Poito - Rangiroa

Sherwood sits a quick boat ride from shore, a reef that tops out around 22 meters and bottoms at 29m. We've always found its main draw to be the large cleaning station on the primary rock dome, a busy spot where you might spend most of your dive watching diamondback puffers and redtail scads get a scrub. Visibility averages 13 meters, which is decent enough for spotting the basketfish and spotted tinselfish that hang around the corals. If you're lucky, a loggerhead turtle might cruise past. It's a relaxed dive, good for photographers keen on observing smaller reef life without strong currents.

Location
Rangiroa, French Polynesia, Central & South Pacific
Coordinates
-15.012700, -148.295100
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 Poito

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 Poito

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 is the typical maximum depth for recreational diving at the Poito dive site?
The typical maximum depth for recreational diving at the Poito dive site is 21 meters. This depth allows for a comprehensive exploration of the reef plateau and the gently sloping oceanic drop-off.
What marine life and underwater topography can divers expect to encounter at Poito?
At Poito, divers can expect to encounter a vibrant coral reef plateau starting at 5 to 15 meters, transitioning into a gently sloping oceanic drop-off. The site is rich with marine life, including schools of big-eyed red, paddle perch, and big-eyed jacks, as well as sightings of white tip reef sharks, turtles, and napoleon wrasse. For more information on marine species, visit our wildlife database.
Is the Poito dive site suitable for beginner divers, or is it considered more challenging?
The Poito dive site is considered to have an intermediate difficulty level. While it offers stunning topography and marine life, it is generally more suitable for divers with some experience rather than absolute beginners. Divers should be comfortable with potential currents as they navigate the reef and channel entrance.
When is the best time of year to dive Poito for the most favorable conditions and marine life sightings?
The provided data does not specify the best time of year to dive Poito for the most favorable conditions or marine life sightings. For general information on seasonal diving conditions in French Polynesia, please refer to our When to Dive guide.
What level of scuba diving certification is recommended or required to dive at Poito?
Given its intermediate difficulty, a certification level beyond entry-level, such as Advanced Open Water Diver or equivalent, is generally recommended for diving at Poito. This ensures divers have the necessary skills and experience to safely navigate the site's features, including its oceanic drop-off and channel entry.
What are the typical current conditions and underwater visibility at the Poito dive site?
The Poito dive site boasts excellent average underwater visibility of 28 meters, offering clear views of the vibrant reef and marine life. While not explicitly detailed, entering a channel or pass angle often implies the presence of currents, which divers should be prepared for given the site's intermediate difficulty.