Aroa Wreck – Tahiti (Society Islands)

22m Max

12-25m Vis

boat

Site Overview

The Aroa Wreck is a small aircraft intentionally sunk as an artificial reef off the coast of Tahiti, resting at approximately eighteen metres on a sandy bottom where it has become a thriving ecosystem supporting an impressive diversity of marine life. The aircraft structure, now heavily colonised by corals and sponges, provides hard substrate in an otherwise sandy environment, attracting species that would not normally inhabit the surrounding seafloor. Frogfish are the star attraction at the Aroa Wreck, with multiple individuals of different colours and sizes using the aircraft surfaces as hunting platforms where their extraordinary camouflage makes them nearly invisible against the coral-encrusted metal. Batfish gather around the wreck in small schools, their distinctive triangular bodies and curious nature making them approachable subjects for photography. Lionfish perch on the wing surfaces and fuselage with their flowing fins fully displayed, their venomous spines creating a beautiful but dangerous display. Glassfish swarm through the cabin openings and wing structures, their transparent bodies catching the light as they school in tight formations. Moray eels inhabit the darker recesses of the aircraft, with several species using the enclosed spaces as daytime shelter before emerging to hunt at night. The wreck sits upright on the sandy bottom with all major structural elements intact, making it accessible for exploration without the risks associated with deeper or more deteriorated wrecks. The combination of the unique aircraft structure, abundant colonising organisms, and the diverse fish community makes the Aroa Wreck a popular and rewarding dive site for divers of all experience levels.

Dive Briefing

"Descend along the anchor line to the sandy bottom where the aircraft wreck materialises from the blue water, its distinctive fuselage and wing shapes immediately recognisable despite the heavy coral colonisation. Circle the exterior of the wreck first, observing the frogfish that hunt from the wing surfaces and fuselage with their extraordinary camouflage blending perfectly against the encrusting organisms. Multiple individuals can often be found on a single dive, ranging from tiny juveniles to impressive adults displaying different colour patterns. Batfish school near the tail section and upper fuselage, approaching divers with characteristic curiosity that allows close observation and photography. Lionfish are abundant on the wing surfaces and around the engine nacelles, their ornate fins and bold patterns making them photogenic subjects despite their venomous spines. Peer into the cabin openings where glassfish swarm in the filtered light, their transparent bodies creating a shimmering cloud that parts as you approach. Moray eels extend their heads from various openings in the aircraft structure, with some individuals growing to impressive sizes in the productive artificial reef environment. The sandy bottom surrounding the wreck supports garden eels and stingrays that add to the diversity of the site. As you ascend from the wreck, take time to observe the site from above where the aircraft shape is clearly visible against the white sand. Complete your safety stop in the shallows above the wreck where juvenile fish and cleaning stations provide additional interest."