RANGIROA DIVING SPOTS:
With warm water, excellent visibility that can reach 200 feet, and a huge pelagic population, Rangiroa is a paradise for any level of diver. The famous Tiputa Pass makes for great drift diving when the current is flowing from the ocean toward the lagoon. Avatoru Pass also provides great drift diving, although the scenery is not as dramatic.
The Aquarium:
In the lagoon, depth 9-30ft.Perfect for first time divers.
Mahuta:
In the lagoon, a natural mixing of ocean and lagoon water creates a congenial
environment for both sharks and reef fishes. This site also has excellent
corals. At the bottom (66 ft.), white sands intersperse with rows of coral heads
to create a scene that looks like a ski area...
The Tiputa Pass:
The drift dive (called "The Valley") is for advanced divers only, as the strong
current can be unmanageable for beginners. On incoming tide, divers drop down to
about 145 feet and then drift through the pass on the current, coming up at motu
Nuhi Nuhi. The sides of the underwater valley are criss-crossed with undercuts
and crevasses where lionfish, eels and stone fish hide. The sharks that cruise
by you in the pass are too numerous to count. If you dive deep between November
and February, expect to see hammerheads
Shark Cave:
At the edge of Tiputa Pass. At about 115 feet there is an overhang where divers
can shelter from the current and watch all the sharks (greys, blacktips,
sometimes silvertips and hammerheads). Then you pick up the residual current and
continue through the pass, along with hundreds of snappers, surgeonfish, ...
L'eolienne:
Ocean, depth: 45-75 ft. When the current is flowing outward through Tiputa Pass,
dive operators choose L'Eolienne, just outside the reef. There are hundreds of
reef fishes. Dolphins frequently pass by on their way out to deep waters
Avatoru Pass:
Depth 60-90 ft. The current at Avatoru Pass is not as strong as that at Tiputa,
but the fish life is just as good. On incoming drift dives, you are likely to
encounter a squadron of spotted leopard rays, and lots of grey sharks are
guaranteed. Silvertip sharks are also common. Outside the reef during outgoing
tide, expect to see schools of pompano, patrolling grey sharks, rays, eels and
more.
| RANGIROA DIVE CENTERS: | |
| Blue Dolphins Tel/Fax: (689) 96-03-01 |
Raie Manta Club (Passe d'Avatoru, Passe de Tiputa & Hotel Kia Ora Village) Tel: (689) 96-84-80, Fax: (689) 96-85-60 |
| Rangiroa Paradive (Pension Chez Glorine) Tel: (689) 96-05-55, Fax: (689) 96-05-50 |
The Six Passengers (Baie d'Ohutu) Tel/Fax: (689) 96-02-60 or (689) 96-03-05 |
Some information on this page courtesy of GIE PLONGEE de
Tahiti et ses Iles and Tahiti Legends
