Marine species

The warm, clear waters of French Polynesia are home to several species of dolphin, including the spinner dolphin, spotted dolphin and bottlenose dolphin. These joyous, captivating creatures have a special, emblematic signififcance in French Polynesia and a special place in the hearts of its inhabitants.

French Polynesia is a whale sanctuary and each year humpback whales visit our waters to reproduce and nurture their young. The best period to see them is from July to November. Reputed for their athletic leaps from the sea and the haunting melodies of their singing, being in the company of these magnificent creatures is a moving and humbling experience that you’ll never forget.

Sea turtles are considered as ancestral creatures in The Islands of Tahiti. They are symbols of longevity and wisdom. You can easily find them along the coral reefs and in some of the lagoons. The most common species found here are green turtles, hawksbill sea turtles and loggerhead sea turtles. Sea turtles are an endangered species and are protected in The Islands of Tahiti, where conservation programs work for their preservation.

Sharks, known as ma’o in Tahitian, are one of the marvels of this diverse marine life. Predators of the highest order, they are an essential part of the complex ecosystem of the Pacific Ocean, but are still relatively unknown by man. Despite their fierce reputation, sharks are generally inoffensive because of the abundance of other prey in the waters of The Islands of Tahiti.