Dive· Manihi· French Polynesia: Tuamotus, Marquesas, Gambier & Australs
Manihi Pass Drift Dive
14° 27.5′ S · 146° 3.6′ W · approximate
Two classic dives in Tairapa Pass: the 'traversière' across the 100 m wide pass at -25 m on the ebb among parrotfish schools and whitetips, and the 'descente de passe' from the ocean drop-off into the 'cirque' inside the lagoon on the flood, sometimes with mantas.
Practical
Placed at the sea-seek pass position (approximate for the dive). Sea-seek: the crossing dive needs at least a good Level 1 and is best on the outgoing current when fish are most numerous; the incoming drift gives better visibility. Expect whitetip reef sharks, Napoleon wrasse, barracuda, moray eels and nurse sharks sleeping in caves. The pass is a regulated fishing zone (ZPR, since 2017). Tahiti Tourisme names diving as Manihi's most popular activity; book with a local operator through your pension.
Best for
Pass diving with mantas and sharks
Nearby
- Manihi Pass Grouper Spawning (June)Right here
- Fernando's Bakery (Manihi)0.1 NM away
- Turipaoa Evening Dance and Music (Manihi)0.1 NM away
- Manihi Magasins0.2 NM away
- Manihi Mairie Reporting Point (Turipaoa)0.2 NM away
- Manihi Pass Snorkel0.2 NM away
- Snack Ravahei (Turipaoa, Manihi)0.2 NM away
- Turipaoa Post Office and ATM (Manihi)0.2 NM away