Dive Site: Toau - Anse Amyot

Dive site facts: Toau - Anse Amyot

Depth

5–30 m

Typical dive

15–25 m, 45–60 min

Current

Strong (tidal dependent)

Visibility

30+ m

Water temperature

26–29°C

Entry

Liveaboard / Tender, negative entry

Level

Advanced, current experience essential

Dive type

Drift dive, pelagic encounters, coral reef

Night dive

Possible

Region / port

Tuamotu Atolls

Coordinates

-15.8833, -145.9667

Conditions & Currents

Diving in Anse Amyot's pass is characterized by significant tidal currents, which can be very strong during incoming and outgoing tides. These currents necessitate careful planning and execution of drift dives, often requiring negative entries to quickly descend to the desired depth. Slack tide offers a more relaxed experience and opportunities for static observation of marine life congregating in calmer areas. Visibility remains consistently excellent, often exceeding 30 meters, even with strong currents. Divers must be proficient in buoyancy control and comfortable with drift diving techniques. Briefings will emphasize entry and exit procedures, as well as maintaining group cohesion in dynamic water. Thermoclines are generally not a significant concern, but divers should be prepared for potential minor temperature variations.

Marine life & sighting chances

Grey Reef Shark

common

Blacktip Reef Shark

common

Eagle Ray

occasional

Manta Ray

occasional

Humpback Whale

August-October · rare

Napoleon Wrasse

common

Schools of Snapper

common

Schools of Barracuda

common

Green Sea Turtle

occasional

Moray Eel

common

Dive profile & how the dive runs

Dives at Anse Amyot typically begin with a negative entry from a tender, dropping quickly to depth to avoid being swept past the entry point by the strong currents. The dive often follows the incoming or outgoing current through the pass, allowing divers to drift effortlessly along vibrant coral slopes and encounter large schools of fish and pelagic predators. Depths usually range from 15 to 25 meters, where the most active marine life is observed. Divers will typically turn when air consumption dictates, or when the current shifts, then ascend slowly along the reef wall. The safety stop is performed in shallower, calmer waters, often clinging to a designated line from the tender or finding a sheltered spot, before surfacing for pickup.

Underwater photography

To capture the dynamic marine life of Anse Amyot, wide-angle lenses are essential for encompassing large schools of fish and the numerous sharks in the pass. External strobes are highly recommended to bring out the true colors of the coral and subjects in the clear, but often deep, waters. Due to strong currents, photographers should prioritize stable buoyancy and be prepared for quick adjustments to maintain position and compose shots. Patience is key, as conditions can change rapidly. Remember to maintain a respectful distance from marine life, especially the sharks, and avoid any actions that might disturb their natural behavior or the delicate coral ecosystems.

Combine with nearby dive sites

• North Pass - Fakarava

  Renowned for its 'wall of sharks' and strong drift dives.

• South Pass - Fakarava

  Famous for massive aggregations of grey reef sharks, often combined with North Pass.

• Tiputa Pass

  A high-energy pass in Rangiroa known for dolphins, sharks, and pelagic action.

• Tetamanu - Grouper Wall

  A specific site within Fakarava known for seasonal grouper spawning aggregations.

• Tikehau - Tuheiava Pass

  Offers excellent opportunities for pelagic encounters in another Tuamotu atoll.

Getting there & logistics

Access to Toau - Anse Amyot is predominantly via liveaboard cruises, as it is a remote atoll within the Tuamotu archipelago. The main international gateway to French Polynesia is Faa'a International Airport (PPT) in Papeete, Tahiti. From Papeete, divers typically board a domestic flight to a larger Tuamotu atoll like Fakarava or Rangiroa, where liveaboards often begin their itineraries. Trip lengths for these liveaboard excursions vary, but usually range from 7 to 10 nights, allowing for exploration of multiple dive sites across several atolls, including Toau. No specific dive permits or fees beyond the liveaboard cost are generally required for diving at Anse Amyot.

Safety & environment

Diving at Anse Amyot, especially within its strong currents, demands adherence to strict safety protocols. Divers must possess advanced certification and extensive experience in drift diving. It is crucial to always follow the dive guide's instructions, maintain proper buoyancy, and stay within designated depth limits. The nearest recompression chamber is located in Papeete, Tahiti, which means evacuation in case of a serious dive emergency can be lengthy and complex. Comprehensive dive insurance, including coverage for emergency medical evacuation and recompression, is therefore absolutely mandatory. All divers should have a personal surface marker buoy (SMB) and know how to deploy it.

Who it suits — and who it doesn't

FAQ

Toau - Anse Amyot FAQ

Liveaboards diving Toau - Anse Amyot

These liveaboards may visit Toau - Anse Amyot on selected itineraries — the exact dive sites depend on departure, weather and conditions.

Aqua Tiki II

French Polynesia

8 guests

Aqua Tiki III

French Polynesia

10 guests20 m