Raie Manta Diving Tikehau

Raie Manta Diving Tikehau is an established dive centre situated in the Tuamotu Archipelago, specifically on the island of Tikehau. Operating from the Pension Justine, the centre sits directly on the beach with immediate access to the pontoon, placing you right at the water's edge.

Since its founding in 1993, the centre has focused on providing tailored diving experiences in the local lagoon. The location is ideal for those looking to witness the high-energy ecosystem of the Tuamotu atolls, where the interaction between the open ocean and the lagoon creates world-class diving conditions.

The team is led by Romain and Flavia, building on a legacy started by founder Yves Lefebvre. The professional staff includes four instructors and a captain, Kaharani, ensuring a focused and attentive environment for every diver.

Instruction is provided in French, English, and German. The centre emphasises small group sizes to ensure that dives are adapted to the specific skill levels and interests of each diver, whether you are looking for a relaxed reef exploration or a challenging drift dive.

A comprehensive range of training is available through both PADI and SSI affiliations. Beginners can start with an introduction to diving or work towards their Niveau 1 (Open Water) certification.

For more experienced divers, the centre offers the PE 40m course and Niveau 2 (Advanced) certifications. They also provide refresher dives for those looking to brush up on their skills before heading back into the current.

The centre provides a full range of equipment for hire, allowing you to travel light to the islands. This includes everything from regulators and BCDs to wetsuits and fins.

For those on double dive trips, the centre provides snacks, fresh fruit, and hot drinks on board to keep you fuelled between descents. They also offer souvenir videos for private outings.

The marine life in Tikehau is defined by large pelagics and high-density schooling fish. You can expect to encounter Manta ray (Mobula alfredi), Hammerhead shark (Sphyrna lewini), and Tiger shark (Galeocerdo cuvier) throughout the area. Large schools of Great barracuda (Sphyraena barracuda) and Jack (Carangidae) are common, alongside Napoleon wrasse (Cheilinus undulatus) and various species of trevallies.

In the shallower reef sections and passes, you will find Blacktip reef shark (Carcharhinus melanopterus), Eagle ray (Aetobatus), and various species of Surgeonfish (Acanthuridae). The lagoon is also home to turtles and large numbers of jack mackerels.

During sunset dives at Poito, the local shark known as 'Tapete' is a notable resident. The ecosystem is supported by a vast array of tropical fish, including many species of Butterflyfish (Chaetodon) and Angelfish (Pomacanthidae).

Diving in Tikehau is heavily influenced by the tides. At La passe Tuheiava, dives are typically conducted as drift dives with an incoming current, and schedules are adjusted according to tidal movements.

While the lagoon offers various environments, the passes can experience significant water movement, making them best suited for divers comfortable with current-driven environments.