Teonai
Vibrant reef, drop-off, plateau with abundant sharks and horse mackerel.
Boat Access
10m Avg Depth
21m Max Depth
About this dive site
This dive site, Teonai, is located in French Polynesia and offers a dynamic underwater exploration. The dive typically begins on the vibrant reef, gradually descending along an oceanic drop-off that leads to a spacious plateau at 20 meters. Divers then explore this rich plateau before utilizing the channel to drift back towards the boat. While no specific historical details are provided, the site is renowned as a natural 'aquarium' due to its abundant marine life.
Teonai boasts a very pretty coral reef, teeming with schools of fish of all kinds, creating an immersive experience akin to a giant aquarium. It is particularly famous for its thousands of horse mackerel (Atures in Polynesian) that congregate here. Divers can also expect to encounter impressive pelagic species such as Napoleon wrasse, graceful eagle rays, and a variety of sharks including blacktip, whitetip, and the local Polynesian 'Mamaru' shark.
The best time to visit Teonai aligns with French Polynesia's dry season, typically May to October, offering optimal weather and underwater conditions. The main highlight is undoubtedly the sheer density of fish life, especially the spectacular aggregations of horse mackerel, along with regular sightings of larger predators. For freedivers, the shallower reef sections and the 10-meter average depth make it very suitable. Divers should be aware of potential moderate currents in the channel, which can add to the exhilarating drift experience back to the boat.
DivingFreedivingSnorkeling
Plan Your Visit
drift divesharkeagle raycoral reefwall divewide anglebeginner friendlyintermediate friendlymoderate currentsschools of fishdrop-off
Things to Note
Difficulty:
All levels
Shallow maximum depth and gentle average depth make it accessible. Potential moderate currents in channel.
Hazards:
depthmoderate currentsdangerous marine life
Current Strength:
Moderate
This dive site information and pictures are sponsored by Coco Dive Tikehau
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