See full version: Diving Rangiroa
Rangiroa is the largest atoll in the Tuamotus, and is also one of the biggest in the world. This magical island is made up of roughly 415 motus, islets and sandbars – with over 100 narrow passageways bisecting through. Along with stunning beaches, the atoll is famous for its pelagic animals – which include sharks and bottle nose dolphins. It is also prized for its exceptionally clear waters and the hugely diverse marine life. [links]
More specifically, there are a number of organizations that focus on the conservation and protection of particular threatened species. This includes a variety of shark populations, sea turtles and coral reefs. Monitoring processes tend to be stronger around the more developed islands. here
Rangiroa is a quiet and relatively uninhabited island. Life for tourists generally revolves around resorts – though there are a few opportunities to set out into the local community, where you can observe life and sample local cuisine. Most of the non-diving activities do still occur on the ocean, whether they are snorkelling trips or day trips through the lagoons. It is also possible to visit a farm that produces some of the region’s absolute best pearls!
The dry season occurs from May to October. Temperatures are generally a bit cooler, but the clear days make this a more favourable time to visit. The rainy season occurs between November and April. During this time, tropical rains can last several days – though the showers are relieved with sunny days from time to time. more
The wind is also important to consider when visiting. From June to August, the ‘maramu’ wind blows. This is a south-east wind that brings rain and an agitated lagoon. The main benefit to visiting during this period is the pleasant cool nights. here
There are a number of organizations that are involved in marine conservation throughout French Polynesia. In 2002, Tahiti and all the surrounding islands were officially protected by the creation of a marine park. here
Before leaving, I had been given plenty of advice from others before I embarked on my dive trip to Rangiroa about what to expect, and the words ‘sharks’, ‘crazy currents’, and ‘Hammerhead shark season’ remained etched in my mind … So I was quite anxious about the idea of diving in this mythical place lost in the vastness of the Pacific Ocean.
Anyways, here comes the adventure! So, we decided to dive with the Manta Ray Club that Robin already knew, as he had dived several times in the past with the famous Yves Lefebvre, founder of the Manta Ray Club and renowned international underwater photographer.
Everything is amazing. The density of Pipe Fish. Schools of jacks on the hunt. A huge tornado of barracuda spiralling not far from me … for a second, I wondered if I was dreaming …
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Rangiroa’s lagoon is what brings divers from around the world to this small atoll in the middle of the Pacific. The fantastic visibility and the shear volume and density of marine life is astounding. On the outgoing tide, diving is done on the ocean side of the reef. When the tide is coming into the lagoon is when drift dives are performed with the current. This tends to be our customers favorite option. The marine life that you may encounter is very impressive. There are manta rays, eagle rays, turtles, moray eels, schools of barracuda, grey reef sharks, black tip sharks, the occasional great hammerhead and even the silky shark can be witnessed on occasion.
Lagoon dive (10-30 feet). If you are looking for the perfect place to learn to dive the lagoon is the spot. With locations where the depth doesn’t go beyond 30 feet this is a great place for an introduction to scuba. This dive site is full of colorful reef fish. Divers can also witness blacktip sharks which can be found resting on the sand while eagle rays pass by. If you have a spouse who may be a little nervous about trying out diving this is a very welcoming place for their first experience. here
Drift snorkeling in the pass is a fun adventure! If you are not a diver, but you wish to discover some treasures of the underwater world, we will take you on a snorkeling tour: Let yourself be safely carried along by the current. The underwater life reveals all its treasures before your eyes in the clear waters of Rangiroa. An experience guide accompanies you in small groups in the activity that everyone can enjoy. We supply all the necessary equipment.
Located in one of the best French Polynesia, one of the top dive destinations in the world, it is no surprise that Rangiroa is a popular dive destination. The largest atoll in the Tuamotus, Rangiroa diving offers breathtaking pelagic encounters with dolphins, gray reef sharks, and silvertip sharks. They also have schools of jacks and barracuda, eagle rays, turtles, whitetip and blacktip sharks. It is also one of the best places to dive with sharks. Manta rays may be sighted occasionally. more
Tiputa Canyons - Located on the inside of the Tiputa pass, divers enter the dive site through the incoming current on a drift dive. The canyons seen during the dive are actually faults through the pass. Divers can catch a glimpse of the diverse marine life passing through the faults such as schools of surgeonfish, sharks and napoleon wrasses.
There are a lot of dive resorts and tour operators in Rangiroa, such as Hotel Maitai Rangiroa and TOPDIVE French Polynesia just to name a few. Liveaboards are also available. The French Polynesian islands are also great for island hopping and you can visit the other islands like Moorea, Fakarava, and Bora Bora for great diving.