Avapeihi Pass – Huahine (Society Islands)

30m Max

10-30m Vis

boat

Site Overview

Avapeihi Pass is Huahine's main ocean entrance and a productive drift diving site where the tidal currents funnel nutrient-rich ocean water through the barrier reef gap, attracting an impressive array of pelagic and reef species to this relatively uncrowded dive location. Whitetip reef sharks are the most consistently encountered large predators, resting in small groups on the sandy patches at the base of the pass walls or cruising the reef edge with their characteristic easy swimming style that belies their predatory capabilities. Massive schools of jacks and trevally form one of the most spectacular features of the pass, their silver bodies creating dense aggregations that move in coordinated patterns through the current as they hunt smaller fish concentrated by the water flow. Eagle rays make regular appearances in the pass, their broad wings carrying them gracefully through the nutrient-rich water as they search for molluscs and crustaceans on the sandy bottom areas. The pass walls are covered in healthy hard coral formations including extensive branching Acropora colonies that provide habitat for countless small reef fish and invertebrate species. The relative lack of diver traffic compared to more famous passes in the Tuamotus means that the marine life at Avapeihi remains naturally behaved and approachable, creating authentic encounters with wild animals in their undisturbed habitat.

Dive Briefing

"Descend at the pass entrance and allow the incoming current to carry you through the channel while maintaining neutral buoyancy and a streamlined profile. Whitetip reef sharks are typically encountered within the first few minutes of the dive, either resting on the sandy bottom or cruising along the reef edge with their distinctive swimming style. Schools of jacks and trevally form massive aggregations in the mid-water column of the pass, their coordinated movements creating spectacular visual displays that are best appreciated with wide-angle photography techniques. Eagle rays appear periodically from the blue water, banking gracefully through the current as they navigate the pass in search of food. The hard coral formations along the pass walls provide excellent secondary interest with their diverse community of associated reef fish and invertebrates. Your guide will lead the group along the protected side of the pass where the current is slightly reduced while still providing excellent marine life encounters. Exit the pass at the designated point and deploy your DSMB for the boat pickup while completing your safety stop in open water away from the reef edge."