What to Look For when Snorkelling in French Polynesia with Kids

With crystal-clear and warm waters, many shielded spots and an abundance of marine life, your kids will delight in exploring vibrant coral reefs by snorkelling in French Polynesia.

This snorkelling paradise is teeming with tropical fish, sea turtles, sharks, stingrays and more. Whether it’s the shallow lagoons of Bora Bora, the untouched beauty of Moorea, or the hidden gems of Tahiti, every snorkelling spot offers a new adventure for your family to cherish forever.

In this blog post, we have collected a list of the wildlife that we enjoy most to look for and spot with our kids while snorkelling in this pacific island state. While most of the animals on the list should be fairly easy to spot, there are also a few that you need a bit of luck to find. The more the thrill when you do!

We will also go through some tips for making your snorkelling trip with kids successful, what to bring and how to care for the marine life.

All of the photos included in this post are ones that we have shot during our travels in French Polynesia. We think some of them are pretty amazing and that they display quite well what to expect from snorkelling in these warm, clear waters.

Oh, and if you think that going to French Polynesia is out of reach unless you belong to the rich and famous, check out this guide we made about family travelling in French Polynesia on a budget.

Tips for snorkelling in French Polynesia with kids

Before diving into our list of the amazing animals you should be looking for in French Polynesia, we have some tips to consider when planning your snorkelling trip to make sure it will be successful.

Here are some of our best tips for snorkelling with kids in French Polynesia:

1. Purchase and try on the gear you need before leaving for French Polynesia. We found the selection of masks, snorkels and fins to be very limited on the islands.
2. Choose kid-friendly snorkeling gear: Ensure your children have properly fitting masks, snorkels, and fins suitable for their size and comfort. Have a special focus on getting masks for everyone with a perfect seal to each person’s face. Snorkelling is no fun at all if your mask keeps taking in water. Also, make sure that all snorkels have a valve for letting out water at the bottom. Having proper gear will enhance your kids’ confidence and enjoyment while you are snorkelling
3. Find snorkelling spots suitable for your kids’ swimming abilities. Opt for shallow lagoons or protected areas with gentle or no currents, providing a safer and more enjoyable experience. Also, try to choose a spot with good visibility. Sunny and not too windy days are best for having good visibility but some spots have more murky waters whereas others in general have more clear water.
4. Use a defogging agent to prevent masks from fogging up, ensuring clear and comfortable vision underwater, making the snorkeling experience enjoyable for your kids. It’s not very fun to be snorkelling if everything seems a bit blurry and your kids are likely to quit fast if they can’t see properly. If you can’t find a designated defogging agent, diluted baby shampoo works almost as well. Just apply to the masks before going snorkelling and do a quick rinse in fresh water immediately before going in the water.
5. Practice snorkelling skills beforehand: Before heading into the water, spend some time practicing basic snorkelling skills in a pool or calm, shallow area. This will help your kids feel more comfortable and confident once they’re in the ocean.
6. Supervise closely: Always keep a close eye on your children while snorkelling, especially in open water. Stay within arm’s reach and be prepared to assist them if needed.
7. Don’t force your kids but let their curiosity drive how long you go. Respect their limits and encourage them to explore at their own pace, providing a positive and enriching experience.
8. Teach respect for marine life: Educate your kids about the importance of respecting and protecting the marine environment. Encourage them to observe marine life from a distance and avoid touching or disturbing coral reefs and marine animals. More on that below.
9. Stay hydrated and protected: Remember to keep your kids hydrated and apply sunscreen regularly, especially in the tropical sun of French Polynesia. Also, consider providing them with rash guards or UV protective clothing to prevent sunburn.
10. If you are uncertain about whether your kids’ swimming abilities are good enough, we do suggest also bringing a floating device that they can use if they become tired or scared.

By following these tips, you can ensure a safe, enjoyable, and memorable snorkelling experience for the whole family in French Polynesia.

If you’re looking for more tips, you can check out snorkelling tips from WWF.

Caring for the marine life while snorkelling in French Polynesia

In order to protect the beautiful marine environment in French Polynesia while snorkelling, we cannot state enough how important it is to know how to care for this delicate ecosystem.

We think it’s crucial to remember that we are guests in the marine ecosystem, and it’s our responsibility to ensure its preservation for generations to come.

