Dive· Tahiti Iti (Taiarapu peninsula)· French Polynesia — Society Islands
The Vavi Reef Walls (Vairao, Tahiti Iti)
17° 49.7′ S · 149° 18.0′ W · approximate
Called the richest site on Tahiti's west coast by the island's classic dive guide: small cliffs from 6 to 55 m covered in yellow and pink gorgonians, Tubastrea cup corals and black coral, with visibility over 40 m when it has not rained.
Practical
Approximate: placed on the outer reef off the Vavi river (PK 12, Vairao), south of the Tapuaeraha pass, from the guide's description (between the oceanographic centre at Vairao and the reef bend before Matahiae Point) and OpenStreetMap reef names (Oati, Toa nui). Diving in Tahiti (1990s; verify locally): after Tapuaeraha ('Vairao') Pass turn left and follow the reef south about 1 nm; anchor anywhere on the narrow outer plateau; very calm in ENE trades; avoid in south-east swell. No need to go below 35 m. The bay opposite Vairao town hall is now regulated (Taiarapu-Ouest zones, arrêté 41 CM), so stay in a legal zone and go by tender.
Best for
Pristine gorgonian walls off Tahiti Iti
Nearby
- Taiarapu Ouest ZMR Oututaata (Vairao)1.2 NM away
- Ahuatoa Sandbank Day Anchorage (Teahupo'o)1.5 NM away
- Récif Toaroa Day Anchorage (Vairao)1.6 NM away
- Tapuaeraha Bay Large-Yacht Anchorage (Vairao)2.4 NM away
- Plage de Maui (Tapu'e Maui), Toahotu2.5 NM away
- Teahupo'o Wave & Village3.3 NM away
- Taiarapu Ouest ZMR Haitama (Toahotu)3.5 NM away
- Taravao Plateau Viewpoint4.8 NM away