The Best Scuba Diving in Aitutaki: Top 20 Places to Scuba Dive

Not to be confused with the famous Black Rock of Rarotonga, Aitutaki's Black Rock dive site is actually a wreck dive! This sunk barge on the west side of the lagoon, an easy boat ride from Arutanga, harbours all sorts of colourful pink and purple coral.

In between is an array of butterflyfish, emporers and even large Napolean wrasse and barracuda as you reach the 20 m (21.9 yards) mark. Like most of the Aitutaki dive sites, there's always likely to be a turtle to bubble "Kia Orana" at.

Despite being the passage with the most boat traffic on the lagoon, the Arutanga Passage is lined with amazing hard and plated corals. Home to parrotfish, angelfish and emporers within easy sight, a closer look will bring you across moray eels nestled in the crevasses of the canyon walls.

In the currents, expect to see eagle rays and turtles swimming by, as well as the odd reef shark toward the end of the passage.

The northernmost passage of Aitutaki, Marine Passage is an awesome dive site and an amped-up version of the nearby snorkelling site, Base One. Find all sorts of craggy coral formations along the passage and enjoy an easy-going drift dive.

Behind a marine reserve established by the Pacific Resort Aitutaki, the Amuri Drop is where the regenerating coral of this western side of the lagoon really comes to life. Follow the reef's edge, which delves into the depths of the deep blue.

As the name suggests, The Chimney also known as "Atuatane" is a stunning towering coral formation found off the lagoon shores of Arutanga. It makes for an awesome second dive along the west coast of Aitutaki.

Another top snorkelling site in Aitutaki, the Wreck of Alexander is an awesome lagoon wreck dive with all sorts of life clinging onto its remains that have been here since 1951. Scuba dive with giant trevally, giant clams and oh-so-much more on this dive site that's suitable for beginners.

While the snorkelling around Honeymoon Island is incredible, wait until you reach the outer edges of the lagoon with its coral walls. All the usual suspects are here, from colourful reef fish to giant GTs, turtles and more.

At the far southeastern tip of the Aitutaki Lagoon, the coral gardens just off the shores of Motukitu are well worth the journey (well, it feels like a journey compared to the 15 minutes it usually takes to get to the rest of the dive sites in Aitutaki). There are colourful corals and teeming reef life to see at all depths here, making the site suitable for any diver.

Akaima Point and the nearby Akaima Fingers can be found on the eastern edge of the lagoon off the shores of motu (island) Akaima. This interesting drop-off features an array of creatures, from the elusive giant moray eels to the curious turtle and much much more.

Another excellent passage dive with dramatic canyons on either side, the Papau Passage makes for a fun drift dive near the tiny motu Papau.