Passe de Tiputa

This dive site, Passe de Tiputa, historically known as Hiria Pass, is a renowned channel separating Avatoru from Tiputa village on Rangiroa atoll. Spanning 900 meters in length and 400 meters in width, its depths range from 14 to 55 meters, though the primary dive profile for recreational divers is often limited to 25 meters. The pass is infamous for its very strong and changeable currents, making a local guide's presence essential for safe navigation and an optimal drift diving experience. It's a classic example of a "washing machine" dive. The rich currents attract an extraordinary array of pelagic marine life, making it a hotspot for large animal encounters. Divers can expect to see large numbers of grey sharks, formidable great hammerhead sharks, and elusive tiger sharks. Bottlenose dolphins are frequent visitors, often interacting with divers, while majestic sailfish and various rays also patrol the pass, especially with the changing seasons. The best time to visit is "with the seasons" to witness the migration and aggregation of these great predators of the Pacific. Due to the challenging conditions, this site is recommended for advanced divers only, with strong current experience, and always with a knowledgeable local guide to navigate the powerful and unpredictable currents effectively.