
Le Tikehau by Pearl Resorts
★★★★
★ 9.7/10 (100 reviews)
less than 1 km away as the crow flies
Dive centre · Tuamotu · French Polynesia
4.9195 Google reviewsDive the Tuheiava Pass to encounter Manta rays and Tiger sharks with an SSI-affiliated team based at Pension Hotu.

Coco Dive Tikehau is situated on the atoll of Tikehau in French Polynesia, operating directly from the Pension Hotu. This location places you right on the edge of the action, with the white sand beaches of the atoll providing a serene backdrop to your diving adventures.
The centre focuses on the rich marine ecosystems found around the atoll, particularly the high-energy environments of the passes. Whether you are looking to complete your initial certifications or seeking exploration dives to see large pelagics, the operation is geared towards the specific conditions of this remote archipelago.
The centre is run by State-certified instructors who manage all aspects of the diving programme. They provide instruction for a wide range of divers, from those taking their very first breath underwater to those looking to advance their technical skills.
Safety is a primary focus for the team, with instructors trained in first aid and oxygen therapy kits maintained on board for all excursions. The centre operates seven days a week, ensuring flexibility for those staying on the atoll.
As an SSI affiliated centre, Coco Dive Tikehau offers a structured progression of courses. Beginners can start with a baptism or an initiation programme, which includes a training dive to get comfortable in the water.
The curriculum covers the full SSI range, including SSI Scuba Diver, SSI Open Water Diver, and SSI Junior Open Water Diver. For those looking to extend their capabilities, the centre provides training for the SSI Deep Diver 40m certification.
A full range of diving kit is available for hire, allowing you to travel light to Tikehau. This includes all the necessary components for a complete setup, from regulators to exposure suits.
For those interested in night diving, the centre provides the necessary torches and equipment to explore the reef after dark. Safety equipment, including oxygen administration kits, is kept readily available to ensure all dives are conducted according to professional standards.
The Tuheiava Pass is the primary area for exploration, offering a dynamic environment where you can encounter a high density of marine life. These dives are often characterised by the presence of large sharks and rays passing through the channel.
Beyond the passes, the centre organises excursions to the Bird Island (Île aux Oiseaux) and private motu for BBQ outings, providing a change of scenery from the standard reef dives.
The waters around Tikehau are famous for their large pelagics. You can regularly encounter Manta ray (Mobula alfredi) and various shark species, including the Tiger shark (Galeocerdo cuvier) and Blacktip reef shark (Carcharhinus melanopterus).
Between November and April, the area becomes a significant site for Hammerhead shark (Sphyrna lewini) sightings. You may also observe Eagle ray (Aetobatus), various trevallies, and Jack (Carangidae) moving through the water column.
The reef is populated by a diverse array of tropical fish, including Surgeonfish (Acanthuridae), Butterflyfish (Chaetodon), and Angelfish (Pomacanthidae). Schools of jack mackerels and brassy trevallies are common sights during drift dives near the passes.
Diving in Tikehau is generally considered relatively easy due to the local conditions. The centre plans its daily schedule based on the tides, which is essential for navigating the passes safely.
The water temperature remains warm throughout the year, typically ranging between 26 and 29 degrees Celsius.
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