Here are some important guidelines to follow to minimize our impact on the delicate marine life while snorkelling:

1. Use Reef-Friendly Sunscreen: Before diving into the azure waters of French Polynesia, be sure to check if your sunscreen is reef-friendly. Conventional sunscreens containing harmful chemicals such as oxybenzone and octinoxate can bleach coral reefs and harm marine life. Opt for mineral-based sunscreens that are biodegradable and free from these harmful ingredients, ensuring that you protect your skin without harming the fragile ecosystem below. Only apply where needed.
2. Don’t Feed the Fish: While it may be tempting to attract colorful fish by offering them food, resist the urge to feed them. Feeding fish can disrupt their natural feeding behaviors, lead to an imbalance in the ecosystem, and even make them dependent on human handouts for survival. Let the fish forage for their own food, and observe them from a respectful distance without interfering with their natural behaviors.
3. Avoid Throwing Anchors: When snorkelling from a boat or kayak, refrain from throwing anchors onto coral reefs or other sensitive habitats. Anchors can cause physical damage to coral reefs, destroying their intricate structures and disrupting the homes of countless marine species. Instead, use designated buoys or mooring points to secure your vessel, minimizing the risk of damage to the reef below.
4. Respect Marine Life and Habitats: As you explore the underwater wonders, remember to respect the marine life and their habitats. Avoid touching or harassing marine animals, as this can cause stress and injury to them. Be mindful of your movements to avoid accidentally damaging fragile corals or disturbing nesting sites. By observing marine life from a respectful distance and minimizing our impact on their environment, we can ensure that French Polynesia’s underwater ecosystems remain healthy and thriving for future generations to enjoy.

By following these simple guidelines, you can enjoy your snorkelling adventure in French Polynesia while minimizing your impact on the marine environment.

Snorkelling in French Polynesia as an educational family activity

We find that especially for families with kids, snorkelling in French Polynesia offers not just adventure, but also a valuable educational experience. Your kids will be captivated by the diversity of marine life, learning about different species and ecosystems firsthand as ours have been.

Moreover, watching and interacting with marine wildlife fosters a sense of respect and appreciation for natural creatures, instilling a lifelong love and hopefully an urge to care for the ocean and its inhabitants.

What to bring when snorkelling in French Polynesia with kids

Here are our suggestions for what to bring for your snorkel trip in French Polynesia:

1. Snorkel, mask and fins: Essential for exploring the underwater wonders of French Polynesia is a high-quality snorkel and mask set that ensures clear visibility and comfortable breathing. Make sure that you have masks that have a proper fit and seals well to the face of each family member! In some spots it’s also a great idea to bring fins for all. We recommend buying these items before leaving for French Polynesia as the selection of them here can be limited.
2. Camera: Capture the magic of exploring incredible marine wildlife by bringing along a waterproof camera or a reliable underwater case for your smartphone. Documenting your encounters allows you to relive the thrill and share your experiences with friends and family back home.
3. Sunscreen: Protect your skin from the sun’s harsh rays with reef-friendly sunscreen. Opt for mineral-based formulas that are safe for both your skin and the delicate marine environment of the beautiful reefs of French Polynesia.
4. Long-Sleeved Swimming Shirt and shorts: It’s essential to shield your skin from harmful UV rays. A lightweight, long-sleeved swimming shirt offers added sun protection without sacrificing comfort, allowing you to snorkel in style while keeping sunburn at bay. Wearing swimming shorts will protect your bum from burning (great advice for girls, too, just saying). If your child feels cold easily, you could consider having them wear a thin wetsuit but we don’t find it necessary in the warm waters of French Polynesia.
5. A floating device (optional): If you are worried about your child’s swimming capabilities, it’s a good idea to bring a floating device (eg. a noodle) for use if they get tired while swimming.

What wildlife should you look for when snorkelling in French Polynesia?

Here’s a list of the wildlife that we love to look for the most when snorkelling with our kids in French Polynesia.

Butterfly fish

When snorkelling with your kids in French Polynesia, keep an eye out for butterfly fish, captivating creatures known for their vibrant colors and graceful movements. These small, tropical fish are commonly found in the shallows of the coral reefs, making them perfect companions for young snorkelers.

