Diving in Fakarava

Explore 7 dive sites in Fakarava, French Polynesia. Ocean conditions, marine species, and dive centres.

Marine Life in Fakarava

Home to 206 recorded species including 178 reef fish, 8 sea cucumbers, 6 whales & dolphins, 5 sharks & rays, 4 sea snails & nudibranchs, 1 clams & mussels.

Dive Site Difficulty in Fakarava

Fakarava has 2 beginner, 1 intermediate dive sites - suitable for divers of all levels.

Marine Protected Areas in Fakarava

  • Commune de Fakarava - UNESCO-MAB Biosphere Reserve (IUCN Category Not Applicable)
  • Atoll de Aratika - Habitat or Species Management Area (IUCN Category IV)
  • Atoll de Aratika - Managed Natural Resource Protected Area (IUCN Category VI)
  • Atoll de Fakarava - Natural monument (IUCN Category III)
  • Atoll de Fakarava - Habitat or Species Management Area (IUCN Category IV)
  • Atoll de Fakarava - Protected natural landscape (IUCN Category V)
  • Atoll de Fakarava - Managed Natural Resource Protected Area (IUCN Category VI)
  • Atoll de Kauehi ouest - Habitat or Species Management Area (IUCN Category IV)
  • Atoll de Kauehi sud - Habitat or Species Management Area (IUCN Category IV)
  • Atoll de Kauehi - Managed Natural Resource Protected Area (IUCN Category VI)
  • Atoll de Raraka - Habitat or Species Management Area (IUCN Category IV)
  • Atoll de Raraka - Managed Natural Resource Protected Area (IUCN Category VI)
  • Atoll de Toau nord - Habitat or Species Management Area (IUCN Category IV)
  • Atoll de Toau ouest - Habitat or Species Management Area (IUCN Category IV)
  • Atoll de Toau est - Managed Natural Resource Protected Area (IUCN Category VI)
  • Espace maritime de Taiaro - Managed Natural Resource Protected Area (IUCN Category VI)
  • Atoll de Niau - Managed Natural Resource Protected Area (IUCN Category VI)
  • Fakarava intracommunal - Managed Natural Resource Protected Area (IUCN Category VI)

Getting to Fakarava - Nearest Airports

  • Fakarava Airport (FAV) - 16 km away, approx 33 min travel time
  • Fa'a'ā International Airport (PPT), Papeete - 449 km away, approx 505 min travel time
  • Anaa Airport (AAA), Anaa - 129 km away, approx 156 min travel time

Dive Sites

Dive Centres

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best dive sites in Fakarava for seeing sharks and other large marine life?
Fakarava is renowned for its shark encounters, particularly in its famous passes. The Tumakohua Pass, also known as the South Pass, is famous for its wall of hundreds of grey reef sharks gathered in the current-swept channel. The Garuae Pass (North Pass) and The channel also offer excellent opportunities for encountering large marine life.
What are the typical diving conditions like in Fakarava, including visibility and currents?
Diving in Fakarava is characterized by strong currents, especially in its famous passes, making drift diving a common practice. Dive sites like Garuae Pass, The channel, and Tumakohua Pass are all intermediate drift dives. These current-swept channels are precisely what attract the abundant marine life, offering generally excellent visibility.
When is the best time of year to dive in Fakarava for specific marine life encounters, such as grouper spawning or hammerhead sharks?
The provided data does not specify the best time of year for particular marine life encounters like grouper spawning or hammerhead sharks in Fakarava. For detailed seasonal information on marine life and optimal diving conditions, please consult our When to Dive guide.
Is Fakarava suitable for beginner scuba divers, or is it primarily recommended for experienced divers?
Fakarava offers options for divers of all experience levels, though its famous pass dives are typically intermediate. Beginner-friendly sites such as Pufana (reef) and Tombant d Ohotu (wall) are available. With 6 dive centres in the sub-region, you can find guidance suitable for various skill sets.
How do travelers typically get to Fakarava for a dive trip, and what are the travel logistics involved?
The provided data does not detail specific travel logistics for getting to Fakarava. Typically, travelers fly into Tahiti (PPT) and then take a domestic flight to Fakarava. For comprehensive travel information to this UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, please refer to general travel resources for French Polynesia.
What kind of marine life can divers expect to encounter in Fakarava's North (Garuae) and South (Tumakohua) Passes?
In Fakarava, both the North (Garuae Pass) and South (Tumakohua Pass) Passes are teeming with marine life. The South Pass is particularly famous for its impressive 'wall' of hundreds of grey reef sharks. Divers can expect to encounter a wide array of pelagic species attracted by the strong currents in these channels, making for thrilling encounters.
Are there any specific challenges or unique conditions divers should be aware of when planning dives in Fakarava's passes?
Diving in Fakarava's passes, such as Garuae Pass and Tumakohua Pass, primarily involves drift diving due to strong, current-swept channels. These conditions, while attracting incredible marine life, require intermediate diving skills and comfort with currents. Divers should be prepared for dynamic environments and plan dives according to tidal movements for the best experience.
What are the seasonal weather patterns and water temperature variations in Fakarava that impact diving conditions?
The provided data does not include specific seasonal weather patterns or water temperature variations for Fakarava. Generally, French Polynesia enjoys warm tropical waters year-round, but for detailed seasonal information impacting diving conditions, please refer to our When to Dive section.