Haapiti

Haapiti is a shallow lagoon reef on the western side of Moorea known for its coral gardens and frequent shark encounters; the area serves as a nursery with particularly common blacktip reef sharks and nurse sharks. The reef includes plate corals, gorgonians, limestone pinnacles, shallow gutters and modest drop-offs. The site is a boat entry with the mooring often on a coral plateau. Depths are generally less than 10 m with a bottom of coral and sand. Currents are usually mild, visibility typically 15 to 30 m, and water temperatures around 26-28 °C. The dive is suitable for intermediate divers and allows long bottom times; hazards noted are mild currents and sharp corals, and night dives are possible to view resting sharks.