Butterfly fish are not only beautiful to observe but also serve as excellent educational tools for children. By spotting different species of butterfly fish, your kids can learn about biodiversity and the delicate balance of marine ecosystems. Additionally, their friendly demeanor and playful nature make them a joy to watch, captivating the imaginations of young explorers.

We have spotted at least 5-10 different kinds of butterfly fish in French Polynesia. Most of them have bright yellow, white and black colors in different patterns and curiously they always seem to swimming in pairs of 2.

Encountering butterfly fish while snorkeling in French Polynesia adds an extra element of wonder and excitement to the experience, creating lasting memories for your family to cherish.

Parrot fish

While snorkeling with your kids in French Polynesia, be on the lookout for parrot fish, fascinating creatures that add vibrant hues to the underwater world. These tropical fish are renowned for their kaleidoscopic colors and distinctive beak-like mouths, resembling those of parrots, hence their name.

Encountering parrot fish can provide a captivating experience for your young snorkelers. Their dazzling array of colors and unique appearances spark curiosity and wonder, making them an exciting discovery for kids exploring the coral reefs.

Beyond their aesthetic appeal, parrot fish play a crucial role in maintaining reef health by feeding on algae and contributing to the ecosystem’s balance. Sometimes you can even hear them chewing on corals while you are in the water.

Encourage your kids to keep an eye out for these colorful characters during your snorkelling adventures in French Polynesia, and let their vibrant presence enhance your family’s underwater exploration.

Triggerfish

When snorkeling with your kids in French Polynesia, look for triggerfish, intriguing creatures that add excitement to your underwater adventure. These unique fish are characterized by their distinctive shape, vibrant colors, and feisty personalities.

We have seen 6-10 different kinds of triggerfish while snorkelling in French Polynesia and always enjoy watching these characteristic fish.

Encountering triggerfish provides a memorable experience for your young snorkellers. Their bold markings and curious behavior capture the imagination, inviting children to observe their movements and interactions with the reef environment. While triggerfish are known for their territorial nature and occasional aggression, they also display fascinating behaviors such as nest building and courtship rituals.

How to handle an encounter with a territorial triggerfish?

Turn backwards and make sure your fins are closer to the fish as you calmly swim away.

So, while snorkeling in French Polynesia, be sure to keep an eye out for triggerfish. Their captivating presence adds an extra element of excitement and discovery to your family’s underwater exploration.

Clownfish

We also encourage you to be on the lookout for clownfish, charming creatures that captivate with their vibrant colors and playful antics. These iconic fish, made famous by the movie “Finding Nemo,” are a delight to encounter in the warm waters of the South Pacific.

Encountering clownfish provides an enchanting experience for young snorkelers. Their bright orange bodies and bold white stripes stand out against the backdrop of coral reefs, inviting children to observe their quirky behavior and interactions with their host anemones. Clownfish are known for their symbiotic relationship with sea anemones, offering a fascinating lesson in marine biology for curious minds.

Pufferfish

While snorkeling with your kids in French Polynesia, keep an eye out for pufferfish, delightful creatures that bring a touch of whimsy to the underwater world. These quirky fish, known for their ability to inflate like balloons when threatened, are a fascinating sight to behold amidst the coral reefs.

Encountering pufferfish provides a unique and memorable experience for young snorkellers. Their comical appearance and curious behavior captivate the imagination, inviting children to observe their movements and interactions with the reef environment. Pufferfish are masters of camouflage, blending seamlessly with their surroundings until they reveal their distinctive shape and endearing expressions.

So, as you explore the vibrant reefs of French Polynesia, be sure to keep an eye out for pufferfish. Their presence adds an element of surprise and delight to your family’s snorkelling adventure.

Giant blue clams

When snorkeling with your kids in French Polynesia, don’t miss the chance to encounter giant blue clams, awe-inspiring creatures that add a splash of color to the ocean floor. These majestic mollusks, known for their stunning blue hues and sometimes impressive size, are a sight to behold amidst the coral gardens of the South Pacific.

Encountering giant blue clams provides a mesmerizing experience for your young snorkelers. Their vibrant colors and intricate patterns captivate the imagination, inviting kids to marvel at the wonders of the underwater world. Giant blue clams are also known for their role in reef ecosystems filtering the water, contributing to biodiversity and providing habitat for other marine species.

