Papua Drop Off

This dive site, Papua Drop Off, is located in the Cook Islands, specifically off Rarotonga. Divers navigate by following a sand channel leading towards a significant reef drop-off. The reef plateau begins to slope at approximately 18 meters, offering the choice to explore the deeper wall or remain on the shallower reef. A notable feature is a small cavern entrance at about 10 meters, providing an additional point of interest. The site is renowned for being an easy and accessible dive for all experience levels, making it a popular choice for divers visiting the island. Papua Drop Off is celebrated as one of Rarotonga's premier locations for encountering large marine life. Eagle rays are a frequent and highly anticipated sighting here, gliding along the drop-off or over the plateau. Green sea turtles are also commonly observed, adding to the site's rich biodiversity. Additionally, divers can discover impressive giant clams nestled within the reef structures, showcasing the healthy and vibrant coral ecosystem. The best time to visit Papua Drop Off typically aligns with Rarotonga's dry season, from May to October, offering optimal visibility and calm conditions for diving. This period enhances the chances of spotting its famous eagle rays and turtles. For freedivers, the site's varying depths, from the 10-meter cavern to the deeper drop-off, provide excellent opportunities for exploration. Scuba divers of all levels will find the site enjoyable and easy to navigate, with ample opportunities for wide-angle photography focusing on the abundant marine life and dramatic reef topography.