Cook Islands · Rarotonga northeast coast
Tupapa Sand River
Also known as: Sand River
Best time to dive
January to December; April to November
What you might see
- Grey reef sharkLikely
- Napoleon wrasseLikely
Sightings are seasonal probabilities, not promises - even in peak season nature does its own thing.
Certification & difficulty
Technical - advanced conditions (currents/depth); dive within your training.
Snorkelling
Not a snorkel site - No - boat dive site with significant depth range
Safety notes
Sandy channel with deep drop to 50 m+ - depth awareness needed for divers going beyond recreational limits
Permits & fees
No government dive permit required; operators require proof of certification (C-card) and logbook
Permits and operators change - confirm before booking.
Location
Nearest hub: Rarotonga
This profile is desk research, compiled from public sources - not a first-hand dive report. Coordinates are approximate.