Fakarava

DRIFT THROUGH THE WALL OF SHARKS

FAKARAVA

Fakarava is home to rare, endemic, and protected species of wildlife across both land and water. The atoll is a remarkable untouched environment that has been officially designated a UNESCO biosphere. Its reserve is believed to have one of the largest concentrations of grey sharks in the world.

DIVE
SITES

Come face to face with a wall of one of the largest concentrations of grey sharks in the world for an unforgettable experience.

Tetamanu Pass

Here you’ll witness nothing short of a phenomenon, a towering wall of hundreds of sharks that school for this annual gathering. It’s something you need to see to believe, but only if you can muster the courage to experience this unforgettable spectacle.

The Garuae Pass

At around 30-40 meters in depth, The Garuar Pass is one of the largest passes in The Islands of Tahiti. Let the incoming current carry you towards the lagoon where along the journey, you will see silhouettes of larger predators off in the distance. Here barracudas, groupers, and rays roam the deep blue waters.

Dive Centers

OTHER
ACTIVITIES

Head on a tour to see all the islets that surround Fakarava or explore the ancient village of Tetamanu to learn about its history.

 Boating

Boating

Take part in a tour across motu (islets) of fine sand in the northern part of the atoll and in particular the Green Lagoon ‘Teahatea’ or the Southern Pass and its surroundings.

Cultural visit

Cultural visit

Head out and explore the ancient village of Tetamanu, dive the coral beauty of The Southern Pass, indulge in the riches of the pearl farm, and wander the picturesque village of Rotoava with its nicely decorated Catholic church and small craft shops.

Bird watching

Bird watching

All you need to do is look up to the sky – or even the nearest branch – to see the most glorious collection of tropical and subtropical seabirds. Many fly hundreds of miles just to come and nest here.

GETTING
HERE

If you’re visiting more than one island in The Islands of Tahiti then fly with Air Tahiti. It offers a multi-flight pass that saves you time and money.

Fly into Fakarava airport

Air Tahiti flies direct from Papeete seven days a week and offers flights from Bora Bora on select days. In addition, Manihi, Tikehau, Fakarava, and many other atolls have connecting flights through Rangiroa.

Boat transfers

Transport to and from the airport should be arranged by your preferred travel professional or by your hotel. For exploring the lagoon and surrounding motu, there are motorboats, canoes, and sailboat rentals available.

Walk, bike, or open-air car

With only a few miles of road on each atoll, there is little need for public transportation, so walking is the enjoyable option. For venturing around the most populated parts of the atolls, open-air cars and bicycles can be rented.

Islands
NEARBY

RANGIROA— DANCE WITH DOLPHINS

This is one hotspot recognised for its rich marine diversity. It’s here where you’ll have the best opportunity to see the bottlenose dolphins.

TIKEHAU— SLIP THROUGH THE SCHOOLS OF FISH

Millions of fish of all different shapes, colors, and sizes roam its waters. So many in fact, that it impressed Jacques Cousteau’s research crew.

MARQUESAS: Hiva Oa— CULTURAL ENCOUNTERS

The waters off the Marquesas Islands are plankton-rich, helping to attract some of the most unique marine species across all the islets. Dotted around the islands are underwater caves filled with stingrays, and roaming the entrances are electra dolphins and scalloped hammerhead sharks.