Fakarava

UNESCO biosphere atoll with two world-famous shark-pass dives.

Fakarava is the second-largest atoll in the Tuamotu archipelago and a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, prized by divers for its two passes — Garuae in the north and Tumakohua in the south — where hundreds of grey reef sharks gather in dense schools on the incoming tide.

Highlights

• Wall of sharks at Tumakohua (South Pass)
• Drift dive Garuae, Polynesia's widest pass
• Pink-sand beaches around the southern motus
• Pearl farms in Rotoava village
• UNESCO Biosphere coral ecosystem
• Bike rides along the single coral road

Best Time to Visit

May through October offers calm, dry trade-wind weather and the best diving visibility. November through April is warmer with brief showers.

Language: French, Tahitian · Currency: CFP Franc (XPF)