Dive Site: Alibaba

About Alibaba

Alibaba is a renowned drift dive located within the Garuae Pass in northern Fakarava, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in the Tuamotu Archipelago. This site is celebrated for its incredible marine biodiversity and unique topography, offering divers a thrilling experience through an underwater canyon. The dive typically starts in open water, where you descend into the path of an incoming current. This current carries you through magnificent canyons covered with vibrant corals, creating a dynamic environment that attracts a massive congregation of marine life. Depths can reach up to 30 meters, with varied terrain that includes reef walls and shallower sections. Alibaba is particularly famous for its abundant shark populations, including grey reef, whitetip reef, and even occasional great hammerhead and tiger sharks. Divers frequently encounter large schools of fish, including snappers, barracudas, and jacks, alongside Napoleon wrasse and manta rays. The site transforms into a 'giant aquarium' filled with life, especially when the current draws marine creatures into the pass. This high-energy drift dive requires strong current and drift-diving competence. It is best experienced during incoming currents, which dictate the dive's flow and the density of marine encounters. Divers must follow their guide closely due to the strong currents and the various gullies within the pass.

Dive site facts: Alibaba

Depth

5-30 m

Typical dive

10-30 m, 45-50 min

Current

Very strong (incoming)

Visibility

30-50 m

Water temperature

26-29°C

Entry

Boat / Backroll entry

Level

Advanced, current experience required

Dive type

Drift, wall, pelagic

Region / port

Fakarava, Tuamotu Archipelago

Coordinates

16.2976° S, 145.4563° W

Conditions & Currents

Alibaba is predominantly a high-energy drift dive, characterized by very strong incoming currents through the Garuae Pass. These currents are a defining feature, dictating the dive profile and making it unsuitable for beginners or those without current diving experience. Divers typically enter in open water and are carried into the lagoon, drifting over canyons at high speed. While the current is generally strong, dives are often timed with slack tide to manage the intensity, yet a mild current will still be present. Visibility is consistently excellent, often exceeding 30 meters, which is crucial for navigating the fast-moving environment. Light surge may also be present, adding to the dynamic conditions. Strong current and drift-diving competence are essential for safety and enjoyment, as divers must remain close to their guide and group to ensure proper pickup at the end of the drift

Marine life & sighting chances

Grey Reef Shark

Year-round, peak June-July · common

Whitetip Reef Shark

common

Napoleon Wrasse

common

Snapper

common

Barracuda

common

Tuna

occasional

Grouper

June-July (spawning) · common

Reef Manta Ray

July-September · occasional

Giant Marlin

rare

Tiger Shark

rare

Great Hammerhead Shark

December-March · rare

Nurse Shark

occasional

Goatfish

common

Trumpetfish

common

Dive profile & how the dive runs

Dives at Alibaba typically begin with a backroll entry from the boat into the open water of the Garuae Pass. Divers descend rapidly to depths of around 30 meters, where they might pause to observe sharks and schooling pelagics in the blue. The dive progresses as an incoming current carries the group over and through impressive coral-covered canyons. Divers often hang onto the reef to observe marine life, including schools of snapper, jacks, and various shark species. The route continues deeper into the canyon, with guides adjusting the path based on conditions. As the dive progresses, it often moves into shallower sections, such as 5-20 meters, where the current may weaken inside the lagoon. The safety stop typically occurs during the final stages of the drift as the current dissipates within the lagoon, offering a chance to decompress while observing the abundant reef life.

Underwater photography

Alibaba's strong currents and fast-paced drift environment demand quick reactions and robust camera setups. Wide-angle lenses are essential for capturing the expansive canyon topography, the 'walls of sharks,' and massive schools of fish. Consider a fisheye or ultra-wide lens to encompass the scale of the Garuae Pass. Given the excellent visibility, natural light photography can be effective, but strobes are recommended to bring out the vibrant colors of corals and fish in deeper sections or during overcast conditions. Buoyancy control is paramount to avoid disturbing corals while navigating the current. Be mindful of your dive buddy and group to avoid collisions in the drift, and prioritize safety over capturing the perfect shot in high-current situations.

Combine with nearby dive sites

• Garuae Pass

  The broader north pass of Fakarava, known for sharks and strong currents; Alibaba is a specific section within this pass.

• Ohotu

  A wall dive near the Garuae Pass, known for beautiful corals and schools of fish, often dived as an alternative or in conjunction.

• Pufana

  A shallow lagoon dive suitable for beginners, offering calm conditions and abundant fish.

• Maiuru

  Located on the side of Garuae Pass, offering wall dives with corals, fish schools, and pelagic sightings.

• Tumakohua Pass

  Fakarava's southern pass, smaller but equally renowned for its incredible marine life and hundreds of sharks during grouper breeding.

Getting there & logistics

Access to Alibaba is primarily through liveaboards or local dive operators based in Fakarava North, typically from the main village. Most dive shops run two one-tank dives per day, with the first departing between 8:30 and 9:00 AM, and the second in the early afternoon. From Tahiti (PPT), you can fly to Fakarava (FAV) with Air Tahiti, which operates 2 to 3 times a week. Multi-island passes, such as the Air Tahiti "Lagons pass," can be cost-effective for visiting several islands. Dive trips often last several days to explore Fakarava's diverse sites.

Safety & environment

Diving at Alibaba involves significant hazards due to very strong currents and the presence of dangerous wildlife, particularly numerous sharks. Divers must possess strong current and drift-diving competence. It is crucial to dive with a local operator who can accurately time dives to the incoming current. The nearest recompression chamber is likely located in Tahiti, necessitating potentially long evacuation times in case of a serious diving accident. Comprehensive dive insurance covering emergency evacuation and treatment is therefore highly recommended. Adhere strictly to your dive guide's instructions, maintain close proximity to your group, and ensure robust buoyancy control, especially when navigating the canyons.

Who it suits — and who it doesn't

FAQ

Alibaba FAQ

Liveaboards diving Alibaba

These liveaboards may visit Alibaba on selected itineraries — the exact dive sites depend on departure, weather and conditions.

Aqua Tiki II

French Polynesia

8 guests

$578/day

Aqua Tiki III

French Polynesia

10 guests20 m

$503/day