Dive Site: Fakarava - Ohotu Reef

About Fakarava - Ohotu Reef

Ohotu Reef, situated in Fakarava's immense Garuae Pass, is a premier dive destination within the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve of French Polynesia. Divers journey along a pristine coral garden, encountering an extraordinary density of marine life. The topography features vibrant hard corals, particularly yellow varieties, that extend along the cliff face. Depths range from shallow reef sections to deeper canyons, providing varied dive profiles. The Garuae Pass, the widest navigable pass in French Polynesia, funnels nutrient-rich waters into the lagoon, creating a thriving ecosystem. This site is famed for its abundant shark populations, including grey reef, blacktip, and whitetip sharks, often seen in vast numbers. Schools of barracuda, tuna, eagle rays, and diverse reef fish like parrotfish, damselfish, and fusiliers are common. The annual marbled grouper spawning event in June and July draws even more pelagic predators, intensifying the already prolific marine activity. Diving Ohotu Reef typically involves drift dives, propelled by the strong currents that characterize the pass. Entry and exit are carefully coordinated with the tides, offering exhilarating rides past breathtaking underwater scenery. Its unspoiled nature and the sheer volume of marine encounters make it a highlight for advanced divers seeking an immersive pelagic experience.

Dive site facts: Fakarava - Ohotu Reef

Depth

5–40 m

Typical dive

15–30 m, 45–60 min

Current

Strong (drift)

Visibility

10–30 m

Water temperature

26–29°C (79–84°F)

Entry

Tender / negative entry

Level

Advanced, current experience essential

Dive type

Drift, pelagic encounters, coral gardens

Night dive

Possible in certain areas

Region / port

Tuamotu Archipelago, French Polynesia

Coordinates

-16.06, -145.6

Conditions & Currents

Ohotu Reef is part of the Garuae Pass, known for its significant currents, making drift diving the predominant style. Currents are strong, especially during tidal changes, and can vary in direction and intensity, either flowing into or out of the lagoon. Slack tide offers a brief window of calmer conditions, preferred by many for entering the water. Divers must be proficient in current diving techniques and maintain excellent buoyancy control. Visibility is generally excellent, often ranging from 10 to 30 meters, but can temporarily decrease near shore or after heavy rain. Water temperatures are consistently warm, averaging 26-29°C (79-84°F) year-round, with thermoclines being rare. Dive operators carefully time dives with the tides to ensure safety and maximize marine life encounters.

Marine life & sighting chances

Grey reef shark

Year-round · common

Blacktip reef shark

Year-round · common

Whitetip reef shark

Year-round · common

Lemon shark

Year-round · occasional

Barracuda

Year-round · common

Tuna

Year-round · occasional

Eagle ray

Year-round · occasional

Marbled grouper

June-July (spawning) · common

Parrotfish

Year-round · common

Surgeonfish

Year-round · common

Fusilier

Year-round · common

Napoleon wrasse

Year-round · occasional

Turtle

Year-round · occasional

Giant Marlin

Occasional · rare

Dive profile & how the dive runs

Diving Ohotu Reef typically begins with a negative entry from a tender directly into the strong currents of the Garuae Pass. Divers descend quickly to the reef wall, often around 15-20 meters, to begin a drift dive. The route follows the Ohotu Cliff, adorned with vibrant coral gardens and teeming with fish, extending to depths of 29 meters or more. During slack tide, divers can explore canyons and chasms more thoroughly. The drift continues into the lagoon, where currents gradually weaken, leading towards the Alibaba Canyon or other sheltered areas. The safety stop is typically performed as the current diminishes, allowing for a more controlled ascent and rendezvous with the boat.

Underwater photography

Ohotu Reef presents fantastic opportunities for wide-angle photography due to the vast schools of fish and numerous sharks. A wide-angle lens is essential to capture the scale of the pelagic action, particularly the "walls of sharks." Consider a fisheye lens for capturing the expansive coral gardens and dynamic drift-diving perspectives. Natural light is often sufficient in the shallows given the excellent visibility, but strobes will enhance color and detail, especially in deeper sections or when shooting against the sun. Be prepared for fast-moving subjects and challenging current conditions; quick shutter speeds and good buoyancy are key to sharp images. Practice shooting in currents to maintain stability and avoid disturbing the marine life.

Combine with nearby dive sites

• South Pass - Fakarava

  Famous for the grouper spawning and high shark density

• Tetamanu - Grouper Wall

  Part of the South Pass, known for spawning events

• Alibaba Canyon

  A popular spot within the Garuae Pass, often combined with Ohotu Reef dives

• Avatoru Pass

  A major pass in Fakarava, offering varied drift diving

• Rangiroa - The Aquarium

  Another top Tuamotu destination, renowned for sharks and drift dives

Getting there & logistics

Access to Fakarava, including Ohotu Reef, is primarily via Faaa International Airport (PPT) in Tahiti, or Rangiroa Airport (RGI). From Tahiti, it's a 70-minute flight, while from Rangiroa, it's 30 minutes to Fakarava (FAV). Air Tahiti operates flights several times a week. Multi-island passes, like the Air Tahiti 'Lagons pass,' are recommended if visiting multiple atolls. Dive operators are located in Rotoava on the north side, offering transfers from resorts. Day trips to the South Pass are also common. While some resorts exist, liveaboards offer comprehensive itineraries to explore Fakarava and surrounding atolls. No specific dive site fees are generally charged beyond the dive package.

Safety & environment

Fakarava lacks a recompression chamber, with the nearest medical facility capable of handling severe dive incidents being in Tahiti, requiring emergency air evacuation. Divers must carry adequate dive insurance that covers emergency medical treatment and evacuation. Given the strong currents at Ohotu Reef and throughout the Garuae Pass, advanced current diving experience is mandatory. Maintain excellent buoyancy and spatial awareness, especially during rapid drifts. Always follow your dive guide's instructions regarding entry, exit, and dive profiles. Adhere to depth and no-decompression limits, and ensure your gear is well-maintained for challenging conditions.

Who it suits — and who it doesn't

FAQ

Fakarava - Ohotu Reef FAQ

Liveaboards diving Fakarava - Ohotu Reef

These liveaboards may visit Fakarava - Ohotu Reef 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

$504/day