Dive Site: Ohutu Pass

About Ohutu Pass

Pakaka Pass, situated in the Apataki Atoll within French Polynesia's Tuamotu Archipelago, lies approximately 370 kilometers northeast of Tahiti. This site is renowned for its healthy and diverse coral formations, reflecting the overall health of the region's underwater environment. As one of Apataki's two crucial navigable channels, it facilitates significant water exchange with the vast 706 square kilometer central lagoon, sustaining a thriving ecosystem. While specific depths are not detailed, Tuamotu passes typically feature varied topographies including outer walls and submerged plateaus, supporting a wide array of marine life. The atoll's geological structure, characterized by narrow motu encircling the lagoon, exemplifies the unique coral framework of the Tuamotus. Diving at Pakaka Pass is distinguished by its flourishing coral gardens and the bustling activity of reef fish. Though Tuamotu passes are generally known for strong currents, conditions here vary with tidal flow. Divers can anticipate encountering a rich biodiversity, all sustained by the regular influx of nutrient-rich waters through the pass, providing a dynamic and rewarding underwater experience.

Dive site facts: Ohutu Pass

Depth

30 m

Current

Can be strong

Visibility

Excellent (often 30-40m+)

Water temperature

24–28°C

Entry

Tender / Liveaboard / Negative entry

Level

Experienced divers recommended

Dive type

Reef / Drift

Region / port

Apataki, Tuamotu Archipelago, French Polynesia

Coordinates

16.1455° S, 147.6083° W

Conditions & Currents

As an atoll pass, Pakaka experiences tidal currents that significantly influence dive conditions. While specific details on current strength for Pakaka are not provided, Tuamotu passes are widely recognized for potentially strong currents, particularly during tidal exchanges between the ocean and lagoon. These currents are crucial for the vitality of the coral ecosystems and for attracting diverse marine life. Divers should be prepared for drift diving scenarios, which necessitate good buoyancy control and prior experience with currents. Entry and exit procedures are typically managed by the dive operator, often involving negative entries or precise timing to align with more favorable conditions, such as slack tide, to enhance both safety and enjoyment. Visibility throughout the Tuamotus, including Pakaka, is consistently excellent, frequently surpassing 30-40 meters, even in the presen

Marine life & sighting chances

Parrotfish

common

Picasso Triggerfish

common

Blacktip Reef Shark

occasional

Whitetip Reef Shark

occasional

Moray Eel

occasional

Grouper

June, July · occasional

Grey Reef Shark

occasional

Napoleon Wrasse

occasional

Manta Ray

occasional

Silvertip Shark

occasional

Humpback Whale

August-October · rare

Dive profile & how the dive runs

A typical dive in Pakaka Pass begins with a boat entry, which might be a negative entry depending on the prevailing current strength, allowing for a rapid descent to the reef. The dive route generally follows the natural contours of the pass, enabling divers to observe the abundant reef life that thrives in these nutrient-rich waters. Given the emphasis on healthy corals, the dive often involves exploring reef walls and slopes, with particular attention to various parrotfish and Picasso triggerfish common in the area. Depths will fluctuate as you navigate the pass's topography. The turn point for the dive can be influenced by factors such as air consumption, no-decompression limits, or the strength of the current, which often facilitates a drift dive towards either the lagoon or the open ocean. Safety stops are typically performed in shallower, more sheltered areas, or while maintaining the appropriate depth during a drift, ensuring a safe ascent after exploring the vibrant marine environment of Pakaka Pass.

Underwater photography

Pakaka Pass, with its well-preserved corals, offers excellent wide-angle photography opportunities to capture the expansive, vibrant reefscapes and the potential for larger pelagic species within the channel. Utilizing a dome port with a wide-angle lens is highly recommended to effectively convey the grandeur of the underwater environment. Keep an eye out for dynamic scenes of reef fish and occasional larger marine life in the currents. Maintain good buoyancy to avoid disturbing the delicate coral formations while positioning for shots.

Combine with nearby dive sites

• Garuae Pass

  Garuae Pass, widely recognized as Fakarava North Pass, is the largest pass in French Polynesia, spanning an impressive 1,600 meters.

• Tiputa Pass

  Tiputa Pass, located in Rangiroa, stands as one of the two main channels connecting the open ocean to the atoll's lagoon, making it a…

• Alibaba

  Alibaba is a renowned drift dive located within the Garuae Pass in northern Fakarava, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in the Tuamotu Archipelago.

• Tuheiava Pass

  Tuheiava Pass, located in Tikehau, French Polynesia, is a renowned dive site in the stunning Tuamotu Archipelago, offering exceptional…

• The Valley of Sharks

  The Valley of Sharks is an exhilarating dive site located off Moorea, a short ferry ride from Tahiti in French Polynesia.

• Passe Tumakohua

  Passe Tumakohua, also known as Fakarava's South Pass, is a renowned dive site within the Tuamotu Archipelago of French Polynesia.

Getting there & logistics

Access to Pakaka Pass in the Tuamotu Archipelago is primarily via liveaboard trips, often commencing from Tahiti (Faa’a Airport - PPT). Liveaboards provide the most comprehensive way to explore the remote atolls of French Polynesia, including Apataki. Typical trip lengths can vary but often range from 7 to 10 days, allowing for extensive diving across multiple passes. There are no specific park fees mentioned for Pakaka Pass itself, but general permit regulations may apply for diving in French Polynesia. Liveaboard itineraries frequently combine Pakaka Pass with other renowned Tuamotu sites like Fakarava and Rangiroa, optimizing the experience for divers seeking diverse pass diving. The main village of Niutahi is located on the southwest Pakaka Pass, implying some local accessibility and interaction.

Safety & environment

While specific safety information for Pakaka Pass is not detailed, diving in Tuamotu passes generally requires adherence to strict safety protocols due to potentially strong currents. Divers should carry personal safety equipment, including a surface marker buoy (SMB) and a whistle, and be proficient in drift diving techniques. The nearest recompression chamber is located in Tahiti, underscoring the importance of dive insurance that covers emergency medical treatment and evacuation, especially given the remote nature of the Tuamotus. Awareness of tidal charts and dive operator briefings is paramount. Proper buoyancy control is essential to prevent damage to the pristine coral formations and to manage challenging current conditions effectively.

Who it suits — and who it doesn't

FAQ

Ohutu Pass FAQ

Liveaboards diving Ohutu Pass

These liveaboards may visit Ohutu 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

$503/day