Dive· Rangiroa· French Polynesia: Tuamotus, Marquesas, Gambier & Australs
La Grotte aux Requins (Shark Cave Dive, Tiputa Pass)
14° 58.1′ S · 147° 37.5′ W · approximate
An incoming-tide pass dive where divers settle into a cave at about 35 m and wait while grey reef sharks cruise close, then let the flood carry them through the pass into the calm lagoon.
Practical
Approx: dive operators do not publish GPS for individual sites. Placed by reckoning from the Tiputa Pass ocean-mouth waypoint (Noonsite, 14.96683S 147.6245W) and the Tahiti Heritage pass centre (14.97062S 147.62797W), using the pass dimensions Tahiti Heritage gives (400 m wide, 900 m long) and the operator's description of where the dive runs. Placed mid-pass, inside the mouth. The 6 Passengers dive centre describes it as open to all levels but recommended for experienced divers with good buoyancy; the cave is at about 35 m, so Level 1 divers cannot reach it. Done only on the incoming current: about 10 minutes in the cave, then a drift into the lagoon with deco in calm water. Dive with a local operator; never attempt the pass from your own dinghy.
Best for
Close grey reef shark encounters for experienced divers
Season
Year-round on the flood
Nearby
- L'Angle (Tiputa Pass corner)0.1 NM away
- La Marche (Hammerhead Dive, Tiputa Pass)0.1 NM away
- La Traversee (Pass Crossing Dive, Tiputa)0.1 NM away
- Les Canyons (Tiputa Pass)0.1 NM away
- L'Eolienne (Tiputa outer reef)0.3 NM away
- Les Relais de Josephine (Tiputa Pass)0.3 NM away
- Motu Nohi Nohi Beginner Dive (Tiputa Pass)0.3 NM away
- Rangiroa Manta and Hammerhead Season (outer reef)0.3 NM away