TIKEHAU DIVING SPOTS:

On a 1987 visit, Jacques-Yves Cousteau declared Tikehau to be richer in fish life than any atoll in the world. As in all of the Tuamotus, the majority of the diving takes place near the pass (Tuheiava).

• Puafa:
  Ocean, depth 6-48ft. A break in the southwestern part of the reef marked by easy, fun submarine canyons.

• The Shark Hole:
  Ocean, depth 30-180 ft. The 'hole' in the reef starts at about 65 ft deep and descends to about 130 ft. Hundreds of soldier fish hide in the hole, and grey sharks take refuge in the caves and overhangs. Red snapper and barracuda provide a dramatic backdrop. More advanced divers can descend to about 165 feet, where a sub aquatic arch makes for a diver's playground. Hard corals and seafans cover the arch and surrounding canyons. Clown fish stick close to their protective sea anemones and reef fish are everywhere.

• Tuheiava Pass:
  Pass, depth 24-75 ft. A drift dive that is accessible to divers of all levels. A fascinating dive with impressive corals, outcrops filled with lionfish and eels, open water fishes like sea bass, schooling fishes and reef fishes. Manta rays are often encountered in the pass.

• Te Ava drift:
  Begins in deep water outside the lagoon and drifts inwards. The dive instructor may limit this dive to more advanced, certified divers. Large white tip sharks, manta rays, pompanos, and convict surgeon fish are common. Divers are met by the boat inside the lagoon.

Some information on this page courtesy of GIE PLONGEE de Tahiti et ses Iles and Tahiti Legends