Discover the wild depths of Rangiroa Atoll
Experience legendary drift dives, wild dolphin encounters, and pelagic shark passes in French Polynesia with Te Mao Diving Center's certified Polynesian dive masters.
Tiputa Pass Drift
OCEAN VISIBILITY
Reef Wall Depth
Pelagic Rate
Pristine Waters, Strict Conservation Standards
Te Mao Diving Center pairs elite safety protocols with profound Polynesian respect for our ocean. Discover verified telemetry metrics and certified environmental stewardship in the Tuamotu Archipelago.
Strict small-group policy in Tiputa and Avatoru passes to guarantee diver safety and personalized attention.
High probability interactions with the wild bottlenose dolphins of Tiputa on incoming drift currents.
Daily encounters with great hammerheads, silvertips, white-tips, and massive schools of grey reef sharks.
Unrivaled oceanic clarity inside the protected UNESCO Biosphere Reserve of the Tuamotu Archipelago.
Committed to Rangiroa's Living Biosphere
We dive under strict ecological charters ensuring zero reef contact, non-intrusive pelagic encounters, and active support for local marine biology research.
DIREM
Polynesian Environment Office
GF-PAC-884Blue Oceans
Environmental Leadership
PADI-ECO-2024Longitude 181
Responsible Diver Charter
L181-CHARTERPolynesian Biosphere
Tuamotu Sanctuary Partner
UNESCO-TUAMOTUCurated Guided Dives & Pelagic Encounters
From the world-renowned high-speed currents of Tiputa Pass to serene lagoon coral nurseries, our certified Polynesian dive team leads safe, personalized underwater adventures tailored to every experience level.

Ride the incoming oceanic current through the world-famous Tiputa Pass. Encounter resident bottlenose dolphins, schools of grey reef sharks, and gliding eagle rays.
- Resident wild bottlenose dolphin interactions
- Massive grey reef shark walls (100+ specimens)
- Great Hammerhead (Mokarran) plateau encounters

A scenic pass exploration famous for encounters with inquisitive Silvertip sharks, schools of bigeye jacks, and vibrant coral formations perched at the lagoon threshold.
- Consistent Silvertip shark observation zones
- Thousands of schooling bigeye trevally jacks
- Vibrant hard coral pinnacles & manta cleaning stations

Calm, crystal-clear warm waters ideal for beginners, refresher dives, and underwater photography. Explore intricate coral heads teeming with tropical marine life.
- Gentle conditions with 40m+ horizontal visibility
- Hawksbill and green sea turtle foraging sites
- Endemic Polynesian reef fish & macro nudibranchs

Experience Rangiroa after sundown. Watch reef sharks actively hunt under beam lights and witness mesmerizing natural bioluminescence dancing in the current.
- Active night-hunting moray eels and whitetip sharks
- Fluorescent corals under specialized blue UV torches
- Bioluminescent plankton bursts upon light switch-off

Tailor your dive day across Rangiroa's outer reefs and Blue Lagoon. Enjoy flexible schedules, gourmet Polynesian snacks on board, and dedicated dive master guidance.
- Flexible launch times timed precisely to optimal slack tides
- Dedicated boat captain and master instructor for your group
- Access to remote outer reef locations and secret drift drop-offs

Earn your global dive credentials in warm Polynesian waters. From Scuba Diver to Rescue & Divemaster, train with experienced instructors using top-tier Mares equipment.
- PADI and SSI certified multilingual instructors
- Digital e-learning combined with small practical lagoon modules
- Complimentary high-definition underwater graduation photos
Need a Custom Multi-Day Dive Package?
We organize complete dive packages including pass drifts, Nitrox refills, rental gear, and airport transfers in Rangiroa.
The Te Mao Difference
We prioritize marine sanctuary stewardship, intimate four-diver groups, high-end telemetry gear, and rigorous tidal planning for exceptional experiences in Rangiroa.

Standard Metric
100%
Verified Protocol
Eco-Conscious Policy
Operational Commitments
- Comprehensive Polynesian marine ecosystem briefings prior to water entry
- Active contribution to local shark and manta ray identification databases
- Reef-safe sunscreen mandates and single-use plastic prohibition on dive boats
Pass Specialists
Tiputa & Avatoru expertise with real-time current calculation.
Native Guides
Polynesian instructors with deep understanding of local pelagics.
PADI / SSI Center
Complete internationally recognized certification progressions.
Pure Air & Nitrox
State-of-the-art multi-stage Bauer compressor filtration.
Ready to dive the world-famous Tiputa & Avatoru Passes?
Contact our instructors directly to organize custom schedules and equipment fittings.
Passages Through the Deep
Authentic experiences from international divers in Rangiroa’s world-renowned passes.
Dr. Alistair Vance
United Kingdom
"Drifting through Tiputa at full flood surrounded by a school of thirty great hammerheads and playful wild dolphins is something that changes you forever. Teva and the boat crew manage current drift lines with unmatched precision."
Elena Rostova
Switzerland
"My first time pelagic drift diving and I never felt safer. Lana's boat maneuvers and the bespoke briefing kept our small pod relaxed while manta rays flew barely two meters above our bubbles."
Marcus & Keiko Tanaka
Japan / USA
"Te Mao exemplifies true Polynesian oceanic stewardship. Pristine Mares gear, top-tier Nitrox fills, and deep respect for Tuamotu marine sanctuaries. We have already rebooked for the mokarran migration."
Ready to log your Tuamotu underwater adventure?
Small team expeditions departing daily from Avatoru Marina.
Plan Your Rangiroa Expedition with Unrivaled Ocean Encounters
Drift alongside great hammerheads, manta squadrons, and playful bottlenose dolphins in the legendary passes of Tiputa and Avatoru. Small group sizes ensure tailored safety and direct access to French Polynesia's wildest marine habitats.