The lagoon is accessible through two passes, one in the north and one in the south. Fakarava was classified as a biosphere reserve by UNESCO in 2016. It is the second largest of the Tuamotu atolls. The richness of the island’s ecosystem earned its reputation as the “Mecca for diving”.The view towards our ship in the late afternoon after we rode a Zodiac to a beach (a wet landing) on a tiny motu (island) that forms part of the Fakarava atoll, Tuamoto Archipelago, in northern French Polynesiaįakarava, Havaiki-te-araro, Havai’i or Farea is an atoll in the west of the Tuamotu group in French Polynesia. However, you can choose an accommodation located on the south of the atoll if you want to save time. It takes 1hr30 to 2hrs to get there by boat. Only disadvantage: the price, which is higher than the rates charged in the North because of the distance. Red mullet, damselfish, damselfly, grouper, parrotfish, jacks, soles, scorpion fish, nazons, trumpet fish and hundreds of small coral fishes have found refuge in these waters … Some eagles rays wander here and there, between sleeping sharks, grey sharks and white tips. Oops … I’m told in the headset that we just saw a paddle perch and a fish surgeon!
There, thousands of fishes have their home: barracuda, napoleon fish, very classic for Polynesia. It is particularly known for its famous school of grey sharks that stroll on 20m deep and 200m wide, something to impress you. To the south, the Tumakohua Pass is in the middle of nowhere. It is considered to be more difficult because of the current but most dive centers choose to exploit it because it is only 25 minutes away by boat from the village. To the north, the Garuae Pass has some surprises for you … The largest pass in French Polynesia, it is 1600m wide and allows you to observe the coral reefs and different specimens drift diving, like grey sharks. It is unimaginable to go to Fakarava without jumping into the water … Scuba diving is the number one activity on the atoll as the underwater fauna and flora are so rich. The Big Blue? Blue hell? In deep water? These films probably ring a bell … Find out by yourself what the Pacific has to offer. If on the contrary, you have an adventurous spirit, go for the South part with its little motu and the village of Tetamonu. To sum up, if you want to choose the ease, opt for the North face where you can find the main motu and the Rotoava village. In the South, everything seems wilder and isolated.
Split into two parts, the island concentrates the majority of its economic activities in the North where are the airport, some shops and other snacks. Ladies (gentlemen), if you want to visit a pearl farm, you are at the perfect place! Tourism comes in second place and allows hosts and other service providers alive. As in most Tuamotu Islands, the primary source of income is pearl farming.
Therefore, the majority of them live in the two main villages of the atoll, where the economic center is. Punctuated by numerous motu (islets), most of which remain unexplored, the atoll only asks to be visited by new adventurers on its beaches of pink sand lined with crystalline waters.Īlthough it is tempting to live from love and fresh coconut water, it is necessary that the inhabitants provide for their needs. 16km² of land for 1100km² of lagoon, you must admit that these numbers are nice enough to attract divers from every corner of the globe. With its 60km long and 21 km wide, the island is considered the second largest Polynesian atoll after Rangiroa.
It is good to bask in the sun of Fakarava. Renowned for the beauty of its seabed and the diversity of its ecosystem, the island has been awarded the title of biosphere by UNESCO. Former capital of the Tuamotu, Fakarava is 450 km northeast of Tahiti.