Snorkel· Raivavae· French Polynesia: Tuamotus, Marquesas, Gambier & Australs

Raivavae Main Pass Snorkel (Passe Mahanatoa)

23° 50.6′ S · 147° 40.4′ W

Raivavae's only navigable pass, on the north side of the lagoon, is where the fish are: cruisers report few big fish anywhere else in the lagoon, but the main pass is the exception.

Tuamotus Marquesas

Practical

Coordinate is the OSM pass node (Passe Mahanatoa), the same waypoint as the 'Raivavae Pass (Mahanatoa)' passage. Chugach (Aug 2020): 'Snorkeling on the motus, few big fishes except in the main pass. Corals are not outstanding.' Pitufa found most lagoon coral dead and 'hardly any fish', so the pass is the place to look. Snorkel from the dinghy at slack water or on the incoming tide, staying clear of the marked channel used by the supply ship and local boats. Navionics charts showed a considerable offset in the pass (Pitufa); Garmin BlueCharts were more accurate. Rules: since 2022 yachts may officially stay only 72 hours, anchored off Rairua, so the pass is a dinghy trip from there (about 3.3 km). Do not eat lagoon fish without local advice: ciguatera is widespread. No dive centre on Raivavae; Tahiti Tourisme lists none.

Raivavae Main Pass Snorkel (Passe Mahanatoa)

Practical

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