Leeward Islands

The Leeward Islands in French Polynesia cover the northern part of the Society Islands, stretching along the central-to-western chain in the South Pacific. This administrative region encompasses lagoons, motus, and outer reef shelves that front the warm waters of the South Pacific Ocean. Access typically starts from Raiatea, Bora Bora, or Ua Pou and Ua Huka gateways, with local centers offering drift and wall diving along coral reefs and fringing atolls. Marine life is typical of central Polynesian reefs, including colorful reef fish, healthy corals, and occasional manta or eagle ray encounters in deeper channels. The area suits divers seeking relaxed conditions, clear water, and diverse island scenery, with most diving concentrated on accessible reef and pelagic-swept sites around the Leeward Islands.