The Islands of Tahiti Maintains Its Title as Oceania’s Leading Dive Destination at the 2026 World Travel Awards
Papeete, October 5, 2026 — For the eighth consecutive year, the destination The Islands of Tahiti has been named “Oceania’s Leading Dive Destination”, confirming its recognition for the exceptional richness of its underwater environment and diving experiences.
The destination The Islands of Tahiti was awarded “Oceania’s Leading Dive Destination 2026” at the 33rd edition of the World Travel Awards, whose ceremony for Asia, Oceania and the Indian Ocean took place on September 27, 2026, at CROSSROADS Maldives, to mark World Tourism Day.
This eighth consecutive victory in the category since 2019 places The Islands of Tahiti ahead of other nominated destinations such as Australia, Palau and Papua New Guinea.
This recognition is part of an even longer success story: in 2018, Bora Bora had already been named “Australasia’s Leading Dive Destination”, before The Islands of Tahiti went on to win the title of “Oceania’s Leading Dive Destination” every year from 2019 onward.
An Award That Reflects the Destination’s Appeal
The World Travel Awards have highlighted the many facets of French Polynesia’s tourism appeal over the years.
In 2009, Matira Beach in Bora Bora was recognized as “Australasia’s Leading Beach.” Two years later, in 2011, Bora Bora was named “Australasia’s Leadin Destination,” ahead of Sydney, Auckland, Queenstown and the Yasawa Islands.
More recently, Bora Bora won the title of “Oceania’s Leading Island Destination” for three consecutive years, from 2019 to 2021.
This distinction is part of a broader recognition of the destination at the World Travel Awards. Several tourism stakeholders from The Islands of Tahiti were also recognized this year, illustrating the excellence and diversity of the tourism offering available throughout the destination.
One Destination, Five Archipelagos, a Diversity of Underwater Experiences
Known around the world for the quality of its diving, The Islands of Tahiti offers far more than just a handful of iconic dive sites. Across its five archipelagos, the destination provides a remarkable diversity of underwater environments and experiences suitable for all levels.
From the iconic passes of Rangiroa and Fakarava to the sea turtles of Tahiti, from Moorea’s lemon sharks to the shipwrecks of Raiatea, from the passes of Tikehau and Manihi to the preserved seabeds of the Marquesas Islands and the diving sites of the Austral Islands, each island reveals its own unique identity beneath the surface.
The richness of Polynesian waters lies not only in the presence of iconic species such as sharks, manta rays, dolphins and humpback whales, but also in the abundance of marine life that characterizes its coral reefs. French Polynesia is also home to one of the world’s highest concentrations of reef sharks and has protected its territorial waters as a sanctuary for whales and marine mammals since 2002.
This diversity of experiences is made possible through a network of around fifty dive centers located throughout the archipelagos. These professionals, operating on a human scale, help visitors discover every day the underwater treasures of a territory as vast as Europe, where each island offers a new way to explore the ocean.
This distinction reflects ongoing efforts made over the past several years to raise awareness of the diversity of diving experiences available throughout the destination. It also helps showcase the richness of the five archipelagos and encourages the discovery of lesser-known islands and dive sites, highlighting the full natural and marine diversity of The Islands of Tahiti.
"Receiving this distinction for the eighth consecutive year is a tremendous recognition for the destination and for all the professionals who help visitors discover our underwater world every day.
While The Islands of Tahiti is internationally renowned for the iconic passes of Rangiroa and Fakarava, it also offers a great diversity of experiences across its five archipelagos. From Tahiti's sea turtles to Moorea's lemon sharks, from the shipwrecks of Raiatea to the passes of Tikehau and Manihi, and from the preserved seabeds of the Marquesas Islands to the dive sites of the Austral Islands, each island has its own unique underwater identity.
For several years, we have worked to better showcase this richness and demonstrate that diving in French Polynesia is not only for experienced divers. Beginners, ocean enthusiasts and seasoned divers alike can enjoy a unique experience. More than a collection of exceptional dive sites, it is an entire destination that invites visitors to explore its underwater treasures."
Said Vaihere LISSANT, Chief Executive Officer, Tahiti Tourisme.
A Distinction Voted on by Travel Professionals and Travellers
Founded in 1993, the World Travel Awards recognize tourism organizations and destinations every year through national, regional and global awards. Voting is open to both travelers and tourism professionals, while verified tourism professionals’ votes receive a specific weighting.
Beyond the trophy itself, such recognition provides visibility and credibility for the destination among travelers, media and tourism professionals in international markets, at a time when nature and ocean-based experiences are playing an increasingly important role in destination choice.
About the World Travel Awards
Founded in 1993, the World Travel Awards recognize and reward excellence across all sectors of the global travel and tourism industry. The program is organized around national, regional and global awards. The 2026 edition marks the 33rd year of the program.
MEDIA CONTACT
Communication – Tahiti Tourisme