About this spot
Tombant St Etienne sits in the Baie de Punaauia, a protected bay on the leeward side of Tahiti. The site earns its name from the dramatic drop-off—tombant means 'falling' in French—that defines the dive. Divers descend along a wall that plummets into deeper water, offering a classic Pacific reef experience with good opportunities to encounter pelagic species and reef fish. The bay's year-round accessibility makes Tombant St Etienne a reliable choice for visiting divers planning trips to French Polynesia. Local community recordings and species observations document the site's marine activity, providing insight into what you're likely to encounter. The site is not within a Marine Protected Area, though coral bleaching status remains under watch, reflecting broader climate concerns affecting tropical reefs. The wall structure offers multiple depth options, allowing divers to adjust their profile based on experience and air supply. Visibility and water temperature data aren't formally recorded here, so checking with local operators for current conditions before your dive is recommended. The location is accessible from Tahiti's main island, making it a practical addition to any Polynesian diving itinerary.
📖 Guide: Diving in France: 220 Sites From Alpine Lakes to Tropical Reefs
Best months
Marine life
Dive types
Trip essentials
Everything you need before you pack — checklist, sun, logistics.
Trip checklist
- 🛂 Visa-free or visa-on-arrival
- 📜 C-card + dive insurance (DAN)
- 📔 Dive logbook
- 🧴 Reef-safe sunscreen SPF 50+
- 🔌 Plug type C/E/F · 230V adapter
- 💊 Seasickness meds + ear drops
- 📱 Offline maps + emergency contact
Quick facts
- 🌓 Moon First quarter · 47%
- GPS
› Sustainability disclosures
FAQ
›What months can you dive Tombant St Etienne?
The site is diveable year-round. French Polynesia's warm tropical waters and seasonal weather patterns mean conditions vary, but access is generally consistent. Check with local operators for current weather and sea state before booking.
›Is this a beginner or advanced dive?
Specific difficulty ratings aren't documented for this site. The wall structure and depth options suggest it suits intermediate to advanced divers, but confirm requirements with your dive operator based on recent conditions and group composition.
›What marine life will I see?
Twelve species observations are documented at Tombant St Etienne, including reef fish and pelagic species attracted to the wall. Common Pacific reef residents—groupers, snappers, jacks, and smaller tropicals—are typical. Larger species may appear along the drop-off.
›Do I need permits to dive here?
Tombant St Etienne is not inside a Marine Protected Area, so standard diving regulations for Tahiti apply. Book through a licensed local operator who handles all legal requirements. Bring your certification card and log book.
