South Pacific Management - Hotel Management Company

Diving Experience at Tikehau

In 1987, Jacques-Yves Cousteau called Tikehau "the world's richest atoll in fish." In fact, people in Tikehau make a living mostly from fishing and they are the main suppliers of the Papeete market. It also is paradise for scuba divers.This oval-shaped atoll, also known as "Robinson Crusoe's island," has a single large ocean pass and a long crown of islets (motu). It is one of the most beautiful atolls in French Polynesia, the shelter for many bird species that have made a small motu, Bird Island, their home.

Diving sites :

Scuba diving is the island's main attraction. The beauty and abundance of fauna explain why the sport is so popular, particularly in Tuheiava pass, where the manta rays' ballet alternates with the parade of barracuda and tuna, as well as grey and lemon sharks. The four main diving sites are concentrated around Tuheiava pass, a 30-minute boat ride from the resort. Not to be missed, and accessible to all levels, the manta rays' "service station" where the majestic and placid animals come and get cleaned up by small lagoon fish.

Reef Passes : 1

Diving sites information

Move your mouse over the map above to see site information in this table ... Move your mouse over the map above to see site information in this table ...

Diving site : Mamaa

Ocean / max depth 18-75 ft Diving: A coral amphitheatre, Sharks (black tip), red snapper, paddle snapper, napoleon wrasse, morey eels, and lionfish. All levels, ideal for beginners.

Diving site : The Shark Hole

Ocean / max depth 30-180 ft Diving: Vertical break in the reef begins at 20 meters (65 ft) deep. Drift dive. A breathtaking experience with sharks (grey, white tip, black tip), tuna, school of snapper, napoleon wrasse, morey eels, anemone and school fishes.

Diving site : Tuheiava Pass

Pass / max depth 15-90 ft Diving: The entrance of the dive is done on the side of the pass. This dive is adaptable to divers of any level of experience. Around the large coral formations gravitate a multitude of fish (parrots, triggers, groupers) and divemasters will try to point out the moray eels, lionfish and large stonefish hiding in the crevices. In the open water, schools of barracuda, sea pike, big-eyed and threadfin jackfish, as well as sand emperors cruise close by to get a better look at the divers. Further south, towards the end of the dive there is an explosion of multi-colored coral covering the wall. Napoleon wrasses are always near and manta rays are frequently seen. A shelf, currents, drifting with the returning current. Sharks (black and white tip), school of big-eyed and threadfin jack fish, school of see pike barracuda, manta rays, parrots, triggers and groupers, napoleon wrasse.

Diving site : Canyons

Ocean / max depth 60 ft Diving: Hole and Canyons. Tuna, Barracuda, Grouper, Parrotfish, Wrasses, Morey eels, all kinds of tropical fish. All levels.

Blue Nui by TOPDIVE Tikehau Centre

Blue Nui by TOPDIVE Tikehau diving centre was constructed within the Tikehau Pearl Beach Resort.
It is located near the reception, right on the marina of the hotel.
Sign Up at the activities desk or at the dive center.
- Closets to hang wetsuits.
- Shower on the deck.
- Dive tanks are set up and loaded on the boat by dive staff.
- Lifting and carrying is limited.