Rangiroa is most famous for its wall dives; however, I am unable to confirm which dive sites we will go to. The dive operation is aware that we are experienced divers with cameras and has indicated they will do what they can to insure we have 2 unrushed dives.
Please refer to TopDive's website for more information.
Avatoru reef :
Coming out from the right side of the Avatoru pass, you will find the reef teeming with life. The main dive site is situated on a coral plateau of an area of 50 - 65 feet stretched out in the direction of the pass. This site is ideally situated to favour unforgettable sightings of the majestic Silvertip shark (Carcharhinus albimarginatus) and countless other species of fish, like schools of Bigeye jackfish (Caranx sexfasciatus) and perhaps even the African Pompano jackfish (Alectis ciliaris)…
Little pass (ocean drift dive) :
This site is accessible through the incoming current into the pass of Avatoru. Ideally, you would drift from the middle of the pass into a narrow “little pass” between the 2 islets. All along the dive, you encounter several species of sharks like the Blackfin shark (Carcharhinus limbatus), or even Whitetip shark (Triaenoden obesus) seen resting along the small cavities of the wall as well as a multitude of fish species: groupers, moray eels and scorpion fish. Once in awhile, one should scan the surface for a chance sighting of an occasional manta ray with its mouth wide open trawling for plankton.
The dive finishes in the calm waters of the lagoon among the fish and beautiful coral.
This dive is good for all certified diver levels, especially those having experience in current diving.
Maximum depth is 65 feet.
This site is accessible through the incoming current into the pass of Avatoru. Ideally, you would drift from the middle of the pass into a narrow “little pass” between the 2 islets. All along the dive, you encounter several species of sharks like the Blackfin shark (Carcharhinus limbatus), or even Whitetip shark (Triaenoden obesus) seen resting along the small cavities of the wall as well as a multitude of fish species: groupers, moray eels and scorpion fish. Once in awhile, one should scan the surface for a chance sighting of an occasional manta ray with its mouth wide open trawling for plankton.
The dive finishes in the calm waters of the lagoon among the fish and beautiful coral.
This dive is good for all certified diver levels, especially those having experience in current diving.
Maximum depth is 65 feet.
Mahuta (ocean drift dive) :
This dive requires particularly calm weather conditions, timed with an incoming current for the best visibility. Entry is on the eastern side of Motu Fara, the small islet in the middle of the Avatoru pass. There, you let yourself drift into an undersea valley where you find a wall covered with magnificent coral formations hosting a variety of aquatic life: unicornfish, surgeonfish, paddletail snappers and fusiliers.
You may come across an occasional manta or leopard ray swimming counter current.
You may come across an occasional manta or leopard ray swimming counter current.
The undersea journey finishes on the sand dunes punctuated by coral heads covered inhabited by scores of little creatures: nudibranches, moray eels, snappers, groupers, kingfish, Whitetip and Blacktip sharks.
Site is accessible to all dive certifications with a minimum diving experience. Maximum depth is around 60 feet.
2. Tiputa Pass
Tiputa Reef (Ocean dive) :
Exiting the Tiputa pass from the left, you’ll discover a magnificent coral plateau at a depth of 50 feet. From 65 feet, the drop-off comes rather abruptly, offering a direct view into the big blue.
This site opens up into an abundant display of marine life: a magnificent coral garden with multitudes of fish species. By chance, you’ll see a turtle feeding on succulent sea sponges, a few Whitetip sharks wandering the reef, some Grey sharks hidden by a huge school of barracudas, or a napoleon grouper accompanied by a hunting blue jackfish. Other exceptional encounters may be a leopard ray surfacing from the abyss along the reef or a manta ray enjoying the grooming services of many small wrasses.
This site opens up into an abundant display of marine life: a magnificent coral garden with multitudes of fish species. By chance, you’ll see a turtle feeding on succulent sea sponges, a few Whitetip sharks wandering the reef, some Grey sharks hidden by a huge school of barracudas, or a napoleon grouper accompanied by a hunting blue jackfish. Other exceptional encounters may be a leopard ray surfacing from the abyss along the reef or a manta ray enjoying the grooming services of many small wrasses.
