Dive Site: Makemo - Arikitamiro Pass

About Makemo - Arikitamiro Pass

Makemo's Arikitamiro Pass, situated in the remote Tuamotu Archipelago, stands out as one of French Polynesia's most pristine dive destinations. This untouched channel attracts an abundance of large pelagic species, including dense populations of grey reef sharks and silvertip sharks, due to its vigorous currents. The vibrant coral gardens lining the pass walls remain in an exceptional state, showcasing the atoll's unspoiled underwater ecosystem. Diving here means experiencing the raw power of nature where strong currents dictate the dive profile, making it a dynamic environment for advanced divers. These currents act as a magnet for a diverse array of predatory fish, drawing them into the pass in significant numbers. The clear waters and thriving marine life offer a glimpse into an underwater world largely undisturbed by human activity. While the main draw is the high-energy pass diving, the surrounding areas might also reveal calmer spots within the lagoon, offering contrasting experiences. However, the primary focus of Arikitamiro remains its thrilling drift dives through the pass. It’s a destination for those seeking profound encounters with large marine animals within a healthy and robust reef environment. Liveaboards are the ideal way to explore Makemo, providing access to this isolated atoll and allowing for multiple daily dives, including dawn and night dives. This offers divers extended opportunities to witness the pass's dramatic marine spectacles, far from the crowds of more frequented sites, truly embodying frontier diving.

Dive site facts: Makemo - Arikitamiro Pass

Depth

5–30 m

Typical dive

12–25 m, 50–60 min

Current

Strong

Visibility

30–50 m

Water temperature

27–30°C

Entry

Liveaboard / negative entry

Level

Advanced, current experience essential

Dive type

Drift dive, pelagic encounters

Night dive

Possible via liveaboard

Region / port

Tuamotu Archipelago, French Polynesia

Coordinates

-16.5833, -143.6667

Conditions & Currents

Arikitamiro Pass is renowned for its strong, swift currents, which are a defining characteristic of this dive site. These powerful currents are responsible for attracting the impressive congregations of pelagic fish and sharks seen here, creating a high-energy drift diving experience. Divers must possess solid experience with current diving and excellent buoyancy control to safely navigate the pass. Entry is typically a negative entry to quickly descend and get below the strongest surface currents, often followed by a drift through the channel. Divers should expect to move rapidly, making observations of marine life a dynamic experience. The current's strength can vary with tidal phases, so precise dive planning aligned with the tides is crucial for maximizing encounters and ensuring safety. Visibility generally remains excellent, even with strong currents, offering clear views of the v

Marine life & sighting chances

Grey reef shark

Year-round · common

Silvertip shark

Year-round · common

Large pelagic fish

Year-round · common

Barracuda

Year-round · occasional

Jackfish

Year-round · occasional

Tuna

Year-round · occasional

Eagle ray

occasional

Giant trevally

occasional

Napoleon wrasse

occasional

Snapper schools

occasional

Dive profile & how the dive runs

Diving Makemo - Arikitamiro Pass typically begins with a negative entry from a liveaboard or zodiac directly into the channel, aiming to quickly descend beneath the strongest surface currents. Divers then drift with the incoming or outgoing tide through the pass, which is characterized by sloping reef walls adorned with pristine coral. The route generally follows the main current flow, allowing divers to observe the rich marine life that congregates in the channel, including numerous sharks and large pelagics. Depths during the drift usually range between 15 to 25 meters, where the most active marine encounters occur. The dive culminates as the current dissipates upon exiting the pass, leading to a more sheltered area where a safety stop can be performed comfortably, often along a reef edge or in a calmer lagoon section, before surfacing for pickup by the boat.

Underwater photography

Capturing the dynamic environment of Makemo - Arikitamiro Pass requires robust photographic equipment suited for strong currents and large pelagic subjects. A wide-angle lens is essential for documenting the vast schools of sharks, rays, and other pelagic species, as well as the expansive reef formations. Given the often swift drift, divers should be proficient in controlling their buoyancy and maneuvering their camera rig to secure stable shots. Strobes are highly recommended to bring out the true colors of the corals and marine life, especially when shooting into the blue or at deeper sections of the pass. Focus on pre-setting camera settings for fast-moving subjects and be prepared for quick adjustments. Patience and awareness of your surroundings are key to both safety and successful photography in this high-energy site.

Combine with nearby dive sites

• North Pass - Fakarava

  Renowned for its 'Wall of Sharks' and strong drift dives.

• South Pass - Fakarava

  Famous for its grey reef shark spawning aggregations.

• Tiputa Pass

  Offers exhilarating drift dives with dolphins and various shark species.

• Avatoru Pass

  Known for diverse marine life in strong currents.

• Tetamanu - Grouper Wall

  A site within Fakarava known for grouper sightings.

Getting there & logistics

Access to Makemo - Arikitamiro Pass is primarily via liveaboard vessels departing from major hubs in French Polynesia, such as Tahiti (Faa'a International Airport, PPT). Divers typically fly into Papeete, then transfer to their liveaboard. Trips to this remote atoll are usually part of longer itineraries, ranging from 7 to 14 days, that explore multiple atolls within the Tuamotu Archipelago, often including Fakarava and Rangiroa. Given Makemo's secluded nature, daily boat trips are not an option, making liveaboards the only practical way to experience this site. There are no specific park fees mentioned for diving Arikitamiro Pass, but liveaboard costs cover all diving permits and services. It is essential to confirm the liveaboard's itinerary to ensure Makemo - Arikitamiro Pass is included.

Safety & environment

Diving Makemo - Arikitamiro Pass demands a high level of diver proficiency due to its strong currents and remote location. All divers must have comprehensive dive insurance that includes coverage for emergency evacuation and recompression chamber treatment. The nearest recompression chamber is located in Tahiti, meaning evacuation from Makemo can be lengthy and complex. Divers should be well-versed in drift diving techniques, proficient in buoyancy control, and comfortable in exposed, high-current environments. Always dive with a qualified guide and adhere strictly to the dive plan, including designated entry and exit points. A no-touch policy towards marine life and corals is enforced to preserve the pristine ecosystem. Ensure all gear is in excellent condition, and carry essential safety equipment like a dive computer, surface marker buoy (SMB), and whistle.

Who it suits — and who it doesn't

FAQ

Makemo - Arikitamiro Pass FAQ

Liveaboards diving Makemo - Arikitamiro Pass

These liveaboards may visit Makemo - Arikitamiro Pass on selected itineraries — the exact dive sites depend on departure, weather and conditions.

Aqua Tiki II

French Polynesia

8 guests

$578/day

Aqua Tiki III

French Polynesia

10 guests20 m

$504/day