Our main dive center is situated on the northern side in the village of Rotoava. A main meeting point for divers before and after dives. Our second base, also located in the northern side is located in the hotel White Sand Beach Resort. In the southern part of the atoll, a third dive center is located on the Motu Penu, very near the Pension Motu Aito Paradise and the southern pass. Regular dive expeditions to the southern pass are organized weekly through the northern side dive centers.
Dives spot in Fakarava
1. Maiuru :
From the left of the pass, we have the superb reef-flat at around 65 feet before the sharp drop-off. Channelled reef-flat, variety of corals notably acroporas (table corals) and soft corals. With fewer fish than OHUTU we can enjoy this dive for its habitat and unexpected encounters all throughout the dive. Due to unexpected currents, this dive recommended is particularly for the experienced diver.
2. Garuae Pass:
The widest pass in French Polynesia, (about a mile long), is world renowned for its biodiversity. It is famous for currents, sometimes strong. A dive in this north pass will be an unforgettable adventure. For reasons of security and visibility, dives are conducted in slack water or with inflowing currents in accord with the tides and with your diving experience. You never know what you might come across. Giant specimens can appear at any moment from beyond the fore-reef. In the pass entrance, you will likely run into the famous Raira (gray reef shark) cruising by the dozen in a haze of fish and color. Be prepared for the Ali Baba canyon where the fish gather to shelter from the currents! This dive is from around a 50-70 foot depth. It requires significant experience with strong currents and divers in full command of their buoyancy and ease of movements.
3. Ohotu Reef :
On the right side upon leaving the Garuae pass is this magnificent reef-flat at around 40 feet in depth dipping gently to 100 feet just before the drop-off wall. The dive will proceed along the wall and end back up on the coral gardens of the reef-flat. As well as exhibiting a profusion of vibrant and healthy coral specimens, the reef is a veritable hatching ground for fish. Along the drop-off, we usually come across grey and lagoon white-tip sharks, tuna, scads and manta rays. This dive is open to divers of all levels of experience.
4. Pufana Reef :
Inside the lagoon near the north channel, a shallow reef down from 40 to 50 feet, ideal for beginners, training or supplementary dives. It is also the dream place for photographers in search of luminosity (white sand) and calm scenes sheltered from the currents. A good proliferation of flora and fauna of the area. You will come across all kinds of sharks.
5. Tumakoha, the southern pass:
Situated on the south side of the atoll, it takes a little more than an hour's boat ride to get to Tetamanu.Trips there are planned to take the whole day. Much narrower than Garuae, this pass is just as interesting as its bigger counterpart, with the important differences that currents are much calmer and water depths less. This pass is appropriate for all levels of experience in both inflowing and outflowing currents. Like its counterpart in the north, this pass is extraordinarily diverse in animal and plant life.
General information
Dive Schedule :
Schedule depending on the tide tables - slack tide
From 8:00am - 10:00am 2 fun dives
From 2:00pm - 1 fun dive
Equipement :
25 Aqualung Sea quest pro QD BCDs
25 Aqualung Calypso regulators with direct-system, octopus and gauge console
10 aluminium tanks for Air
90 aluminium tanks for Nitrox
25 3 mm shorty wetsuits
20 Aqualung Bali 3 mm wetsuits
20 sets of Aqualung fins, mask and snorkel
Boats :
1 BWA semi-rigid dive boat - Zodiac type
8,50 meters - 280 Cv in-board Volvo
15 divers + crew
1 NSI Aluminium dive boat
9 meters - 280 cv in-board Volvo
12 divers + crew
1 aluminium dive boat
7 meters - 250 cv Yamaha out-board
(used for the dives from pension Raimiti)
Certifications :
PADI . ANMP
Free pick-up :
By car, from all hotel/pensions on the North side of the atoll
Specialities :
Nitrox dives
Drift dives
Private dives (1/2 day or full day)
