6 passengers - Rangiroa

Six Passengers is a drift dive that delivers, plain and simple. We love the feeling of being swept along with the reef on one side, watching the reef sharks patrol below. It’s got a consistent buzz, never a dull moment. The current, which can pick up, usually guides you past schools of golden trevally and black surgeonfish, often with halfmoon triggerfish darting in between. Keep an eye out for humphead wrasse cruising by, they're always a treat. What we really enjoy here is the way the light filters through the water when you're moving at a decent clip, playing off the colours of the pinktail triggerfish and blue-green chromis. It's a sensory dive, less about hunting for macro and more about soaking in the energy of the reef. We'd suggest aiming for a mid-outgoing tide; that’s when the current brings in the bigger action without being overwhelming. This site is fantastic for anyone comfortable with a bit of movement, perfect for divers who appreciate the thrill of a good drift and plenty of shark encounters.

Location: Rangiroa, French Polynesia, Central & South Pacific
Coordinates: -14.960441, -147.646270

Best Time to Dive in Rangiroa

The warmest water temperatures in Rangiroa occur in April, averaging 29.2°C. The coolest conditions are in September at 26.8°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

January: 28.5°C
February: 28.7°C
March: 29.2°C
April: 29.2°C
May: 28.7°C
June: 28.0°C
July: 27.3°C
August: 26.8°C
September: 26.8°C
October: 27.3°C
November: 28.1°C
December: 28.4°C

Nearest Dive Centres to 6 passengers

Marine Life in Rangiroa

Home to 153 recorded species including 129 reef fish, 6 sea cucumbers, 5 whales & dolphins, 5 hard corals, 2 sharks & rays, 2 sea snails & nudibranchs.

Notable Species

Small giant clam (Tridacna maxima) - Clams & Mussels
Manini (Acanthurus triostegus) - Reef Fish
Bristle-toothed Surgeonfish (Ctenochaetus striatus) - Reef Fish
Bearded Sabretooth Blenny (Petroscirtes xestus) - Reef Fish
Bullethead Parrotfish (Chlorurus sordidus) - Reef Fish
Tuna (Thunnus alalunga) - Reef Fish
Kihikihi (Zanclus cornutus) - Reef Fish
Bluelined Surgeonfish (Acanthurus nigroris) - Reef Fish
Stripy (Katsuwonus pelamis) - Reef Fish
Spotted Unicornfish (Naso brevirostris) - Reef Fish
Threadfin (Chaetodon auriga) - Reef Fish
Argus Grouper (Cephalopholis argus) - Reef Fish
Banded Goatfish (Parupeneus multifasciatus) - Reef Fish
Swordfish (Xiphias gladius) - Reef Fish
Floral wrasse (Cheilinus chlorourus) - Reef Fish
Black-barred Surgeonfish (Acanthurus nigricauda) - Reef Fish
Saddleback Butterflyfish (Chaetodon ephippium) - Reef Fish
Citron Butterfly (Chaetodon citrinellus) - Reef Fish
Blue-lined Tang (Zebrasoma scopas) - Reef Fish
Brown Sandfish (Bohadschia vitiensis) - Sea Cucumbers

Recommended Packing List for 6 passengers

Based on average water temperature of 28.1°C, currents 11 cm/s.

Shorty or Rashguard - warm 28°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