

Best for intermediate divers, 15-30m, boat entry, mild current.
Mushroom Forest is a reef and artificial reef site off the coast of Rarotonga, named for its distinctive coral formations. Accessible only by boat, the site ranges from 15 to 30 metres in depth with visibility between 15 and 30 metres. Divers encounter common wrasses and groupers, alongside uncommon species including the lunartail grouper, turkey moray, reticulated butterflyfish, lemonpeel angelfish, and various triggerfish. Water temperatures remain between 25 and 28C. While currents are generally mild, divers should remain aware of surge and swell conditions, which can impact manoeuvring at depth. Hazards include potential jellyfish stings, stonefish, and sharks. This site is suited for intermediate divers.
-21.20143, -159.76995
Bring a torch to illuminate colours within the darker recesses beneath coral overhangs.
Shore entry requires reef boots due to coral fragments in the lagoon. Sandy channels between formations provide the safest walking routes.
Recorded at this site
Depth
15-30m
Visibility
15-30m
Skill Level
Intermediate
Entry
Boat
Boat required
Water Temp
25-28°C
Current
Mild
Typical Dive
45 min
Best Time
Jun, Sep, Oct, Nov
Divers regularly encounter common wrasses and groupers. Uncommon species recorded at the site include the lunartail grouper, turkey moray, reticulated butterflyfish, lemonpeel angelfish, dot and dash butterflyfish, flagtail triggerfish, pyramid butterflyfish, freckled hawkfish, blacktip grouper, masked bannerfish, Pacific orange-spine unicornfish, and pinktail triggerfish.
Mushroom Forest is rated for intermediate divers. The presence of surge and swell, combined with depths reaching 30 metres, requires careful attention during the dive.
The site ranges from 15 to 30 metres, with an average depth of 20 metres.
Boat access is required to reach Mushroom Forest.
The site is primarily a dive location with depths starting at 15 metres, making it unsuitable for snorkelling.
Diving at Mushroom Forest in Rarotonga requires the following certifications: Open Water. Always dive within your training limits.
A 3mm wetsuit is recommended for diving at Mushroom Forest in Rarotonga. Water temperatures range from 25°C to 28°C.
The best months to visit Mushroom Forest in Rarotonga are June, September, October, and November. Conditions outside these months can still be good but are less predictable.
Divers at Mushroom Forest in Rarotonga should be aware of lionfish. These encounters are generally rare and avoidable with proper awareness. Follow local safety guidance and maintain a respectful distance from all marine life.
Mushroom Forest in Rarotonga typically has mild currents that most divers can handle comfortably.
Visibility at Mushroom Forest in Rarotonga typically ranges from 15 metres to 30 metres. Conditions vary with weather, tides, and seasons.