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Shows that the passage is managed as a high-risk tourism area with safety guidance and operator standards.
Dive Spot Guide•
Avaavaroa Passage
High-energy Rarotonga passage with sharks and rays.
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Local operator required
Use a local operator that can judge the tide and surf window, because the passage can become unsafe quickly when the current is running.
Guided boat or shore passage dive through tunnels, surf and a steep wall where current and wildlife move through fast.
About Avaavaroa Passage
Avaavaroa Passage is a high-energy Rarotonga passage dive where a reef channel, surf zone and tunnel sections funnel you into a dramatic wall run. It is best for divers who want a fast-moving route with overhead features and a genuine big-animal feel. Good days can bring sharks, eagle rays and turtles, but the passage demands a strict plan because current can change quickly at the lip and through the surf zone.
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Research Estimate At Avaavaroa Passage
Conservative baseline from public research. No community dives logged yet.
VisibilityVisibility: 18m
AccessChallenging entry effort
CoralMixed health
Aquatic LifeExceptional variety
CurrentVery strong current
Where Is Avaavaroa Passage?
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Community sourced coordinates.
Avaavaroa Passage Planning Details
Depth range, seasonality, and planning context.
Reported Depth
24m - 26m
Depth Note
The passage route is commonly described as a 24–26 m dive with tunnels and steep canyons.
Best Season
The calmer dry-season window is usually the safer choice, but tide and surf still matter more than the calendar.
Typical Conditions
Strong rips, surf-zone water movement and a tunnel-and-wall route that can change quickly with the tide. The dive is best when the passage is clean enough to keep the entry and exit controlled.
Safety & Access At Avaavaroa Passage
Hazards, restrictions, and access requirements.
Key Hazards
Dangerous wildlifeOverhead environmentStrong currentSurgeWaves
Safety Notes
This passage can have very strong currents and is not suitable for heavy breathers or casual independent entry.
Access Restrictions
Treat this as a guided passage dive rather than a casual self-directed entry because the surf zone and current can change quickly.
Local Intel For Avaavaroa Passage
Community notes to help plan your visit.
Scuba Diving
Follow the reef passage from the outer reef through the surf zone and into the lagoon, then stay close to the planned line rather than forcing a wider blue-water run.
Freediving
Not recommended for freediving because the passage is too current-heavy and overhead-limited.
Snorkeling
Not a casual snorkel site; the passage is better handled as a guided scuba dive because of current, surf and overhead sections.
Recent Logged Visits At Avaavaroa Passage
Community dive logs and visit reports for this site.
Dive Spot Log Averages At Avaavaroa Passage
Average conditions based on logged dives & visits.
Conditions
Avg. Visibility18m
Activity
No dive activity logged yet.
