Explore the Infinite Shades of Blue of Fakarava Lagoon
Overall Rating
Spectacular diving with O2 Fakarava!! Thibault and Marion are running an excellent dive operation- great boat, professional captain, and wonderful dive guides. Dives at both the North and South Pass are among the best we’ve ever seen- the visibility, marine life (so many sharks!!), coral etc. were all stunning. As in many dive sites in FP, divers are unfortunately encouraged to hold onto coral while diving in strong currents. Not sure if there’s any alternative in strong currents, but I wish there was. Overall, highly recommended dive operation for this magical destination.
Marion and Thibault are fantastic dive instructors who know perfectly the sites they take you to. Groups are small, which is great when you're a heavy diver, comfortable in currents (and also for less experienced divers, obviously). On one occasion it was only Marion and me, diving in the North pass. We saw a manta ray, some dolphins passing by, and plenty of sharks…what a treat! The dive equipment and the boats are in excellent shape. The atmosphere is relaxed, friendly yet very professional. The dive sites, the underwater visibility and the marine life in Fakarava are out of this world! I’ll be back!
Why We Love It
In the middle of the Pacific Ocean, 450 km northeast of Tahiti lies Fakarava, the second-largest atoll of French Polynesia. Part of the Tuamotus Archipelago, and a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, the North and South passes and the lagoon are teeming with marine life. It hosts some of the most healthy corals, hundreds of sharks, schooling fish, dolphins, and manta rays - all with truly exceptional visibility. Every year, in June or July, a marble grouper spawning event takes place, attracting hundreds of sharks! Between dives, bike across the village with its gorgeous, flower-lined roads, bright coral churches, and quaint homes. At night, marvel at the infinite shades of blue lagoon that inspired Matisse, and toast to spectacular sunsets from the beach.
Conservation
The dive center in the North Pass has been built entirely of wood and uses rainwater. They ask their clients to only use reef-safe sunscreens. They promote local employment.
Who Is It For?
For pelagic lovers, beginners can dive in the lagoon while experienced divers will enjoy the drift dives in the passes. Non-diving partners are also welcome to partake in activities such as cycling, kayaking, excursions to other beaches and lagoons, snorkeling, visiting a pearl farm, or simply sitting back with a coconut cocktail.
Prices and Dates
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Dive Briefing!
Marine Life
- Fakarava is one of the world's best dive spots, and a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.
- Fakarava is also home to a big marble groupers spawning event that attracts hundreds of sharks (and scientists!) every year. Depending on the year, the event takes place during the full moon of June or July.
- Huge coral heads, schools of fish in the thousands, “walls” of sharks (grey reef sharks, black & white tip sharks, silky sharks, hammerheads) in the passes, dolphins, manta rays, humpback whales in season, barracudas, tunas, napoleon fish, groupers, butterflies, angels, surgeonfish... some good macro life too.
Dive Conditions
- Season: diving all year long. June & July: groupers spawning event. July to September: manta rays. December to March: Great Hammerheads.
- Currents: strong and changing - some dive sites are not suitable for beginners or anyone who doesn’t feel comfortable in currents.
- Visibility: 30 meters (98 ft)
- Water Temperature: 26° to 29°C (79° to 84°F)
- Depth: deep and shallow dives
Dive Sites
- Dives in the passes are drift dives, with canyons. They require good buoyancy skills and currents experience.
- Inside the lagoon dive sites have less current, they are usually more shallow with beautiful coral gardens.
- Two main areas for diving: Garuae Pass in the north where most dives are - the pass is 1.6km wide, and Tumakohua Pass in the south, 60km away
- Dive sites in the north: Garuae Pass, Maiuru, Ohutu, Pufana. In the south: Tumakohua Pass, known for its wall of 500 sharks!
- Up to three dives per day, seven days a week. Dusk dives are only possible in the South pass, with an additional charge.
The Team
- Operation created in 2016 in the North and more than 20 years ago in the South
- Number of boats: two in the North and in the South
- Courses up to Divemaster, ask us
- Instruction in English and French
- Maximum divers per group: five
Safety Information
- Equipment Recommended: a Surface Marker Buoy and a Nautilus Lifeline if you have one, as currents can be strong. A 5mm wetsuit between July and October, and a 3mm wetsuit the other months of the year.
- Insurance: both dive insurance and travel insurance are mandatory. We recommend DAN Europe that has plans to cover both - ask us for a quote.
- Nearest Hyperbaric Chamber: Tahiti, 450km away from the atoll. No doctor on the island.
Visas, Flights, and More!
Visa Requirements
- Please check the current visa policy that applies for your country.
- Many countries are entitled to a three-month stay without a visa, check what's requires on the website of the French Polynesia Prefecture
How to Get There
- From the USA: United Airlines, Air Tahiti Nui, Hawaiian Airlines and Air France
- From Australia: Air Tahiti Nui thanks to partnership agreements with Qantas, Air New Zealand and Emirates
- From New Zealand: Air New Zealand and Air Tahiti Nui
- From France: Air France and Emirates have the shortest flight times to Papeete
- Once in Papeete, French Polynesia, fly with Air Tahiti to go to Fakarava. If you want to visit more islands, you can purchase the Air Tahiti Multi-island Pass, it is really worth it!
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- Bring reef-safe sunscreen, a hat, a rash guard, some insect repellent, and your own medicine (in case of a lack of pharmacies).
Destinations
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