Our dive sites in Nuku Hiva

Drop-offs, boulder fields, caves and cleaning stations: around fifteen sites on the south coast.

Our dive sites

Discover Nuku Hiva’s signature dive sites: drop-offs, rocky boulder fields, caves and encounters with the exceptional marine life of the Marquesas.

Conditions, seasons and marine life: see Scuba diving.

Diver beneath a rocky overhang covered in life

La Sentinelle

The signature site

Topography & marine life: drop-offs and boulder fields, with cleaning stations visited by rays and sharks. Schools of anthias and fusiliers, and many endemic species.

Features & access: 10 minutes by boat. Sheltered all year round.

Minimum level: Level 1 or Open Water

Tikapo

Jewel of Nuku Hiva

Topography & marine life: a spectacular setting of rocky pinnacles, with many schools of trevallies, fusiliers, triggerfish and unicornfish. The site also offers great opportunities to watch predators in action: tuna, bonitos, sharks…

Features & access: 30 minutes by boat. Negative entry and often strong current. Site and boat ride exposed to southern swell and winds.

Best time to dive it: October to March.

Minimum level: PE40 or experienced Advanced Open Water

Avaika

Heading for great encounters

Topography & marine life: a rocky point ideal for encounters with rays and sharks. Schools of trevallies and unicornfish, sun corals, dragon nudibranchs and many endemic species.

Features & access: 30 minutes by boat. Sheltered site, with occasional current. The boat ride can be rough when the trade winds blow hard.

Minimum level: Level 1 or Open Water

Motu Mano

The boulder field of surprises

Topography & marine life: a rocky boulder field with cleaning stations visited by rays and sharks. Schools of trevallies, fusiliers and triggerfish, a wide variety of morays and many endemic species.

Features & access: 30 minutes by boat. Occasional current. Site and boat ride exposed to southern swell and winds.

Minimum level: Level 1 or Open Water

Dulcinéa

The mystical tunnel

Topography & marine life: a shallow underwater tunnel, a perfect setting to observe crustaceans and shells. Schools of cardinalfish and hatchetfish.

Features & access: 15 minutes by boat. Exposed to southern swell.

Minimum level: Level 1 or Open Water

Motu Nui

The Marquesan

Topography & marine life: rocky blocks and boulder fields dotted with cleaning stations visited by rays. Schools of bluestripe snappers and mimic goatfish, dragon morays, slate pencil urchins and many endemic species.

Features & access: 10 minutes by boat. Sheltered all year round.

Minimum level: Level 1 or Open Water

Mur de Java

The lucky one

Topography & marine life: a rocky tongue and boulder field with cleaning stations visited by rays and sharks. Schools of triggerfish, trevallies and barracudas, and many endemic species.

Features & access: 30 minutes by boat. Sheltered site. The boat ride can be rough when the trade winds blow hard.

Minimum level: Level 1 or Open Water

Matateteiko

Out West

Topography & marine life: a rocky tongue and an underwater cave, with frequent passing rays and sharks. Schools of trevallies, fusiliers and unicornfish, and many crustaceans and shells.

Features & access: 35 minutes by boat. Often strong current. Site and boat ride exposed to southern swell and winds.

Best time to dive it: September to March.

Minimum level: PE40 or experienced Advanced Open Water

Champ jaune

First bubbles

Topography & marine life: sandy bottom covered with reef blocks, with schools of bluestripe snappers and fusiliers, and many endemic species.

Features & access: 5 minutes by boat. An ideal site to discover scuba diving, learn in complete peace of mind, or simply enjoy a snorkeling trip.

Minimum level: None

And many more sites to discover…

Dives for all levels, in wild and preserved settings, at the heart of the marine riches of the Marquesas.

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Frequently asked questions

How many dive sites are there in Nuku Hiva?

Nuku-Dive explores around fifteen dive sites, all on the south coast of the island, 5 to 35 minutes by boat from Taiohae quay. Sites are chosen on the day according to sea conditions and the participants’ wishes.

Is there current when diving in Nuku Hiva?

It depends on the site. Several sites are sheltered, with occasional current, such as La Sentinelle or Motu Nui. Others, such as Tikapo or Matateteiko, often have strong current and are reserved for experienced PE40 or Advanced Open Water divers.

Are the dives suitable for Level 1 / Open Water divers?

Yes. We adapt our trips to the divers’ level, and most of our sites, including La Sentinelle, Avaika and Motu Nui, are accessible from Level 1 or Open Water. Only a few exposed sites, such as Tikapo or Matateteiko, require a PE40 or an experienced Advanced Open Water.

Which diving certifications do you accept?

All recognised certifications are accepted: FFESSM / ANMP, CMAS, PADI, SSI, NAUI, SDI / TDI… Most sites require at least a Level 1 or Open Water; some, more exposed to current, such as Tikapo or Matateteiko, require a PE40 or an experienced Advanced Open Water. Remember to bring your certification card, physical or digital.

Can we dive at La Sentinelle?

Yes. La Sentinelle, Nuku Hiva’s signature site, is accessible from Level 1 or Open Water, 10 minutes by boat, and sheltered all year round. Its drop-offs and boulder fields host cleaning stations visited by rays and sharks, schools of anthias and fusiliers, and many endemic species.

Can we dive at Tikapo?

Yes, for experienced PE40 or Advanced Open Water divers. 30 minutes away by boat, Tikapo involves a negative entry and often strong current, and is exposed to southern swell and winds: the best period is from October to March. Its rocky pinnacles attract trevallies, tuna, bonitos and sharks.