Tikehau - Tikehau Diving

Tikehau Diving is situated at the foot of the Tikehau marina, providing direct access to the atoll's most significant marine environments. The centre operates with a professional approach, catering to those looking to explore the unique ecosystem of the French Polynesian atolls.

Logistics are handled through a dedicated fleet of vehicles, the Sea car pick-up, which provides included transfers to and from your accommodation. This ensures that your transition from the shore to the dive boats is seamless, allowing you to focus entirely on the underwater environment.

The centre is run with a family atmosphere, combining a warm welcome with a high standard of professional service. The team is experienced in managing the specific requirements of atoll diving, ensuring that both beginners and seasoned divers are well-supported.

Safety is a primary focus, with a team of professionals dedicated to maintaining high standards of instruction and dive management. The centre is also set up to accommodate various needs, including specialized dive rehabilitation programmes for those returning to the water.

Training is available for a range of levels, starting with the Open Water Diver course for those new to the sport. The centre also offers the N1 certification for those following local training pathways.

For divers who need to regain their confidence in the water, specialized dive rehabilitation programmes are available. This ensures that anyone looking to return to diving can do so under professional supervision.

The fleet includes the Mobula, used for standard dive trips, and the Lysandra, which is available for private outings. These vessels are well-suited for navigating the local waters and reaching the various passes and reefs surrounding the atoll.

On board, the experience is made more comfortable with local treats such as coconut, fruit juice, and local beignets. The boats depart from the quay at scheduled times, typically following a morning pick-up service.

The centre provides a full range of rental equipment, featuring Cressi brand kit. This includes a variety of wetsuit options, with both shorty and full suits available in thicknesses of 3mm and 5mm, ranging from size XS to XXXL.

For those who prefer to bring their own kit, the centre maintains high standards of maintenance, with regulators serviced annually. BCDs are provided as Solid stab jackets to ensure reliable buoyancy control during your dives.

The marine life at the passes is incredibly dense, with large schools of jack mackerels and brassy trevallies moving through the water. You will frequently encounter various predators, including Tiger shark (Galeocerdo cuvier), Hammerhead shark (Sphyrna lewini), and Blacktip reef shark (Carcharhinus melanopterus). Large Napoleon wrasse (Cheilinus undulatus) are also a common sight among the reef structures.

Pelagic species are a highlight of the area, with regular sightings of Manta ray (Mobula alfredi) and various rays, including Eagle ray (Aetobatus) and leopard rays. Dolphins (Delphinidae) are also known to frequent these waters, adding to the excitement of a drift dive.

The reef itself is a vibrant ecosystem, home to a wide array of tropical fish, including Surgeonfish (Acanthuridae), Butterflyfish (Chaetodon), and Angelfish (Pomacanthidae). The presence of healthy coral formations provides a complex habitat for these species to thrive.

Diving in Tikehau often involves navigating the tidal passes. At sites like La passe de Tuheiava, you can take advantage of the incoming current to drift through the fish populations with minimal effort.

Conditions can vary based on the swell and tidal movements, so the guides monitor the water closely to ensure safe passage through the channels and onto the reef flats.