahiti home.
No wonder Tahiti has been nicknamed the shark capital of the world.
Here, drivers tell me it’s possible to see sharks in groups as large as 700 feeding together in what the locals call the Wall of Sharks.
There are many places here where you come come face-to-face with a shark while diving. But for the best vantage points, locals will probably point you in the direction of the Tuamotu Archipelago. Not only is the archipelago a shark sanctuary, the island of Fakarave where it’s located is also designated as a UNESCO Biosphere.
Sharks hold a special place of honour with the Tahitian peoples. While they’re important to the delicate ecological balance of this region, they also hold a cultural significance in French Polynesia, since many here believe sharks represent the souls of their ancestors.

Above: After each dive, there's Tahiti's natural beauty and its rich culture to enjoy.

Divers can enjoy pretty much all of what Tahiti has to offer in seclusion because the islands are a bit off the tourist track and get fewer visitors than other dive hot spots. In fact, it’s said that the islands of Tahiti have as many visitors in one year as the state of Hawaii has in one week. The result of the low volume visitation is obvious — less impact on Tahiti’s delicate environment and healthier coral. All the things that make divers happier.
As you can imagine, the waters off Tahiti’s five archipelagoes are exceptionally clear. On Tuamotu and the Society Islands, for instance, the visibility is often more than 30m deep and the water stays a very warm 26.6C year-round.
With the world’s coral reefs under attack by climate change, it’s nice to see every effort is being made to protect Tahiti’s. From the protected biosphere of Fakarava to the cultured bio rock gardens at the luxury resorts of Moorea and Bora Bora, you’ll find a stunning kaleidoscope of coral, brilliant blue-lipped clams, graceful anemones, starfish and more, sparkling like sunken treasure over the white sands of the lagoon.  
Studies have shown that the healthier the reef, the more fish will appear. And in Tahiti, according to a 2019 study published in Science Magazine, you can find 300 fish per 100-sq-m. By comparison, Caribbean waters only have half that amount, according to the magazine.
Visiting divers get plenty of support from the 50 dive shops spread across Tahiti’s 188 islands and atolls.
Most of the shops are small, independently operated and it’s not uncommon to be greeted by the owner onsite. He or she may even offer to be your dive partner for the day.

Above: Tahiti's resorts offers guests some unique experiences.

Tahiti has some of the highest safety standards for diving anywhere in the world. Here, the rigid French CMAS system is strictly followed and enforced and Tahiti’s major medical facilities are equipped with hyperbaric chambers and can be reached from most outer islands in less than two hours. As part of the strict safety standards, dives are limited to three a day.
Because most divers devote their funds to the latest gear, they are usually in search of affordable lodging options, and Tahiti has plenty to choose from. But Tahiti is also home to the most prestigious luxury resorts in the world.
Many of the most desirable dive islands offer Tahitian guesthouse accommodation and camping to help divers keep their costs down. The cost of dives usually includes all equipment and often includes transportation from your place of lodging. Divers can purchase an inter-island pass which includes stops at several islands to get a better deal on your flights. Don’t forget to show your diver certification to get a discount on your luggage.  
The Islands of Tahiti truly are heaven on earth for divers.

JUST THE FACTS

• The best way for Canadians to get to Tahiti is via Los Angeles with Air Tahiti. It’s an eight-hour flight from LAX and Tahiti’s international airport in located in its capital, Papeete. The most desirable dive islands can be reached from Papeete within one to two hours via domestic flights.

• To get more information on the Islands of Tahiti or for information on the best dive spots and accommodation packages, go to https://www.TahitiTourisme.com

• Worldwide, all reefs are at risk, which is why it is advised that you consider donating to organizations like Adopt a Coral, https://coralgardeners.org, or Protect Sea Turtles,
https://www.temanaotemoana.org/support-us

• Divers are advised to only use reef-safe sunscreen when you visit Tahiti.