Island Tour: Scuba Diving in Fakarava (Tuamotu Islands)

FAKARAVA SCUBA DIVING

Fakarava is the 2nd largest atoll in the Tuamotu Islands and it is destined to become the next big dive location in French Polynesia. There are two passes in Fakarava -- the huge Garuae Pass in the northern end is more than 1/2-mile wide, while the Tumakohua pass in the southern end measures only 200 yards. Both passes serve as the meeting place for all sorts of marine life, including gray sharks, leopard rays and barracudas.

Book your trip in June-July and you are likely to see huge schools of groupers gathering in the pass to reproduce. The dive sites here are virtually untouched. Fakarava is a true diver's paradise.

WHAT TO EXPECT IN FAKARAVA

The rectangular atoll of Fakarava is 37 miles long by 15 miles wide. It is an hour and 10-minute flight from Tahiti. This protected atoll together with six neighboring islands make up a Unesco classified nature reserve. In the northern part of Fakarava you will find the village of Rotoava. This is where the airport is located and is home to almost 600 residents.

    

On a more practical note: there is no bank in Fakarava. So be sure to get some cash while you are in Tahiti.

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ACCOMMODATIONS

For a complete list of accommodations, visit the Fakarava Accommodations page here.