This dive site, known as Rutaki Passage or Avanui, is the deepest passage on Rarotonga, characterized by narrow, vertical canyon walls that begin just below the surface and include exciting swim-throughs. The site is renowned for its frequent strong currents, which make for a thrilling drift dive, contributing to its natural spookiness alongside often limited visibility. Navigating the passage requires careful attention due to the currents and topography.
Divers can frequently encounter green sea turtles, whitetip reef sharks, and majestic eagle rays. Large schools of various fish species often congregate at the passage entrance, and moray eels are common residents within the reef's crevices, adding to the site's rich biodiversity.
While the Cook Islands generally offer year-round diving, the exhilarating currents and unique topography of Rutaki Passage provide a memorable experience. This site is best suited for advanced divers due to the strong currents and potentially challenging visibility. Freedivers should exercise extreme caution or avoid this site due to the challenging conditions.
