Motu Nuhi-Nuhi (l’aquarium) - Rangiroa
The PS Ballina, a shallow wreck just off the Hastings River entrance, isn’t about dramatic depths or massive pelagics. It’s a beautifully aged, broken-up paddle steamer, sitting at a max of 11m, which makes for a long, relaxed bottom time. We love the way the light filters through the rust-coloured structure, highlighting the resident bullseyes and the occasional lionfish tucked into a shadowy nook. Visibility here averages about 5m, sometimes a bit better on a calm day, so it’s an intimate dive where you’re really focused on the details. Our favourite part is poking around the twisted metal plates and seeing how the marine life has completely reclaimed it. You’ll spot a ton of nudibranchs, often some impressive banjo sharks settled in the sand nearby, and if you’re lucky, a curious hawksbill turtle might cruise past. This site is fantastic for photographers or divers who appreciate history and the slow exploration of a rich, artificial reef. It’s a gentle dive, perfect for those who enjoy taking their time to really absorb a wreck.
- Location
- Rangiroa, French Polynesia, Central & South Pacific
- Coordinates
- -14.975700, -147.633100
- Type
- wreck
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
Nearby Dive Sites in Rangiroa
- 6 passengers
- Alibaba (reef)
- Alibaba (cenote)
- Avatoru Pass (drift)
- Blue Lagoon (reef)
- Eolienne (cenote)
- Mamaa
- Manta Point (reef)
- Nuhi Nuhi
- Passe de Tikehau - Tuheiava (wreck)
- Passe de Tiputa (reef)
- Poito (reef)
- Pufana (reef)
- Tairapa Pass - 20-40m (drift)
- Te Ava Drift - 20-40m (drift)
Nearest Dive Centres to Motu Nuhi-Nuhi (l’aquarium)
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 Motu Nuhi-Nuhi (l’aquarium)
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