L’ile bleue/Blue Island

This dive site, known as L’ile bleue or Blue Island, is an isolated underwater peak situated at the entrance to Cook’s Bay in French Polynesia. Divers navigate through the open blue water to reach a vibrant coral canyon. While specific history isn't provided, its location as an "isolated peak" suggests a natural formation offering a unique dive profile and an exciting approach to the main reef. The site is renowned for its diverse marine life, including very large anemones teeming with clownfish. Encounters with white-tip sharks are possible, often found at slightly deeper depths of 25-30 meters nearby. Schools of jacks frequently visit, and graceful hawksbill turtles are also common residents. The coral canyon itself provides a rich habitat for various reef fish and invertebrates, showcasing the biodiversity of French Polynesia. The best time to visit L'ile Bleue is when visibility is excellent, which enhances the experience of swimming in the open blue and exploring the colorful canyon. While the maximum depth for the primary dive is 16 meters (average 8m), freedivers can explore the shallower coral formations and anemones. Scuba divers should be prepared for potential currents given its exposed location. It's a fantastic spot for both wide-angle photography, capturing the schools of fish and sharks, and macro photography, focusing on the anemones and their resident clownfish.