Pa'ipa'i

Pa’ipa’i (also known as Passe de Tiva) is a pass drift dive in the barrier reef of Taha’a, one of the Society Islands of French Polynesia. The pass channels tidal exchange between the Pacific Ocean and the Raiatea-Taha’a lagoon, creating the drift conditions typical of Society Islands pass diving.

Overview

Pa’ipa’i descends to around 20–25 metres at the channel floor before shoaling into the lagoon. Tidal flows can run strongly — up to 3–5 knots on active tides. The pass features yellow coral formations, canyons, and a drop-off. Visibility on incoming oceanic water is typically 25–35 metres. Water temperatures average 27–28°C. Operators rate this as an Advanced site due to depth and current requirements.

IMPORTANT CORRECTION: The previous description of “hundreds of grey reef sharks / wall of sharks” was removed. This famous phenomenon is documented at Fakarava’s South Pass (Tumakohua Pass) in the Tuamotu Archipelago — not at Pa’ipa’i/Passe de Tiva in Taha’a. No independent source confirmed a “wall of hundreds of sharks” at Pa’ipa’i specifically.

What to Expect

Grey reef sharks are present in the pass on incoming tides, consistent with Society Islands pass diving generally. Whitetip reef sharks are also encountered along the channel walls and reef edges. The yellow coral formations on the pinnacles and pass walls are a visual highlight. Trevally, surgeonfish, and barracuda pass through the channel. Eagle rays are expected. The pass offers a typical high-current Society Islands drift experience with reef shark encounters.

Conditions

• Best season: April–November
• Visibility: 25–35 m on incoming tide
• Current: Strong (3–5 knots at peak); Advanced divers only
• Water temperature: 27–28°C
• Entry: Boat drift dive; guide mandatory

Conditions

• Best season: April–November; aggregation peaks vary seasonally
• Visibility: 30–40 m on incoming tide
• Current: Very strong (3–5 knots at peak); fins and positioning critical
• Water temperature: 27–28°C
• Entry: Boat drift dive; guide mandatory

Tips

This is strictly an Advanced dive and is frequently listed as the flagship site by Raiatea and Taha’a dive operators. Dives are conducted with small groups and experienced local guides who know the shark behaviour cycles. Buoyancy mastery and strong fin technique are mandatory — divers who cannot manage the current will be unsafe and will disturb the aggregation. Book in advance with Taha’a or Raiatea-based operators who specialise in this site.

Sources: Te Moana Diving - Raiatea & Taha’a, Tahiti.com - Scuba Diving Raiatea Taha’a, Polynesia Paradise - Raiatea Diving. Last updated 2026-05-30.