Runway - Rarotonga

Tanjung Pasir, or 'Sand Corner,' is exactly what it sounds like – a gently sloping sand patch. We often use it for skill practice and intro dives, and for good reason. You get fantastic visibility, averaging 35 metres, which is brilliant when you're focusing on fin pivots or just getting comfortable in the water. Keep an eye out for the yellow margin triggerfish; they’re pretty bold here, often darting between the scattered coral heads. It’s a calm, shallow spot, maxing out at 14 metres, making it ideal for new divers or anyone shaking off the rust.

Location
Rarotonga, Cook Islands, Central & South Pacific
Coordinates
-21.201800, -159.822400
Type
reef

Best Time to Dive in Rarotonga

The warmest water temperatures in Rarotonga occur in January, averaging 26.5°C. The coolest conditions are in December at 26.5°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

  • January: 26.5°C (air: 24.8°C)
  • February: 26.5°C (air: 25.2°C)
  • March: 26.5°C (air: 25.5°C)
  • April: 26.5°C (air: 25.0°C)
  • May: 26.5°C (air: 24.2°C)
  • June: 26.5°C (air: 22.8°C)
  • July: 26.5°C (air: 22.3°C)
  • August: 26.5°C (air: 21.7°C)
  • September: 26.5°C (air: 22.0°C)
  • October: 26.5°C (air: 22.1°C)
  • November: 26.5°C (air: 22.6°C)
  • December: 26.5°C (air: 24.0°C)

Nearby Dive Sites in Rarotonga

Nearest Dive Centres to Runway

Marine Life in Rarotonga

Home to 143 recorded species including 102 reef fish, 14 hard corals, 10 sea snails & nudibranchs, 7 sea cucumbers, 2 sea urchins, 2 starfish.

Notable Species

Recommended Packing List for Runway

Based on average water temperature of 26.5°C.

  • Shorty or Rashguard - warm 26°C water needs minimal exposure protection
  • Mask - essential for every dive
  • Fins
  • BCD - buoyancy compensator
  • Regulator - your most safety-critical piece of gear
  • Dive Computer - tracks depth, time, and NDL
  • Surface Marker Buoy (SMB) - essential for boat pickups
  • Dive Torch - useful for crevices and colour at depth
  • Underwater Camera - capture your diving memories

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the typical depth range for diving at the Runway dive site?
The Runway dive site features several reef plateaus and sandy trenches with depths generally ranging from 18 to 26 meters. However, the maximum recommended diving depth for this site is 21 meters. This makes it an excellent site for divers comfortable with moderate depths.
What kind of marine life can I expect to see when diving at the Runway?
When diving at the Runway dive site, you can expect to encounter a variety of fascinating marine life. It's a particularly good spot to find lionfish, scorpionfish, and moray eels. Additionally, if you're diving in season, you might be lucky enough to spot eagle rays gracefully swimming by.
How difficult is the Runway dive site for recreational divers?
The Runway dive site is rated as intermediate difficulty for recreational divers. This means it is suitable for divers with some experience beyond entry-level certification. Divers should be comfortable with depths up to 21 meters and potentially varying conditions.
When is the best time of year to dive at the Runway dive site?
The provided data does not specify a "best time of year" to dive at the Runway dive site. However, it notes that eagle rays can sometimes be found here "in season." For more general information on optimal diving periods in the Rarotonga area, please refer to our When to Dive section.
What diving certifications are required to dive at the Runway dive site?
While specific certification requirements are not explicitly stated for the Runway dive site, its intermediate difficulty and maximum depth of 21 meters suggest that an Advanced Open Water Diver certification or equivalent would be appropriate. This ensures divers have the necessary training and experience for the site's conditions. Always check with local dive operators for their specific requirements.
What are the typical current and visibility conditions at the Runway dive site?
The Runway dive site typically offers an average visibility of 11 meters, providing good conditions for exploring the reef plateaus and sandy trenches. Information regarding typical current conditions at this specific site is not available in the provided data. Always consult with your dive guide for the most up-to-date conditions before your dive.