Best ocean experiences in the South Pacific

It’s the world’s largest ocean and forms the backdrop of countless holiday photos, often paired with colourful cocktails and a sun-kissed smiles.

The Pacific Ocean is home to thousands of islands but if you head south, that’s where the real magic happens. Because in the South Pacific, the ocean isn’t just a tourist attraction. It’s a way of life. And the communities that depend upon it take great pride in sharing their appreciation of this precious resource through experiences that will leave you wanting to protect it as much as they do.

Wherever you go in the South Pacific, the ocean features prominently on your activities schedule. Snorkelling, diving, surfing, stand-up paddleboarding, kayaking – however you choose to experience it, you’ll never take it for granted again.

1. The Islands of Tahiti

A 30-minute ferry ride from Tahiti is Mo’orea, known the world over as an idyllic destination with its lush vegetation and stunning lagoon. Mo’orea is also where you can see firsthand the ocean-saving work of Tahiti’s Coral Gardeners, who are dedicated to “restoring the ocean, one coral at a time”. Using innovative techniques and methods, the team of Coral Gardeners grow and plant resilient corals to revive reef ecosystems. Their mission is also to raise awareness of the ocean and inspire people to do their part in preserving it, through “Xperiences”.

Coral Gardeners Nurseries Boat Xperience provides an opportunity to take on the role of coral gardener. You’ll meet with local guides at their Tahiti headquarters for a briefing on coral reef conservation before sailing into the crystal-clear Mo'orea lagoon, where you’ll not only see the largest coral nursery site but take part in the daily missions. For a more personalised experience, you can book a VIP Xperience – a fully customised tour during which you can visit coral gardens in any of the nurseries and explore more of the Mo’orea lagoon.

2. Samoa

Take a five-minute walk from the centre of Samoa’s capital, Apia, to discover the marine biodiversity magic of the Palolo Deep Marine Reserve. There, you’ll see an expanse of blue surrounded by walls of coral and filled with tropical fish – which you can see up close by swimming, snorkelling and diving. Snorkelling gear is available for hire, and it’s recommended you time your visit with the high tide.

Also in Samoa is the Savaia Giant Clam Sanctuary, located within a village marine protected area on Upolu's south coast, where you can snorkel among huge, brightly coloured clams. A little further out, you’ll find hundreds of smaller clams, vibrant coral and maybe spot a turtle. Like Palolo, the clam sanctuary is best visited at high tide and snorkel gear is available for hire.

3. Lord Howe Island

Only 400 people can visit the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Lord Howe Island at any one time, to protect this natural wonder. Surrounded by the southernmost coral reef in the world, Lord Howe’s unique marine ecosystem is a diverse mix of tropical, sub-tropical and temperate species, some found nowhere else on earth. You can snorkel in calm waters right off the shore, or dive trenches and volcanic drop-offs.

There are more than 60 dive sites within a short boat ride from shore, including the spectacular Ball’s Pyramid – the world’s tallest sea stack and the only place you’ll see the Ballina Angelfish in 25m (they’re generally only found in water over a 100m). Divers can also see huge schools of Violet Sweep, Amberjack, Kingfish, Silver Drummer, Rainbow Runners, Trevally and occasionally marlin, dolphins and Wahoo.

4. Cook Islands

Journey to the Cook Islands to experience the largest multi-use marine park in the world, Marae Moana. Spanning an ocean area of nearly two million square kilometres, the coral reefs of Marae Moana are home to 136 identified coral species and some 650 species of fish. The park comprises 15 tropical islands with fringing coral reefs, which can be explored in the water by snorkelling and diving, or on the water by kayak, paddleboard or canoe.

One of the most popular ways to experience the ocean wonder of Marae Moana is on a lagoon cruise, a must-do activity in Rarotonga and Aitutaki. Not only can you snorkel amongst tropical fish and giant clams but also enjoy cultural entertainment and lunch along the way. For a deeper sea adventure, join a whale watching tour to see the giants of the ocean during migration season.

5. Fiji

The tiny village of Naidiri in Fiji is making a huge impact in ocean conservation. Passionate about protecting their environment, locals established the Naidiri Marine Biodiversity Park which now spans an area of more than 28,000 square metres. Established in 2009, the aim of the marine park is to replenish fish stocks which are an important food source, preserve the coral reefs for future generations and educate people about the importance of our oceans.

To do this, Naidiri Village provides snorkelling tours, led by expert guides and Naidiri locals, to showcase Fiji’s incredible coral reefs. These are followed by an indigenous village tour that shares the community’s culture and conservation journey.

6. Norfolk Island

Those who love the ocean but prefer to stay close to land can enjoy the best of both on Norfolk Island. With reef breaks that peel beneath the cliffs and coral gardens just beyond the shoreline, all you need is a snorkel to see the wonders of the South Pacific. Start your oceanic journey at Emily Bay, where gentle waters are ideal for all snorkelling skill levels. Right off the beach you can discover more than 60 marine species!

You don’t have to dive beneath the surface to appreciate the wonder of the ocean. Norfolk Island is also one of surfing’s best kept secrets, with reef breaks providing waves for beginners and experts alike. BYO board and paddle out to the surf break beyond the Kingston reef, inside a UNESCO World Heritage site, or take the track to Anson Bay for a wilder beach break.

Discover the magic of the South Pacific with a ready-to-go holiday package or let the Spacifica Travel team craft an ocean-inspired adventure just for you. Working closely with trusted local operators, we create once-in-a-lifetime experiences – call us on 1800 800 722 to get started.