Dive· Tahiti· French Polynesia — Society Islands
Alfa Peak (Passe Aifa, Mataiea)
17° 47.1′ S · 149° 25.5′ W · approximate
A sugar-loaf coral pinnacle rising out of the blue at the ocean corner of Mataiea's pass, from 28 m down to 45–50 m, with a cave at 35 m where small tuna sometimes gather.
Practical
Approximate: the pass position (Passe Aifa on OpenStreetMap); the pinnacle is about 30 m off the reef at the ocean corner. Diving in Tahiti (1990s; verify) rates it medium, 35 m: anchor on the ocean corner at 12 m; slipway at the Mataiea marina (PK 44). Well protected from ENE trades; avoid when the maraamu blows hard, in a south-west storm or after rain. The guide warns the lagoon is not always navigable between Papeete and Mataiea, especially off Papara.
Best for
Deep pinnacle for experienced divers
Nearby
- Vaipahi Water Gardens (Teva I Uta)2.5 NM away
- Atimaono / Faarearea Pass Dive (Papara)2.7 NM away
- Taharuu Black-Sand Surf Beach (Papara)3.4 NM away
- Tahiti Nautic Center Marina & Haul-out (Taravao)6.2 NM away
- Voilerie Mado Sails (Taravao Marina)6.2 NM away
- Port Phaeton (Taravao) Anchorage6.3 NM away
- Taiarapu Ouest ZMR Haitama (Toahotu)6.5 NM away
- Terre-Mer Restaurant (Port Phaeton / Taravao)6.5 NM away