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Rutaki Passage

Rutaki Passage on Rarotonga isn't your average drift dive. It's more like descending into a blue canyon, with those narrow, vertical walls dropping straight down from just below the surface. We love the feeling of being swallowed by the reef here. Visibility averages around 22 metres, but inside the passage itself, it can drop to 10 or 15 metres, which just adds to the atmosphere – a little spooky, in the best way. Keep an eye out for the resident moray eels peeking from crevices; we often spot undulated morays here. At the passage entrance, large schools of manini and threadfin gather, a silvery, pulsing cloud. If you're lucky, and we often have been, you'll see whitetip reef sharks patrolling, or an eagle ray glide by in the deeper sections. This dive is best suited for those comfortable with a bit of current and who appreciate a dramatic, topographical experience rather than just endless corals. It’s an exciting dive that feels very much like exploring the island's true foundations.