Passe de Tikehau - Tuheiava - Rangiroa

The SAS Transvaal is a wreck dive that really earns its stripes, even with Cape Town's notoriously fickle visibility. We love how she’s settled on the sand, canted over, giving the whole dive a dramatic feel from the moment you drop down. You’re looking at a vessel mostly intact, a ghostly form emerging from the green gloom, particularly if you’re lucky enough to catch it on a good day. Yes, the water can be green, and visibility averages six metres, but that’s part of the Cape Town experience; it forces you to slow down, to really look. The mast has toppled to port, creating this fantastic broken lattice for schooling salema and blackedged blaasop. We always take our time poking around the superstructure, keeping a respectful distance from the collapsing hull sections, which we’d advise against entering anyway. It’s the resident fish that really make it for us – the clever wrasse darting in and out, the occasional escolar lurking in the shadows, and we’ve even spotted a triggerfish or two. Dive this one in winter for your best shot at decent conditions, or on a calm summer day when the south-easter isn't kicking up a fuss. It's a dive for those who appreciate the quiet mystery of a sunken ship, and don't mind working a little for their reward.

Location
Rangiroa, French Polynesia, Central & South Pacific
Coordinates
-15.009300, -148.277700
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

Nearest Dive Centres to Passe de Tikehau - Tuheiava

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

Recommended Packing List for Passe de Tikehau - Tuheiava

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What marine life can I expect to see when diving in Passe de Tikehau - Tuheiava?
When diving in Passe de Tikehau - Tuheiava, you can frequently expect to see magnificent creatures such as great hammerhead sharks, tiger sharks, manta rays, and eagle rays. The pass is also known for large schools of yellowmouth barracudas. This small but incredibly rich pass offers a vibrant display of marine life for divers to enjoy, making it a fantastic spot for wildlife enthusiasts.
What are the typical depths for diving in Passe de Tikehau - Tuheiava, and is it suitable for beginners?
The maximum depth for diving in Passe de Tikehau - Tuheiava is 21m. This dive site is exceptionally suitable for both beginners and experts, as the drift portion is primarily conducted in less than 10m of bottom depth. It's considered a very nice and accessible dive for all skill levels.
What are the current conditions and difficulty levels for drift diving in Passe de Tikehau - Tuheiava?
Passe de Tikehau - Tuheiava offers an easy incoming current drift dive experience. The entire drift is typically done in less than 10m of bottom depth, making it very manageable. This makes it a fantastic dive for both beginners and experienced divers alike.
What are the best times of year or day to dive Passe de Tikehau - Tuheiava for specific marine encounters like hammerheads or manta rays?
The provided data for Passe de Tikehau - Tuheiava does not specify the best times of year or day for encountering specific marine life like hammerheads or manta rays. For general guidance on optimal diving seasons in French Polynesia, we recommend consulting our When to Dive resource.
What scuba diving certifications are required to dive in Passe de Tikehau - Tuheiava?
The provided information for Passe de Tikehau - Tuheiava does not explicitly state specific scuba diving certification requirements. However, given it's described as an "easy dive" suitable for "beginners and experts," a basic open water certification is generally sufficient for such sites. It's always best to confirm with your chosen local dive operator in Rangiroa for their specific requirements.
How do the currents in Passe de Tikehau - Tuheiava affect the diving experience, and what should divers be aware of?
The currents in Passe de Tikehau - Tuheiava create an easy and enjoyable incoming current drift dive experience. Divers should be aware that they will be carried by the current, but the entire drift is done in less than 10m of bottom depth, which contributes to its ease. This makes it a very nice dive suitable for both beginners and experts, allowing for effortless viewing of the rich marine life.