Snorkel· Rangiroa· French Polynesia: Tuamotus, Marquesas, Gambier & Australs
The Aquarium Snorkel (Tiputa, Rangiroa)
14° 58.3′ S · 147° 37.7′ W · approximate
A sheltered coral garden off the islet of Motu Nuhi Nuhi at the lagoon end of Tiputa Pass, swarming with humpback red snapper, unicornfish, titan triggerfish, morays and blacktip sharks: the easy, current-free counterpart to the pass.
Practical
Approx: placed on the Tahiti Tourisme Tiputa Pass pin; the Aquarium is on the western edge of the reef inside the pass, off Motu Nuhi Nuhi, about 10 minutes by boat from the Kia Ora. Dinghy-accessible from the Tiputa anchorage: tie to the dinghy mooring buoys there (2011 report). Little or no current if you stay in the shallows; one side is always sheltered from the pass current. A cruiser reported educational buoys forming a snorkel trail (2018) and described it as a protected marine reserve with healthy coral (2017): no fishing. Fish are used to being fed; please don't. Also a good shallow dive (pipefish, nudibranchs, sleeping sharks, giant morays). Tour price guide: about 7500 XPF for an Aquarium plus pass drift snorkel (article updated 2025).
Best for
Beginner-friendly snorkel in a fish-packed reserve
Nearby
- Rangiroa Manta and Hammerhead Season (outer reef)Right here
- Tiputa Pass Dolphin Drift Dive (Rangiroa)Right here
- Les Relais de Josephine (Tiputa Pass)0.1 NM away
- Motu Nohi Nohi Beginner Dive (Tiputa Pass)0.1 NM away
- Tiputa Pass Dolphin Watching Point (Tiputa)0.1 NM away
- Laverie Ohotu (Tiputa)0.2 NM away
- Magasin T.M.T. (Tiputa)0.2 NM away
- Ohotu et Magasin Tatie Henriette (Tiputa)0.2 NM away