Fakarava’s North Pass: A Diver’s Paradise

Anybody visiting French Polynesia should dive in Fakarava’s North Pass. Only boats are permitted to approach this site, which is situated at the northernmost point of the atoll. A remarkable variety of marine life can be seen in the North Pass, a small canal that links the lagoon to the ocean.

The opportunity to view big schools of gray reef sharks, which can number in the hundreds, is one of the pleasures of diving at the North Pass. Each time a diver sees one of these magnificent creatures, their adrenaline levels are raised. Divers can also spot blacktip, lemon, and silvertip sharks. Giant trevally, barracuda, and a variety of vibrant reef species are also seen in the pass.

Strong currents make the North Pass a difficult diving destination for novice divers. Yet, seasoned divers will find the currents thrilling and the opportunity to view so many sharks at once a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. When diving at the North Pass, divers must take precautions and adhere to the correct safety procedures.

The incoming tide is one of the finest times to dive at the North Pass because this is when the sharks come in to feed. Divers should anticipate to be surrounded by sizable schools of sharks moving in a circular pattern, which can be both frightening and exciting.

The Tetamanu Pass: An Underwater Wonderland

Another wonderful diving spot in Fakarava that is highly recommended is the Tetamanu Pass. This pass, which is near the southernmost point of the atoll, is renowned for its magnificent coral formations and an abundance of aquatic life. Divers can explore the shallow coral gardens in the pass or go deeper to see the larger marine species. The pass is reachable by boat.

The Tetamanu Pass is known for its “wall of sharks,” a group of gray reef sharks that can be seen patrolling the area. This is one of the pass’s special features. For any diver, this is an extraordinary and breathtaking sight. Also visible to divers are schools of vibrant species, such as butterflyfish, angelfish, and parrotfish. Manta rays, eagle rays, and green sea turtles are among more marine creatures that can be seen.

Tetamanu Pass is a good dive location for both inexperienced and expert divers because the currents there can be powerful but are typically predictable. Snorkelers will love the shallow coral gardens, which offer excellent visibility thanks to the crystal-clear water. With its colorful coral and abundant marine life, the pass is a photographer’s paradise.

The Garuae Pass: Exploring the Deep

On the northern tip of Fakarava sits the Garuae Pass, which is the biggest pass in French Polynesia. This dive site is a favorite among expert divers due to its deep waters and strong currents.

Exploring a new universe when diving in the Garuae Pass is a unique experience. Large schools of pelagic species, such as tuna, barracuda, and jackfish, can be found in the pass. Sharks, including hammerheads, tiger sharks, and silvertips, are also visible to divers. The coral formations are spectacular, and the pass is also home to colorful reef fish.

Although the currents at the Garuae Pass can be difficult, expert divers will find the dive thrilling. When diving at the Garuae Pass, divers must use caution and adhere to the necessary safety precautions. For those with the required knowledge and experience, the Garuae Pass is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, although it is not recommended for novice divers.

The incoming tide is one of the greatest times to dive at the Garuae Pass because this is when the bigger pelagic fish come in to feed. The dive is best performed as a drift dive, which enables divers to be carried by the current and observe the amazing marine life.

Tumakohua Pass: A Haven for Manta Rays

Another excellent diving location in Fakarava is the Tumakohua Pass, which is well-known for having an abundance of marine life. Manta rays can be found in high numbers in this pass, which is on the atoll’s western side.

The Tumakohua Pass is home to a diversity of marine life, including schools of vibrant reef fish and big pelagic species like tuna and barracuda. Nonetheless, the opportunity to see manta rays up close is the best part of diving at this location. These beautiful animals, whose wingspan may reach 23 feet, are a sight to behold as they soar through the ocean.

Because of its moderate currents, the Tumakohua Pass is excellent for both inexperienced and seasoned divers. The pass is a photographer’s paradise because it also has beautiful coral formations. Divers can anticipate great visibility, which will make it simpler to see the numerous marine creatures that call the Tumakohua Pass home.

Passe de Tiputa: A Playground for Dolphins

It is only a short boat journey from Fakarava to the neighboring atoll of Rangiroa, where Passe de Tiputa is one of French Polynesia’s most well-known dive sites. Large schools of dolphins and an abundance of other marine species are common in the past.

Divers at the Passe de Tiputa have a unique diving experience because they can hear the dolphins interacting with one another. The dolphins are active and inquisitive, and they frequently swim alongside divers, giving them an unforgettable experience.

Together with various types of marine life, the pass is home to sharks, rays, and vibrant reef fish. The Passe de Tiputa is a fantastic dive site for both inexperienced and expert divers because the currents there can be strong yet are predictable.

The opportunity to view hammerhead sharks is one of the special aspects of diving at the Passe de Tiputa. Large schools of these majestic animals can be observed patrolling the region, giving divers an exhilarating and unforgettable experience.

Conclusion

With its magnificent coral formations, an abundance of marine life, and distinctive dive spots, Fakarava is a divers’ paradise. There are countless excellent diving locations to discover in Fakarava, like the North Pass with its amazing shark sightings, the Tumakohua Pass with its manta rays, and the Passe de Tiputa with its playful dolphins. The dive locations in Fakarava will appeal to divers of all skill levels, and the experiences created while discovering these underwater beauties will last a lifetime.