Dive Site: Tahiti - Shark's Hole

About Tahiti - Shark's Hole

Shark's Hole, locally known as "The Shark Hole," is a notable dive site located in the Tuamotu atolls of French Polynesia, specifically near Tikehau. This site is distinguished by its unique topography, featuring a vertical chasm and a naturally formed archway that creates a dramatic underwater landscape. It stands out from the region's more typical wall and channel dives, offering a different kind of exploration. The dive at Shark's Hole typically involves navigating depths that allow for the observation of its distinctive features, including the archway which is adorned with anemones, adding vibrant splashes of color to the rocky structures. While specific depth ranges for this site are not provided, other sites in the Tuamotu archipelago are generally dived between 5 and 40 meters, suggesting a similar range might apply for exploring the chasm and surrounding reef. The name itself, "Shark's Hole," hints at the expected marine life, with sharks being a prominent feature, although specific species are not detailed for this particular location. The Tuamotu islands as a whole are renowned for abundant pelagic life, including various shark species, mantas, and Napoleon wrasse, making it likely that these species may be encountered here. Given its unusual geological formation, it likely attracts a diverse array of reef fish and invertebrates. Dive experiences in this region can vary from calm lagoon dives to strong-current channel dives. While the description doesn't explicitly state current conditions for Shark's Hole, the presence of a chasm and archway suggests potential current dynamics that could influence the dive. It is suitable for divers seeking unique geological features and potential shark encounters within the broader Tuamotu diving experience.

Dive site facts: Tahiti - Shark's Hole

Depth

Up to 18 m

Current

Mild

Visibility

Excellent

Water temperature

28°C

Entry

Boat

Level

Intermediate

Dive type

Shark dive, reef

Region / port

Tahiti, Society Islands

Coordinates

-17.535, -149.62

Conditions & Currents

At Shark's Hole, the currents are managed through a controlled dive plan, as the site uses a bait box on a rubble reef flat. Divers position themselves in a semicircle around the bait, typically maintaining a distance of about 50 feet. While the bait attracts the sharks, the dive is not a high-current drift, allowing for stable observation. Good buoyancy control is essential to maintain position and avoid contact with the reef or other divers while observing the active shark behavior.

Marine life & sighting chances

Blacktip reef shark

common

Grey reef shark

common

Lemon shark

common

Tiger shark

occasional

Dive profile & how the dive runs

The dive at Shark's Hole begins with a boat entry, usually directly over the site. Divers descend to a rubble reef flat, typically around 60 feet (18 meters) deep, where a bait box is already in place. The dive guide leads the group to form a semicircle, approximately 50 feet away from the bait box, allowing for a clear view of the sharks. Grey reef sharks and lemon sharks are usually the first to appear, circling the bait. Divers remain stationary for the duration of the shark interaction, observing the behavior. If a tiger shark arrives, divers may observe a change in the behavior of the other sharks. The dive concludes with a gradual ascent and a safety stop, often in clear view of the ongoing shark activity.

Underwater photography

Shark's Hole offers prime opportunities for wide-angle photography, capturing the abundance of blacktip, grey reef, and lemon sharks. A wide-angle lens is essential to encompass the numerous subjects that will be present around the bait box. Given the clear waters, natural light can be sufficient at shallower depths, but strobes will enhance color and detail, especially for individual shark portraits or when capturing the action at slightly deeper sections. Maintain a respectful distance and avoid aggressive movements to ensure the sharks remain comfortable and cooperative subjects. Buoyancy control is crucial to stay stable in your designated viewing area and not disturb the sandy or rubble bottom, preserving visibility for all photographers.

Combine with nearby dive sites

• Moorea - Tiki Point

  A short ferry ride from Tahiti, Moorea offers additional diving opportunities.

• Moorea - The Canyons

  Another dive site near Tahiti, accessible from Moorea.

• Moorea - Ray Corridor

  Known for ray encounters, also close to Tahiti.

Getting there & logistics

Access to Tahiti, and thus Shark's Hole, is via Faa'a International Airport (PPT) in Papeete, the main international gateway for French Polynesia. Direct flights are available from major hubs like San Francisco (SFO) and Los Angeles (LAX), as well as Paris (PAR). Once in Tahiti, dive operators arrange transport to Shark's Hole by boat. Many travelers spend a day or two in Tahiti to acclimate before flying to other islands or beginning a liveaboard. Shark's Hole is often combined with other dives around Tahiti or as a first dive on a multi-island itinerary within the Society Islands, before venturing further to atolls like Rangiroa or Fakarava.

Safety & environment

Diving at Shark's Hole involves interacting with large marine predators, and strict adherence to dive guide instructions is paramount. French Polynesia has stringent dive safety regulations, including depth limits typically around 30 meters unless holding advanced certifications. Divers should possess good buoyancy control to maintain position and avoid disrupting the site. Comprehensive dive accident insurance is strongly recommended. The nearest recompression chamber is located in Papeete, Tahiti, highlighting the importance of cautious diving practices. Always respect marine life and maintain a no-touch, no-chase approach.

Who it suits — and who it doesn't

FAQ

Tahiti - Shark's Hole FAQ

Liveaboards diving Tahiti - Shark's Hole

These liveaboards may visit Tahiti - Shark's Hole 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

$504/day