| Rangiroa is an incredible coral atoll, situated in the | | | | is Mahuta, where you can swim along with marine |
| Tuamotu Archipelago, of French Polynesia. With a | | | | species such as reef fishes and sharks. |
| land mass covering an area of about 40 square | | | | Diving sites in Rangiroa also include the Tiputa Pass, |
| kilometers, Rangiroa is the largest atoll in the South | | | | which is located between the deep lagoon and Open |
| Pacific and one of the largest in the world. Its lagoon | | | | Ocean. Boasting of The Valley - one of the most |
| in the center is the largest in the world, after | | | | challenging spots for drift diving in the world, this area |
| Kwajalein of the Marshall Islands. | | | | is however recommended only for advanced levels |
| Covering an area of about 1650 square kilometers | | | | of divers, since its strong current cannot be |
| and measuring 75 kilometers across and 25 kilometers | | | | sometimes manageable for novices. |
| wide, the lagoon is much favored for its sparkling | | | | Further, this area contains underwater valleys whose |
| clear as well as warm waters, dramatic landscape, | | | | edges are criss-crossed with crevasses and |
| and abundant marine life such as manta rays, sharks, | | | | crevasses, where a number of fish species can be |
| eagle rays, turtles, dolphins, and schools of | | | | seen such as eels, lionfish, hammerheads, and stone |
| barracudas. With a string of coral surrounding the | | | | fish. Found at the edge of the Tiputa Pass is another |
| glowing turquoise, jade-colored lagoon, Rangiroa is a | | | | popular diving area, namely, Shark Cave, which is |
| paradise for diving and snorkeling. Rangiroa is only an | | | | about 120 feet. This area consists of an overhang |
| hour's fly away from the Pepeete, the capital as well | | | | where one could shelter from the current as well as |
| as the administrative center of the Tahiti. | | | | spectacle some species of sharks such as blacktips, |
| Literally meaning 'Long Sky,' Rangiroa get its name | | | | silvertips, and greys. |
| from the enormous length formed as a result of its | | | | Apart from these, one could also come along a |
| more than tiny 200 islets that surround its gorgeous | | | | number of other fish species including unicornfish, |
| lagoon. Scuba diving and snorkeling in Rangiroa are | | | | surgeonfish, snappers, and trevallies. Other popular |
| truly a great experience, since it is surrounded by | | | | diving spots within the Tiputa Pass are Hammerhead |
| two separate bodies of water, such as, the | | | | Plateau and L'Eolienne. |
| Moana-uri and the Moana-tea. | | | | Also, a great diving destination in Rangiroa is Avatoru |
| A good number of travel agencies and top notch | | | | Pass with strong current, al though not as strong as |
| hotels are in the scenario to make your diving in | | | | that of the Tiputa Pass. With a depth varying from |
| Rangiroa a great experience. There is also an array | | | | 60-90 feet, the Avatoru Pass allows you to swim |
| of centers in order to impart diving classes and | | | | along a plethora of tropical fish species such as |
| render rental diving equipments. Few among them are | | | | spotted leopard rays, pompano, rays, patrolling grey |
| Blue Dolphins Diving Center, Rangiroa Paradive, Raie | | | | sharks, eels, and much more. Rangiroa's other popular |
| Manta Club, and The Six Passengers and Topdive. In | | | | diving destinations are Giant Wrasse Shelf, The Wind |
| fact, diving in Rangiroa is highly prized because of the | | | | Turbine, The Blue, Napoleon Manta Point, Motu Fara |
| pass dives in the dive sites of the island and the | | | | Pass, and Mahuta. |
| waters of the lagoon teeming with scores of marine | | | | Rangiroa is diveable throughout the year. According |
| life. | | | | to the interest of divers, diving in Rangiroa is |
| No matter you are a beginner, an intermediate, or an | | | | classified into three seasons: the hammerhead shark |
| experienced hand, Rangiroa boasts of diving sites to | | | | season, which is January through February; the |
| cater to all levels of divers and snorkelers. For | | | | manta ray season, which is from September to |
| beginners, one of the best spots in Rangiroa is the | | | | October; and rest of the year when other species of |
| Aquarium, otherwise known as Nuhi Nuhi. Located | | | | fish, apart from manta ray and hammerhead shark, |
| near a motu within the Tiputa Pass and with a | | | | can be seen. |
| maximum depth of about 35 feet, the Aquarium is a | | | | Nowadays, many of the high-end hotels in the area |
| great diving spot thriving with an array of interesting | | | | provide superb facilities for an enjoyable diving in |
| coral as well as reef fish species such as triggerfish, | | | | Rangiroa. Some even render packages inclusive of |
| threadfin butterfly fish, eels, parrotfish, Moorish idols, | | | | accommodation, dining, and facilities for diving and |
| and damsels. Another great diving site for beginners | | | | snorkeling in the destination. |