On this dive, one must not fail to look into the deep blue for chance sightings of cruising bottlenose dolphins. Some of which are not too shy to show off their pirouettes in the presence of impressed divers. A dream come true for many a childhood fantasy !
The dive is highly accessible to all certification levels.
Mypristis (Soldierfish) Reef :
Myripristis is the scientific name of the myriad soldierfish that populate this coral reef.
Located just at the exit of the pass, you’ll also discover anemones with their tenant clown fish, many soft coral,marbled groupers and depending on the season: a Grey shark nursery, Whitetip sharks, rays … a very beautiful marine atmosphere.
The dive is highly accessible to all certification levels.
Located just at the exit of the pass, you’ll also discover anemones with their tenant clown fish, many soft coral,marbled groupers and depending on the season: a Grey shark nursery, Whitetip sharks, rays … a very beautiful marine atmosphere.
The dive is highly accessible to all certification levels.
The Angle (ocean dive) :
The Angle is situated between Tiputa pass, offering a view of the Tiputa pass and at the same time of the external drop-off of the open ocean. Depending on the seasons, there may be sightings of large schools ofpaddletail snappers and hundreds of bigeyed scads in perpetual motion to keep away from their likely predators like the jacks, napoleon wrasses, dogtooth tuna and sharks.
Throughout the dive, lingering in the deep blue may bring you into contact with a school of barracudas, dolphins, or perhaps even a Sailfish. Much closer to the ocean floor, one may spy a dozen resting grey sharks.
This dive may most likely encounter current, therefore an experienced certified level is required.
The Blue (ocean dive) :
Descending into the blue of the Tiputa reef, you’ll be see, coming out of nowhere, scores of marine life. You may encounter barracudas, jackfish, tuna, Grey sharks, Silvertip sharks, Silky sharks and even Bottlenose dolphins. Underwater excitement guaranteed!
To thoroughly enjoy this dive, which takes place in deep blue of the reef, a good mastery of buoyancy control is required.
To thoroughly enjoy this dive, which takes place in deep blue of the reef, a good mastery of buoyancy control is required.
The Step (ocean drift dive) :
This dive has amazing underwater topography: the step, the canyons, and the Motu Nuhi Nuhi. Your diveguide will choose the best divepath that provides the most marine life encounters, assuring your maximum comfort and security. Note that a good mastery of one’s buoyancy is key to enjoying this drift dive.
You shall also be given the best technical drift dive recommendations.
It is an unforgettable experience in your quest for exciting pelagic encounters.
Our advice: Be patient and stay alert since these sightings are usually sudden. Keep your eyes wide open and follow your guide. You may be in for a wonderful surprise!
It is an unforgettable experience in your quest for exciting pelagic encounters.
Our advice: Be patient and stay alert since these sightings are usually sudden. Keep your eyes wide open and follow your guide. You may be in for a wonderful surprise!
The Canyons :
Located on the inside of the Tiputa pass, this site is accessible by way of the incoming current on a drift dive.
The canyons are, in fact, faults through the pass. Many fish find refuge in the currents passing through these faults: schools of surgeonfish, whitetip sharks, napoleon wrasses and in the small crevices, the little soldierfish.
This undersea landscape provides a temporary refuge to divers from the raging currents and abreast of a major crossing point for many interesting marine life such as manta rays and hammerhead sharks.
The canyons are, in fact, faults through the pass. Many fish find refuge in the currents passing through these faults: schools of surgeonfish, whitetip sharks, napoleon wrasses and in the small crevices, the little soldierfish.
This undersea landscape provides a temporary refuge to divers from the raging currents and abreast of a major crossing point for many interesting marine life such as manta rays and hammerhead sharks.
3. Motu (we are not planning to go here - it's a snorkeling site).
4. The Wall
Ocean depth of 35- 165 feet.
This dive takes place along a steep drop-off of broken by faults and rock overhangs, covered with delicate branches of orange and purple Stylaster soft coral.
All these caves are home to many species of reef fish, angelfish, surgeonfish, parrotfish, and perhaps you'll come face-to-face with a giant grouper...
The water is clear, deep blue. As random encounters, you will see scads, tunas, sharks, gray or white tip lagoon sharks.
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