Dive Site: Eolienne

About Eolienne

Eolienne is a remarkable dive site in Rangiroa, celebrated as the most intact coral area of Tiputa. It begins with a vibrant coral plateau situated between 10 and 14 meters, leading to a steep, oceanic drop-off that plunges into deeper waters. This site is uniquely designed for a serene drift dive experience, often concluding at 'The Angle' site or continuing into the main pass. Its sheltered location from strong currents makes it exceptionally adaptable for divers across all experience levels, from beginners to advanced. The rich coral structures and abundant fish life create an immersive environment. Divers frequently encounter bottlenose dolphins, grey sharks, and coral sharks within the site, while the deeper blue waters occasionally reveal hammerhead sharks and silky sharks. Schools of diverse tropical fish are a constant presence, adding to the site's allure. The dive offers a tranquil experience compared to the high-energy pass dives, focusing on reef exploration and marine life observation, making it a perfect complement to the more demanding Rangiroa channels.

Dive site facts: Eolienne

Depth

10–22 m

Typical dive

10–22 m, ~53 min

Current

None

Visibility

27 m

Water temperature

26–29°C

Entry

Boat / Easy entry

Level

All levels

Dive type

Drift, coral garden, reef

Region / port

Rangiroa, Tuamotu Archipelago

Coordinates

16.1405° S, 147.6153° W

Conditions & Currents

Eolienne is known for its sheltered conditions, experiencing no current and flat calm surge. This makes for an easy entry and a relaxed drift, contrasting sharply with the very strong currents typical of nearby passes. Divers can enjoy a gentle pace, allowing for careful observation of the pristine coral and marine life without the need for constant fight against water movement. The excellent visibility, averaging 27 meters, remains largely unaffected by current-induced particulate matter, offering clear views of the vibrant ecosystem. This calm environment significantly eases gas planning and buoyancy control, making it ideal for divers who prefer less challenging conditions.

Marine life & sighting chances

Bottlenose Dolphin

common

Grey Reef Shark

common

Coral Shark

common

Hammerhead Shark

occasional

Silky Shark

occasional

Manta Ray

occasional

Tropical Fish (schools)

common

Dive profile & how the dive runs

Diving at Eolienne typically begins with an easy entry from a boat. The dive commences on a pristine coral plateau, situated at depths between 10 and 14 meters. From here, divers drift gently along the edge, transitioning to a steep oceanic drop-off that descends into deeper water. The site's sheltered nature means minimal current, allowing for relaxed exploration of the vibrant coral and its inhabitants. Divers observe schools of tropical fish and have frequent encounters with bottlenose dolphins and various reef sharks. The drift often continues towards 'The Angle' site or leads into the wider area of Tiputa Pass, though Eolienne itself is characterized by its calm conditions. Safety stops are comfortably performed in the shallower sections of the reef or lagoon.

Underwater photography

Eolienne offers excellent opportunities for both wide-angle and macro photography due to its diverse topography and abundant marine life. For capturing the expansive coral plateau, the steep drop-off, and schools of tropical fish, a wide-angle lens is recommended. When dolphins or sharks make an appearance, a wide-angle setup will help capture their scale in relation to the reef. For macro enthusiasts, the intact corals will harbor smaller creatures, making a dedicated macro lens rewarding. Given the relatively shallow depths (10-22m) and good visibility, natural light is often sufficient, but strobes will enhance color and contrast, especially on the drop-off.

Combine with nearby dive sites

• Passe de Tiputa

  Iconic Rangiroa pass for strong drift dives and large pelagics like sharks and dolphins.

• Motu Nuhi-Nuhi (l’aquarium)

  Sheltered lagoon site perfect for beginners and snorkelers, known for coral gardens and calm conditions.

• Avatoru Pass

  Another prominent Rangiroa pass with strong currents, offering encounters with various reef sharks and manta rays.

• The Angle

  A drift dive site often linked with Eolienne, known for its strategic location within the pass system.

Getting there & logistics

Rangiroa, home to Eolienne, is part of the Tuamotu Archipelago in French Polynesia. International flights arrive at Faa'a International Airport (PPT) in Tahiti, followed by a domestic flight to Rangiroa Airport (RGI). Most dives at Eolienne are day boat trips arranged by local operators based in Rangiroa. Trips typically involve a single dive or are combined with other nearby sites like Tiputa Pass. There is a marine park fee of approximately $20. Due to its calm nature, Eolienne is often included in itineraries to balance the more challenging drift dives of the passes, suitable for divers of all levels on liveaboards or land-based packages.

Safety & environment

Diving at Eolienne is generally considered safe due to its calm conditions and lack of strong currents, making it suitable for all experience levels. However, it is always crucial to dive with a reputable local operator who understands the specific site details. The nearest recompression chamber is approximately 350 km away in Tahiti, emphasizing the critical importance of conservative dive planning and maintaining adequate insurance coverage that includes dive accidents and potential medical evacuation. While the site features marine life such as sharks, they are generally accustomed to divers; however, a no-touch, no-chase approach to all marine life is mandatory to ensure both diver and animal safety.

Who it suits — and who it doesn't

FAQ

Eolienne FAQ

Liveaboards diving Eolienne

These liveaboards may visit Eolienne on selected itineraries — the exact dive sites depend on departure, weather and conditions.

Aqua Tiki II

French Polynesia

8 guests

$579/day

Aqua Tiki III

French Polynesia

10 guests20 m

$505/day