Dive· Makemo· French Polynesia: Tuamotus, Marquesas, Gambier & Australs
Arikitamiro Pass Drift Snorkel and Dive (Makemo)
16° 37.1′ S · 143° 34.0′ W · approximate
Makemo's village pass is a drift snorkel and dive full of reef sharks, schooling fish and vibrant coral; Pouheva sits beside it, and the commune calls diving the two passes the atoll's main tourism draw.
Practical
Approximate position: at the pass mouth beside the lighthouse (16°37'14"S / 143°34'08"W, French Wikipedia); check on satellite imagery. Snorkel or drift from low slack into the incoming tide (noonsite cruiser report, 2023: 'a fun drift snorkel with many sharks, fish and coral'). Noonsite calls it excellent drift snorkeling for experienced swimmers. Drop from the dinghy at the outer end and hold its painter as you drift in; never try it on the ebb or with wind against tide, when standing waves build at the entrance (Cruising World describes an 8 kt ebb with 8 ft breakers). No dive shop is named in any current source, so dive self-sufficient or ask at the mairie or your pension.
Best for
Shark-filled drift snorkel within dinghy range of town
Nearby
- Arikitamiro Pass Sharks (Makemo)Right here
- Makemo Lighthouse0.1 NM away
- Magasin Chez Flo (Makemo)0.3 NM away
- Magasin Toa Mauri and Boulangerie (Makemo)0.3 NM away
- Makemo Air Tahiti Office0.3 NM away
- Makemo Arrival Rules and Reporting (Pouheva)0.3 NM away
- Makemo Bakery Snack0.3 NM away
- Makemo Gendarmerie and Mairie0.3 NM away