The other pass
The Avatoru pass is shallower than the Tiputa pass, and lies at a slightly different angle to the currents. Where it enters the lagoon, it splits into two channels separated by a small island: the right-hand one, the narrower, is called the small pass.
The small pass, on the incoming current
A dive reserved for experienced divers: what makes it difficult is less the depth than the current, which is especially strong in this narrow passage. We start from the middle of the pass, on its right-hand side, and the current carries the dive group through the small pass into the lagoon.
It is the most colourful dive: small caves open in the walls, manta rays feed there against the current and whitetip reef sharks rest there. It ends in the calm waters of the lagoon.
The right exit, on the outgoing current
A dive for all levels, on the ocean drop-off, about 150 metres from the right-hand corner of the pass. We make a wide loop at the mouth of the pass before finishing at the end of the drop-off, with the outgoing current.
Its two highlights: big silvertip sharks and a huge school of trevallies.