Fakarava, The Island Of Daydreaming!
Fakarava is an atoll situated in the Tuamotu Archipelago, at 450 km away from Tahiti. The atoll is 60 km long and 21 km wide, with an area of land of only 16 km². Its lagoon, the second largest of French Polynesia after Rangiroa, covers 1,121 km². It is accessible by two passes : Garuae (in the north, the largest pass in Polynesia at 1600 meters wide) and Tumakohua, also called Tetamanu (in the south).
From a geological point of view, the atoll is the coral outgrowth (150 meters) from the top of an underwater volcanic mountain of the same name, measuring 1,170 meters from the ocean floor.
Fakarava’s terrestrial and marine fauna include protected endemic species. The atoll has such a unique environment that – in order to conserve its natural resources and ensure its evolution in harmony with nature – it was classified as a biosphere reserve by UNESCO in 2006.
Divers from all over the world dream of discovering Fakarava. The atoll is world-renowned its core economy through scuba diving thanks to a profusion of colorful corals, thousands of fishes, the shark “walls” near the passes. The seabed is of unmatchable beauty.
Fakarava, meaning “beautiful” or “making things superb” in Tahitian, does bring the best sensations out of you.
Whether you are a fan of diving, Fakarava has something fun for everyone such as biking, or going on a lagoon excursion and discovering the South of the atoll on a day trip.
Being a true jewel of the southern seas, Fakarava, the promise of living the exotic dream wide awake!
Fakarava, The Paradise Of Divers!
Let yourself be tempted by an exploration or introductory dive for beginners. What’s on the program? Discover moving walls of sharks among hammer, tiger, grey, sleeper, or white tip sharks. Get close to manta rays, turtles but also eagle rays, grey rays, dolphins and various tropical fishes.
Between June and July, a unique concentration of more than 18,000 groupers can attract up to 700 grey sharks, an amazing gathering of sharks!
Rent a bike and visit the main “motu” (islet) at your own pace. Halt wherever you desire to admire a unique, enchanting setting, paradise beaches on which you can indulge in a swimming stopover with exotic surroundings.
Discover the lighthouses of Topaka and Taputavaka at the Garuae Pass. Visit the Rotoava Pearl Farm as well as the Village of the same name, along with its church and craft shops.
Discover the Southern Pass on a day trip assisted by a local guide. After an hour and a half of sailing, set foot on the Village of Tetamanu built on a “motu” (islet) at the extreme south of the atoll, where only twenty people live there.
You will be charmed by the oldest church of the Tuamotu archipelago – which was built out of corals and has been beautifully restored – the Church of Our Lady of Peace. Then, settle down on an idyllic pink-sand beach for an enjoyable local lunch before going on a drift dive to discover the Tumakohua Pass, also known as Garuae.
Discover the Green Lagoon also called “Motu Tehatea”: A lagoon in the lagoon! A spectacular picture of beauty! This outing is only accessible on a half day trip.
What’s on the program? Visit the coral garden along with the island of birds, and discover the blue lagoon with its turquoise clear waters, and the green lagoon with emerald reflections. On the way back, before heading north to the Village of Rotoava, enjoy a last diving stop (with a mask and snorkel) at the Garuae Pass.
A full day with amazing experiences to remember!
Choose one or even several of the activities offered by local professionals. Choose among a fishing trip in the lagoon or offshore, or enjoy a sunset cruise or simply go on a jet ski ride or even a quad bike, just make your choice!
