Exploration Dives in Rangiroa

Diving the passes of Rangiroa

Dive the passes of Rangiroa in small groups, with an instructor who adapts the route to the level and wishes of the group. Between two dives, we come back to shore: tea, coffee, hammock and deckchairs by the lagoon.

The dolphins of Tiputa

Bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) live in the Tiputa pass all year round. Depending on their mood, they sometimes come close to the divers, and the encounter becomes a unique moment. They remain wild animals, which we watch without touching or chasing them.

Pod of bottlenose dolphins in the blue of the Tiputa pass

Two bottlenose dolphins in the blue of the Tiputa pass

A mother and her calf, bottlenose dolphins of Rangiroa

Diver surrounded by bottlenose dolphins in the Tiputa pass

Respecting the animals. We share our shark and ray sightings with the Observatory of Sharks and Rays of French Polynesia (ORP), and we dive in the spirit of the responsible diver charter of Longitude 181 Nature.

Your level, your depth

Y AKA Plongée accepts every certification from French Level 1 or Open Water upwards: French certifications and those of the RSTC agencies, such as SSI, PADI and NAUI. In French Polynesia, the depth allowed for each level is set by deliberation no. 92-176 of 20 October 1992:

PE12, Scuba Diver, Try Scuba: 12 metres;
Level 1, PE20, Open Water: 20 metres;
Open Water with the Deep specialty, or Advanced Open Water: 30 metres;
Level 2, or Advanced Open Water with the Deep specialty: 40 metres.

Haven't dived for more than a year? We offer a refresher dive to help you get your bearings back.

Four departures a day

Dives leave every day at 8 am, 10 am, 2 pm and 4 pm; these times may vary with the current in the passes. The sites are a few minutes away by boat: we come back to the base between every dive, and you plan your day at your own pace. All equipment is provided, and transfers from your accommodation are free.

Divers aboard the Y AKA Plongée boat, setting off in the turquoise lagoon

Great hammerhead shark at the bottom of the Tiputa pass

The current and drift diving

On the incoming tide, the current flows into the lagoon: it is time for drift diving. We descend outside the pass and let ourselves be carried towards the lagoon, or towards the edges of the pass where the current eases.

Most sites are open to all levels, but drift diving requires good buoyancy control: start your stay with a dive without current, and the instructor will advise you on the day according to the conditions.

Squadron of spotted eagle rays at the bottom of the Tiputa pass

Trevallies and fish in the blue of the pass

At sunset, and nitrox

At dusk, the atmosphere changes: hundreds of surgeonfish sometimes gather there to spawn, and predators are often around, sharks, dogtooth tuna, trevallies, Napoleon wrasses. The sunset dive is the same price as an exploration dive.

Nitrox 32% is available, at an extra charge per dive. A nitrox certification is required: you can take it during your stay.

Our courses

Prices and packages

The 4, 6, 10 and 20 dive packages can be shared: a group of friends can use the same package during their stay. Full equipment and transfers are included.

1 dive	11'000
4-dive pack (can be shared)	42'000
6-dive pack (can be shared)	60'000
10-dive pack (can be shared)	95'000
20-dive pack (can be shared)	180'000
Nitrox supplement, per dive Nitrox 32%, certification required.	500
Refresher dive If you haven't dived for more than a year.	14'000
Les Failles, 2-tank trip Once a month, a remote site.	35'000

Frequently asked questions

Which certification levels do you accept?

All certifications from French Level 1 or Open Water upwards: French certifications and those of RSTC agencies such as SSI, PADI and NAUI.

How deep can I dive with my certification?

In French Polynesia, the maximum depth for each level is set by deliberation no. 92-176 of 20 October 1992. At Y Aka Plongée:

PE12, Scuba Diver, Try Scuba: 12 metres;
French Level 1, PE20, Open Water: 20 metres;
Open Water with the Deep specialty, or Advanced Open Water: 30 metres;
French Level 2, or Advanced Open Water with the Deep specialty: 40 metres.

What time do the dives leave?

Every day at 8 am, 10 am, 2 pm and 4 pm. These times may change with the current in the passes.

How long is the break between two dives?

The dive sites are a few minutes away by boat: we come back to the base between every dive, for a tea or coffee break, a rest in the hammock or on the beach.

Is there current? Do I need drift diving experience?

On the incoming tide, the current flows into the lagoon: that is the time for a drift dive, we descend outside the pass and let the current carry us into the lagoon. Most sites are open to all levels, but drift diving requires good buoyancy control: start your stay with a dive without current, and the instructor will advise you on the day according to the conditions.

How many divers per group?

We dive in small groups, so that everyone enjoys the dive at their own pace and the instructor can adapt the route to the group's level and wishes.

Do you offer sunset dives?

Yes, dives at dusk, at no extra cost compared with an exploration dive. Hundreds of surgeonfish sometimes gather there to spawn, and the predators are often around: sharks, dogtooth tuna, trevallies, Napoleon wrasse.

Do you offer nitrox?

Yes, 32% nitrox, as a per-dive supplement. A nitrox certification is required: if you do not have one, you can get it during your stay, on its own or with two dives.

Can dive packages be shared?

Yes, the 4, 6, 10 and 20-dive packages can be shared: a group of friends can use the same package during their stay.

I haven't dived for a long time. What happens?

If you have not dived for more than a year, we offer a refresher dive so you can get back into it before the exploration dives.

Book your dives

Choose your day and time online. For any question, write to us from the Contact page.

Book online