NBM Dive Site Resource
Tupapa Sandriver
Avarua, Rarotonga, Cook Islands
A broad sandy channel crossing the outer reef toward the northeast drop-off, with overhangs, coral bommies and options for recreational or technical deep-water profiles.
Save this dive site to your free member profile.
Historic Picture Placeholder
Aquatic life at this dive site
What divers may encounter
Three reviewed connections are featured here. Sightings vary by season, conditions, and chance, so they are never guaranteed.
Aquatic life research in progress
NBM is reviewing a likely local species for this position.
Aquatic life research in progress
NBM is reviewing a likely local species for this position.
Aquatic life research in progress
NBM is reviewing a likely local species for this position.
Site media
Photographs
Three views rotate from the published gallery on each visit.
Contributor media
Dive videos
Three featured video positions are reserved on every profile.Published reference location
Location map
The marker shows the public coordinates associated with this profile. Confirm current access, moorings, and departure details before the dive.Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors
Recent field observations
Diver-reported temperatures
Automatically checked observations from dives during the past 14 days. Three reports are visible at a time; scroll for more.A report that passes the automatic checks will appear here with the dive date, diver’s display name, and temperatures at each depth.
Reports are automatically checked for plausible dates, depths, and temperatures. They are observations, not forecasts; confirm conditions before diving.
Why divers know this place
Highlights
Sand channel, drop-off, reef sharks, Napoleon wrasse and seasonal trevally schools.
Before you arrive
Access notes
Stay within the operator’s planned contour and do not use the map marker to locate the channel.
Plan within your training
Conditions and hazards
Depth, blue-water exposure, possible current, overhangs and decompression risk on deeper profiles. Rarotonga is remote from advanced hyperbaric care; use conservative profiles, appropriate insurance and an operator emergency plan.
At the site
Facilities and support
Operator boat, guides, rental equipment and shore facilities on Rarotonga.
Independent resource notice
This record is a starting point for independent verification. Access, closures, moorings, weather, currents, depth, visibility, operator availability, and site conditions can change without notice. Confirm current information with the responsible operator, property owner, managing authority, or another qualified local source before planning or attempting a dive.