So, as you explore the turquoise waters of French Polynesia, be sure to keep an eye out for giant blue clams. Even though most of those you can see while snorkelling are not so giant, the variety of vibrant colors they have is sure to captivate both you and your kids.

See who can find the most color variations as they come in all colors from dark royal blue to translucent turquoise to bronze brown and beige. And if you make a little wave in front of them you can watch them snap close. Pretty cool.

Blue and purple corals

Also, keep an eye out for blue and purple corals, stunning treasures that adorn the ocean floor with their mesmerizing colors. These vibrant corals, ranging from deep indigo to vibrant violet, add a pop of color to the underwater landscape, creating a magical setting for exploration.

Encountering blue and purple corals provides an enchanting experience during your snorkel trip. Their striking hues and intricate formations capture the imagination, inviting kids to marvel at the beauty of the marine world. Blue and purple corals are also indicators of healthy reef ecosystems, signifying thriving biodiversity and vibrant underwater habitats.

Spotting blue and purple corals offers valuable educational opportunities for children to learn about coral reef conservation and the importance of preserving marine environments.

In some places you may be able to see white patches on the corals. These are dead spots and can make for a nice talk about how the corals are dependent on stable (and lower) water temperatures and the importance of us taking care of our planet.

Moray eels

While snorkeling in French Polynesia, keep an eye out for moray eels, intriguing creatures that lurk in the crevices of the coral reefs. These elusive eels, with their serpentine bodies and gaping mouths filled with sharp teeth, are both fascinating and mysterious inhabitants of the underwater world.

Encountering moray eels provides an exciting and educational experience for young snorkelers. Their secretive nature and distinctive appearance capture the imagination, inviting children to observe their movements and behaviors from a safe distance. Moray eels play a vital role in reef ecosystems by controlling populations of small fish and crustaceans, contributing to the balance of marine life.

Spotting moray eels offers valuable learning opportunities for children to understand predator-prey relationships and the importance of biodiversity in marine environments. By observing these enigmatic creatures in their natural habitat, kids can gain insights into the complexities of underwater ecosystems and the need for conservation efforts to protect marine life.

So, as you explore the turquoise waters of French Polynesia, be sure to keep an eye out for moray eels. Their presence adds an element of excitement and discovery to your family’s snorkelling adventure.

Turtles (hawksbill and green)

When snorkeling with your kids in French Polynesia, keep an eye out for sea turtles, magnificent creatures that grace the ocean waters with their graceful presence. These ancient mariners, with their sleek shells and gentle demeanor, are a symbol of beauty and resilience in the underwater world.

Encountering sea turtles provides an unforgettable experience for young snorkellers. Their majestic glide through the water and curious gazes captivate the imagination, inviting children to observe their movements with awe and wonder. Sea turtles play a crucial role in marine ecosystems, contributing to the health of coral reefs and seagrass beds by maintaining balance and diversity.

Spotting sea turtles offers valuable educational opportunities for children to learn about marine conservation and the importance of protecting endangered species. By observing these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat, your kids can develop a deeper appreciation for the fragile beauty of the ocean and the need for sustainable practices to safeguard marine life.

Stingrays

When snorkeling with your kids in French Polynesia, look for stingrays, elegant creatures that glide gracefully through the crystal-clear waters. These majestic marine animals, with their flat bodies and long tails adorned with venomous stingers, are a sight to behold in the turquoise lagoons of the South Pacific.

Encountering stingrays provides a thrilling and educational experience for young snorkelers. Their smooth movements and gentle demeanor captivate the imagination, inviting children to observe their graceful dance with curiosity and awe. Stingrays are an integral part of the marine ecosystem, playing a role in maintaining balance and diversity in the underwater world.

For a particularly good place to spot lots of stingrays in clear water, check out our post about snorkelling with sharks and stingrays in Moorea.

Eagle rays

When snorkeling with your kids in French Polynesia, keep an eye out for eagle rays, magnificent creatures that soar gracefully through the azure waters. These majestic rays, with their distinctive diamond-shaped bodies and long, pointed wings, are a sight to behold in the tropical seas of the South Pacific.

