Rangiroa

Rangiroa atoll is so large that it’s impossible to see from one side to the other. It’s the abundance of marine life and the exhilarating drift dives of the passes that attract divers.

Diving is action packed at Tiputa and Avatoru, the two famous passes located in the north of this immense atoll. Dive a natural aquarium and no matter your level of qualification, there’s something for everyone.

Take refuge in the caves and canyons and watch the aquatic show as you ‘shoot the pass’ on the tidal surges offering exhilarating drift dives both on inflowing and outgoing currents. Expect to see countless sharks and hordes of fish, barracuda, grouper, jacks, tuna, rays, turtles, Napoleon wrasse and bottlenose dolphin. It’s spectacular!

At Tiputa, great hammerhead sharks and leopard rays can be seen in great numbers at depth on ‘The Run’ dive site which begins at the mouth of the pass, ending in the lagoon. Protected from the current, Windmill is located close to the entrance. With the drop-off on one side and the deep blue on the other, this is a fantastic spot to watch the pelagics on an outgoing current. Avatoru is a smaller pass and renowned for its reef shark encounters.

Diving the world-class sites of Rangiroa is accessible throughout the year but if you want to gaze in awe at manta rays and humpback whales, the best time to visit is late August to mid-October. Great hammerhead sharks and squadrons of eagle rays are more prolific from January to March. Expect warm, clear waters with a prolific marine life and amazing visibility.

Scuba diving is the major attraction, but there are also great sites for snorkelling, swimming and relaxing around the vast lagoon including pink sand beach and the blue lagoon.

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