reef

Log This Dive

Runway

Don’t let the name fool you. While Runway is indeed right off the airport, we’re not talking about some murky, industrial dive. In fact, it's one of our favourite spots for a relaxed drift. The site itself is a series of flat reef plates, cut through by wide sandy channels. It’s shallower than some of Rarotonga’s other dives, topping out around 21 metres, which means you get more bottom time and great light penetration. We’ve found lionfish lurking in the coral heads here on more than one occasion, along with some chunky morays tucked into crevices. Keep an eye out for pearl-spotted wrasse darting between the staghorn coral, and the little boomerang triggerfish that often patrol the sand. Visibility averages around 11 metres, but it’s often better, especially if you catch it on an incoming tide. Sometimes, eagle rays glide through the channels, a real treat when it happens. This site is perfect for photographers who like to take their time and really explore the reef architecture.