Avaavaroa Passage

The site boasts a series of sand channels running through the reef in front of Avaavaroa Passage. The dive starts diving along a sand channel that leads into one of the most impressive drop-off’s on the island. You can follow the drop-off edge or swim into the big blue and look for pelagics.

This is an easy dive that follows the drop-off in usually very clear water. It is frequently dived when visibility around the south-coast passages is reduced.

The traditional name of the passage is Avaiti. Starting on the outer coral reef, you will dive through the passage and into the lagoon. This is the shallowest and shortest of the south-coast passages. Steep walls, swim-throughs and shallow, light indulged caverns make this a very special dive.

On the dive you follow the sand channel out towards the drop off. The reef starts sloping off from about 18 metres here. You can choose to dive down the drop off or stay on the reef plateau. There is a small opening to a cavern in about 10m. This is an easy dive for any experience level. Depth 12m to 40m

A deep sand channel in the reef leading from Rutaki Passage into the drop off. You can choose to stay on the reef plateau, follow the edge of the drop-off or explore the deeper parts of the reef.

Avanui is the deepest passage on Rarotonga and has narrow, vertical canyon walls, starting just below the surface. Visibility is usually limited to 10 to 15 metres, which adds to the passages’ natural spookiness. Together with swim-throughs and frequent strong currents it makes for an exciting dive.

The Aroa Marine Reserve, or “rau’í“, offers great snorkeling in a safe environment straight off the beach. It is one of the favorite snorkeling spots inside the lagoon. This site is also used for confined water scuba dive training.

This site has a sloping coral reef with a steep drop off. The main feature of this dive are two large coral bommies (pinnacles) sitting in about 22 metres, of which one is completely collapsed. Depth 20m – 30m

This passage on the east coast leads into Ngatangiia Harbour. You can either dive the outside of this sandy passage or dive through the passage into the lagoon.

The reef starts to slope off in around 15 metres, making this an easy drop-off dive even for the less experienced diver. For more experienced divers, there is a small swim through at 27 metres. Depth 16 - 30 metres