Fakarava, a well-known diving location that draws divers from all over the world, is situated in the Tuamotu Archipelago of French Polynesia. Fakarava is a diver’s paradise with gorgeous coral reefs, a variety of marine life, and clear waters that provide a memorable underwater experience.
Introduction to Fakarava Diving Season
The French Polynesian coral atoll of Fakarava is part of the Tuamotu Archipelago. Divers flock there because of the area’s beautiful waters, gorgeous coral reefs, and variety of marine life. The diving season in Fakarava normally lasts from April to November, which corresponds with French Polynesia’s dry season. Excellent water clarity and a pleasant dive temperature are also present at this time. The best diving conditions and the greatest abundance of marine life occur during the months of July and September.
The Tumakohua Pass in the south and the Garuae Pass in the north are two of Fakarava’s well-known hefty passes. The main locations for diving at Fakarava are these passes, which are channels that link the lagoon with the ocean. Sharks, rays, dolphins, and turtles are just a few of the many species of marine life that may be found in the passes.
Top Diving Locations in Fakarava
The diving sites in Fakarava are among the best in the world, and each one has its own special characteristics and marine life. In Fakarava, the following dive spots are the most popular:
The largest pass in French Polynesia, Garuae Pass, provides an exhilarating drift diving experience. Sharks, rays, and schools of fish are just a few of the marine creatures that can be found in the past. Strong currents in the Garuae Pass are well recognized for making it a difficult dive spot. Divers with experience will, however, value the chance to view enormous shark schools and other marine animals.
Tetamanu Pass is famed for its vibrant coral cliffs, which are home to a wide variety of marine life, and is situated south of Fakarava. Divers can anticipate seeing a variety of sharks, rays, and fish in the popular drift diving site at Tetamanu Pass.
There are numerous schools of sharks, including hammerheads, blacktip reef sharks, and gray reef sharks, at the Tumakohua Pass, which lies north of Fakarava. Strong currents make the Tumakohua Pass a difficult dive location, but experienced divers will value the chance to observe these magnificent creatures up close.
Shark Wall: This location is well-known for its abundance of sharks, including blacktip reef sharks, gray reef sharks, and lemon sharks, as the name of the site suggests. Also, the location is home to numerous vibrant coral formations and schools of fish. Given that the depth spans from shallow to deep, the Shark Wall is a well-liked dive location for both inexperienced and seasoned divers.
Fakarava’s Marine Life
Over 700 different fish species and 400 different kinds of coral may be found at Fakarava, which is home to a wide variety of marine life. Divers come to Fakarava for the marine life, which is one of the main draws because there is something to see at every dive location. Divers can anticipate seeing several different shark species, such as hammerheads, blacktip reef sharks, and gray reef sharks, as well as manta rays, eagle rays, and turtles. Dolphins, barracudas, moray eels, and many kinds of reef fish are among the other marine creatures that can be seen in Fakarava.
For divers, the coral reefs of Fakarava are another highlight. The reefs are home to a variety of hard and soft corals, which are stunning to look at because of their vivid colors and detailed patterns. Sea anemones, sea stars, and sea cucumbers come in a variety, which divers can also anticipate seeing.
Diving Conditions in Fakarava
Excellent visibility and pleasant water temps make for great diving conditions in Fakarava. The water is between 77 and 82 degrees Fahrenheit (25 and 28 degrees Celsius), and visibility can be up to 150 feet (45 meters). Divers should be ready for drift diving because the currents in the vicinity of the passes can be strong. It is advised that divers acquire their Advanced Open Water certification or an equivalent certification before diving in Fakarava.
Moreover, divers need to be ready for the weather in Fakarava. There is little rain throughout the dry season, which lasts from April to November. Divers should bring plenty of drink to stay hydrated and utilize sun protection because the sun can be very strong.
Fakarava’s Accommodation Choices
From affordable guesthouses to opulent resorts, Fakarava offers a range of lodging choices. The settlements of Rotoava and Tetamanu, which are situated on opposing sides of the atoll, are the most well-liked places to stay in Fakarava.
Guesthouses and lodges are economical solutions that provide straightforward lodging at reasonable costs. These choices are fantastic for tourists who wish to explore local culture while keeping to a tight budget. Several inns provide meals and can plan diving excursions for their visitors.
Small hotels and bungalows are mid-range accommodations that provide greater amenities than guesthouses while being reasonably priced. These choices are fantastic for tourists who desire a little more comfort and seclusion.
Resorts and eco-lodges are luxury options that provide the greatest standard of comfort and facilities. These choices are fantastic for tourists who want to enjoy luxury amenities and accommodations while scuba diving in Fakarava.
Conclusion
Divers can experience the wonders of the deep in the renowned diving location of Fakarava. Fakarava is certain to leave a lasting impact on any diver with its gorgeous coral reefs, pristine seas, and abundant marine life. The greatest dive locations, the marine life, the diving conditions, and the lodging possibilities should all be taken into account while making travel plans to Fakarava. Divers may guarantee a secure and fun diving experience in this stunning location with careful planning.
Our Top FAQ's
The best time to go diving in Fakarava is during the dry season, which runs from April to November. During this time, the weather is dry and sunny, and the water visibility is at its best.
Divers in Fakarava can expect to see a diverse range of marine life, including sharks, manta rays, dolphins, turtles, and a variety of fish species. Fakarava is also home to one of the largest populations of grey reef sharks in the world.
The diving conditions in Fakarava are generally excellent, with good visibility and comfortable water temperatures. The water temperature ranges from 77-82°F (25-28°C), and the visibility can reach up to 150 feet (45 meters). Divers should be prepared for drift diving, as the currents around the passes can be strong.
Fakarava offers a variety of accommodation options, ranging from budget-friendly guesthouses to luxury resorts. The most popular areas to stay in Fakarava are the villages of Rotoava and Tetamanu, which are located on opposite sides of the atoll. Budget-friendly options include guesthouses and lodges, while mid-range options include small hotels and bungalows. Luxury options include resorts and eco-lodges.