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Dive sites |
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The Sites: Rarotonga is home to some of the best and most diverse
diving in the Pacific - there are about 40 dive sites around the island and, of
these, there are 17 that are consistently better than the rest. We only
dive the very BEST sites around Rarotonga - the ones we LOVE to dive!
Listed below are some of these along with a brief description of
each to whet the appetite! MARITIME REEFER 24m - 30m: Advanced OW+ The Maritime Reefer was a large fishing vessel sunk by Dive Rarotonga in 1981. Subsequent cyclones have since broken up the wreck into 2 main sections and left it in 24m of water. With a resident giant moray, plenty of lionfish, as well as the usual suspects, this is a picturesque advanced dive in a rich reef area. THE CAVES 6m - 16m: All A shallow, curving coral shelf leads to swim through caves with overhead breaks to the surface. The caves are a great introduction to an overhead environment for the beginner, as there are several different exit points and plenty of light from above. The shallow coral shelf also houses a wide variety of reef life, the exploration of which is the perfect way to complete your safety stop. CROC CAVERNS 6m - 12m: Experienced divers only - 50 + dives Another cave/cavern system but this is a bigger one! Entrance through a well hidden fissure in the reef followed by a chain of interspersed large caverns that affords the diver the likes of lionfish, moray eels, spanish dancers and even sometimes a resident white tip sleeping in a dark corner of the ending cavern. SAND RIVER 14m - 30m+: All A 'river' of sand sloping progressively downwards to a steep drop off with coral nooks and crannies either side. A great place for seeing sharks in caves along the drop-off, or a beautifully scenic site to just sit and play with the ever-curious reef fish. Swimming across the river above the sand gives the closest feeling to weightlessness you'll get this side of space.  PARADISE 12m - 24m: All A site rich with fish life and a coral landscape that provides a stunning backdrop. This is a site for the explorer, with plenty to see in and around all the swimthroughs and bommies. Keep an eye out for the huge numbers of fish that will come in close to have a good look at you and see if you can spot the local 'celebrity' fish 'Monty' and 'Tommy'. MATAVERA DROPOFF 16m - 30m+: All The Matavera drop off gives a real sense of how deep the ocean around our small island really is. Anchoring in a shallow reef area full of fish life is a lovely way to begin and end your dive. Within a short swim, you will be able to see the drop off as the reef falls away underneath you, and maybe see some of the local shark population sleeping on the slopes, unconcerned by your presence. EDNA's ANCHOR 12m - 30m+: All Coral running alongside a sand area that leads into a sandy drop off. See the anchor caught between two large coral bommies at 24m. This is an ideal dive for all levels. Those qualified can experience the drop off's full splendor from a deeper perspective while shallower dives give a wide view of its curving nature. This is the perfect site to get yourself stuck into exploring and see what you can see. MATAORA 12m - 20m All The Mataora, once a Tongan registered 395hp cargo vessel, 44.25m in length and 299 gross tonnes was purchased on the 11th Dec 1990 for the massive sum of $1!! . She started her last voyage to the sea bed a couple of days later and now lies in 18m just off the reef to the north of the island. This is a great place to search out those lionfish, even the rarer oscillated variety. MUSHROOM FOREST 18m - 24m: Advanced OW+ This rich coral area is very similar to Paradise but much more pronounced mushroom shaped bommies rising all around, making this a truly picturesque dive site. This is a great place to explore, and a favourite with eagle rays in season. PAPUA PASSAGE 8m - 22m: All Explore around a natural opening in the reef with a chance of seeing Eagle rays swim over the sand below. JADE REEF 16m - 26m: Advanced OW+ A recent addition to our favourites list! A beautiful coral bommie laden site with some big overhangs and a sudden, eerie end of coral at 26m. This somehow must be the preferred choice for white tip reef sharks as they seem to like it here! BERNIE'S REEF 18m - 30m: Advanced OW+ A slightly deeper dive of coral bommies and diverse marine life. There is a drop-off at 30m, which is great to swim out over and see what lurks below! This is the place to explore the depths and see what you can find! NGATANGIIA DROP OFF 18m - 30m: Advanced OW+ Ok, so can anyone pronounce that?!? A beautifully scenic dive with lots of coral bommies creating interesting formations to swim around and explore. As the name suggest, there is also a drop-off, which makes for an interesting diversion! Please note that selection of dive sites are always weather dependant
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Dive Rarotonga, PO Box 38, Rarotonga, Cook Islands, South Pacific. Tel: +682 21873 or info@diverarotonga.com
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