Passe de Tiputa - Rangiroa

Sauwandarek jetty has always been one of our favourite dives in Raja Ampat. Forget the big walls and drift dives for a moment, this is a site you want to take slow, letting the gentle current (if any) nudge you around the jetty pillars. The real magic here is the macro life and the sheer volume of fish. We’ve spent whole dives just combing the first few metres under the jetty, finding Denise’s pygmy seahorses clinging to gorgonians and iridescent dragonets scuttling over the sand. As you drift away from the direct shelter of the jetty, the reef opens up and the fusiliers appear, so thick in places they genuinely dim the light. You'll often spot schools of yellowstriped cardinalfish hanging near overhangs, and we’ve had some cracking encounters with giant green turtles here, just gliding past the coral bommies. Keep an eye out for the three enormous giant clams tucked away beneath the jetty’s structure; they’re a great photo op. Visibility averages 19 metres, which is plenty for soaking in the details. This site is perfect for photographers, particularly those with a macro lens, but anyone who loves a relaxed dive with abundant, easy-to-spot marine life will be happy here. It’s a standout for a reason.

Location
Rangiroa, French Polynesia, Central & South Pacific
Coordinates
-14.970800, -147.627800
Type
reef

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 Tiputa

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 Tiputa

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