Avatoru Pass

Type:

Scuba Diving

Entry:⚓Boat Entry

Difficulty:Advanced

Tags:

LagoonReef

About This Dive Spot

Avatoru Pass is a drift dive on the northwestern side of the Rangiroa lagoon. The dive starts on the eastern side of Motu Fara and follows the flow through the pass before ending inside the lagoon. Divers commonly see sharks along with schooling reef fish during the drift. The dive reaches a maximum depth of around 30 m.

Planning details

Reported depth and seasonality.

Reported depth

Up to 30m

Depth note

Maximum depth is around 30 m before finishing in the lagoon.

Safety & access

Hazards, restrictions, and required precautions.

Hazards

Strong currentDangerous wildlife

Safety notes

This is a drift dive through a pass and may involve strong current; plan the drift and be aware of shark activity.

Local intel

Community notes to help plan your visit.

Tailored notes for different activities.

Scuba

Drift dive through a lagoon pass with a maximum depth of around 30 m.

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Spots Near Avatoru Pass

📍 10.2 km

Motu Nuhi-Nuhi (l’aquarium)

⚓

Motu Nuhi Nuhi is a small coral islet inside the lagoon, positioned along the axis of the Tiputa pass. The site is described as shallow and sheltered from currents, making it well suited to beginner divers as well as training and rehabilitation dives. The dive features a coral garden with many colorful lagoon fish, and typically finishes over a sandy bottom dotted with coral heads.

📍 10.5 km

Passe de Tiputa

Not Set

Tiputa Pass is a channel in Rangiroa Atoll separating Avatoru from the village of Tiputa. The pass is about 900 m long and 400 m wide, with depths ranging from 14 to 55 m. Currents here can be very strong and changeable. Seasonally, it can attract large marine life including bottlenose dolphins, several shark species, and rays.

📍 10.6 km

Tiputa Pass

Not Set

Tiputa Pass in Rangiroa Atoll is known for deep dives around 40 m, with frequent encounters with multiple shark species. Divers may also see schooling fish and large rays in the pass. The site is characterized by strong currents and is suited to experienced divers seeking pelagic life.

📍 11.7 km

Eolienne

Not Set

Eolienne features one of Tiputa’s most intact coral areas, with a coral plateau around 10–14 m that leads into a steep drop-off. It is used as the starting point for a drift dive that typically continues toward the Angle area or ends in the pass. Divers can encounter common bottlenose dolphins, grey reef and whitetip reef sharks, and occasionally hammerhead and silky sharks out in the blue, along with schools of tropical fish.

📍 58.7 km

Manta Point

⚓

A beginner-friendly boat dive over a sandy bottom scattered with small coral heads. This spot is known as a cleaning station where manta rays visit to be deparasitised, offering close encounters early in a trip. Divers may see oceanic manta rays, with reported wingspans reaching around 5 meters.

📍 63.0 km

Passe de Tikehau - Tuheiava

Not Set

A small pass dive with a maximum depth around 30 m, typically done as an easy incoming-current drift. Most of the drift stays shallow, with the bottom portion occurring at under 10 m. Despite its small size, the pass is described as very rich in marine life and suitable for a wide range of experience levels, including beginners.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What's the best entry point at Avatoru Pass?

Entry at Avatoru Pass is detailed in the spot description above. Look for specific landmarks, access paths, and any tide or condition requirements. Local divers often share updated entry tips in their dive logs.

What conditions are best for diving Avatoru Pass?

Optimal conditions at Avatoru Pass depend on several factors including tide, wind, and season. Check recent dive logs for current condition reports and patterns. Generally, calmer seas and high tide provide better visibility and easier entry.

What is the maximum depth and typical visibility at Avatoru Pass?

Depth and visibility information for Avatoru Pass can be found in the spot details and recent dive logs. Conditions can vary significantly based on weather, tide, and season. Always plan your dive according to current conditions and your certification level.

Are there any safety considerations or local etiquette at Avatoru Pass?

When diving Avatoru Pass, respect local regulations, marine life, and other water users. Be aware of any specific hazards like currents or boat traffic mentioned in the spot description. Follow Leave No Trace principles and local diving etiquette.