Scuba diving in Rangiroa

Description of the activity

Imagine diving with sharks, dolphins, barracuda, Napoleon fish, swordfish, turtles, rays, tuna and a multitude of schools of other fish. The richness of the marine fauna speaks for itself, so we could end the presentation here. To give you an idea, the coral reefs and seabed impressed Jacques Cousteau so much that he described them as one of the most beautiful in the world.

You can dive all year round in Rangiroa. The dry season lasts from May to August and is a little colder and windier than the rest of the year.

This can affect drift diving due to the water level in the lagoon. What we can tell you, however, is that we did our dive in May and it was spectacular.

Useful information

The following are the most iconic species observed when diving in Rangiroa:
Dolphins: Rangiroa is known for its bottlenose dolphins. They are cetaceans of the Delphinidae family (Tursiops truncatus) and can be observed throughout the year. What’s more, you just have to observe the Tiputa Channel either in the morning or in the afternoon and you will see entire schools jumping in the tidal currents in front of your eyes.

Hammerhead shark (Sphyrna mokarran): you can also observe this incredible species of shark in the wild. You should also know that it has been included in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species as ‘critically endangered’ since 2018.

You will be able to enjoy the incredible spectacle of gray sharks in their natural habitat.

Barracudas, swordfish, wrasse, tuna… you can watch them all year round.

When each species can be seen in Rangiroa:
Hammerhead sharks: from December to March.
Manta ray: from June to October.
Gray sharks: from May to June.
Schools of barracuda, turtles, tuna and dolphins: all year round.

About the scuba diving company

We have gone diving in Ragiroa several times over the years and always choose the same company, located right next to the main Tiputa Channel. The owner, Arnauld Avare, has been diving for around 30 years. He started in 1994 while in the French Navy as a CMAS 1-star diver (international sport diving initiation qualification). He later obtained his SDI TDI instructor qualification and is the course director. Knowing that the center’s instructor does 400 dives a year is synonymous with experience and safety.

Click here to visit their website Rangiroa Diving Center