Encountering eagle rays provides an awe-inspiring and educational experience for young snorkellers. Their elegant movements and impressive size captivate the imagination, inviting children to observe their graceful flight with wonder and excitement. Eagle rays are important members of the marine ecosystem, contributing to the health and diversity of coral reefs and seagrass beds.

So, as you explore the enchanting waters of French Polynesia, be sure to keep an eye out for eagle rays gracefully “flying” through the water. If you’re in luck you will spot a handful of them swimming together.

Sharks

While snorkeling with your kids in French Polynesia, keep an eye out for sharks, awe-inspiring creatures that roam the depths of the Pacific Ocean. These magnificent predators, are a symbol of the ocean’s power and beauty.

Encountering sharks provides a thrilling and educational experience for your young snorkelers. Their graceful movements and powerful presence captivate the imagination, inviting children to observe these apex predators with awe and respect. Sharks play a crucial role in maintaining the health of marine ecosystems by regulating prey populations and maintaining balance in the food chain.

Spotting sharks offers valuable learning opportunities for children to understand the importance of shark conservation and the need to protect these misunderstood creatures. By observing sharks in their natural habitat, your kids can gain insights into the diversity and complexity of ocean life and the importance of preserving marine ecosystems.

In the turquoise waters of French Polynesia, you should be able to spot lots of blacktip reef sharks. If you’re in a bit more luck, you may be able to add whitetip reef sharks and lemon sharks to your list of spotted marine creatures.

For a particularly good place to spot lots of blacktip sharks in clear water, check out our post about snorkelling with sharks and stingrays in Moorea.

Octopuses

When snorkeling with your kids in French Polynesia, you should also keep an eye out for octopuses, fascinating creatures that blend seamlessly into their surroundings. These intelligent cephalopods, with their eight tentacles and ability to change color and texture, are masters of disguise in the coral reefs of the South Pacific. That means they can be pretty tricky to spot but we have had luck spotting them a handful of times in French Polynesia.

Encountering octopuses provides an intriguing and educational experience for young snorkelers. Their remarkable camouflage and curious behaviors captivate the imagination, inviting children to observe their movements with wonder and fascination. Octopuses are essential members of marine ecosystems, playing a role in controlling prey populations and maintaining ecological balance.

Spotting octopuses offers valuable learning opportunities for children to understand the diversity and complexity of marine life. By observing these elusive creatures in their natural habitat, kids can gain insights into the importance of adaptation and survival strategies in the underwater world.

So, as you explore the vibrant waters of French Polynesia, be sure to keep an eye out for octopuses and if you are lucky enough to spot one, do linger for a while to observe its interesting behaviour.

Watching manta rays while snorkelling in French Polynesia?

When snorkeling with your kids in French Polynesia, one of the coolest animals you can spot (if you ask us and our kids) are the manta rays. These huge, majestic creatures that glide effortlessly through the ocean depths. The gentle giants, with their impressive wingspans and elegant movements, are a sight to behold in the crystal-clear waters of the South Pacific.

Encountering manta rays provides an awe-inspiring experience for your young snorkellers. Their graceful maneuvers and peaceful demeanor captivate the imagination, inviting children to observe their movements with wonder and awe. Manta rays are important members of the marine ecosystem, playing a role in nutrient cycling and maintaining balance in the ocean environment.

So, as you explore the turquoise waters of French Polynesia, be sure to keep an eye out for manta rays, or even seek out the spots they are known to visit if you can. Their presence adds an element of magic and excitement to your family’s snorkelling adventure.

You can check out our guide on DIY manta ray snorkelling with kids in Bora Bora if you would like to find a good place to take your kids swimming with manta rays.

Our experience of snorkelling with kids in French Polynesia

We have so many great memories from our time in French Polynesia but our snorkelling adventures here are without doubt some of our most memorable.

Our kids enjoyed being in the warm, clear waters with so much abundance of incredible, colorful wildlife to look at anywhere you looked.

And when they got tired of looking beneath the surface they spent hours playing in the shallow water on the beach or jumping from our rented kayaks or boats.

Final words

We hope to left you with lots of inspiration and a confidence to go on many snorkelling adventures with your kids in French Polynesia. This island nation is truly a tropical paradise that should be explored both above and below the surface.

More snorkelling resources

If you enjoyed this blog post, do check out our posts about other great places for snorkelling with kids in Cape Verde, Gili, Martinique and Egypt.