Dive Site: South Pass - Fakarava

About South Pass - Fakarava

Fakarava's South Pass, known locally as Tumakohua Pass, is a renowned drift dive located in the Tuamotu archipelago of French Polynesia, a designated UNESCO biosphere reserve. This natural channel connects the inner lagoon to the open ocean, creating powerful currents that attract an extraordinary concentration of pelagic life. Divers frequently encounter a vast number of sharks, earning it the nickname "wall of sharks," without the need for artificial feeding or baiting, which is banned in French Polynesia. The pass features a "ski slope" of white sand that marks the beginning of the drift, leading to various observation points. The dive typically begins with a boat drop-off at the "ski slope," where divers drift with the incoming tide. The depth ranges from 22 to 24 meters, allowing for extended bottom times. Along the drift, divers can position themselves at observation points, often using a reef hook or finger placement on rocks to safely watch the marine spectacle. The topography includes extensive coral reefs and a long sandy slope. Fakarava is a peaceful "shark paradise," with an almost guaranteed chance of encountering the massive shark aggregations. Species commonly seen include grey reef sharks, blacktip sharks, lemon sharks, and silvertip sharks. Beyond sharks, divers can observe a variety of Pacific reef fish and, occasionally, larger pelagics like manta rays. The consistent water temperature, around 28°C, contributes to comfortable diving conditions year-round. Due to the strong currents, this site is generally dived as a drift, requiring good buoyancy control and an understanding of technical diving aspects, though it can be accessible to confident beginner divers with proper guidance. Dives are typically planned around incoming tides to optimize current flow and marine life encounters, often involving two morning dives before the tide changes.

Dive site facts: South Pass - Fakarava

Depth

20-24 m

Typical dive

20-24 m, 60-65 min

Current

Strong, unpredictable, drift diving

Visibility

30-50 m

Water temperature

26-29°C

Entry

Tender / drift entry

Level

Open Water with current experience

Dive type

Drift, pelagic, shark encounters

Night dive

Possible, offered at sunset

Region / port

Tuamotu Islands, French Polynesia

Coordinates

-16.5, -145.4333

Conditions & Currents

The South Pass of Fakarava experiences strong, consistent currents that necessitate drift diving. Dives are typically scheduled to coincide with the incoming tide, which pushes divers into the lagoon. Divers are dropped by boat at the entrance to the pass and drift along at depths of 40 to 70 feet, often making use of a "ski slope" entry point. While the current within the cut is usually manageable for drift diving, it intensifies significantly in shallower areas towards the end of the drift, requiring divers to ascend before reaching these points to avoid being swept away. Good buoyancy control is essential, and divers often use reef hooks or careful hand placement on stable rock to maintain position at observation points. Visibility is generally excellent, often described as amazing. Due to the powerful currents and the need for precise timing with tides, it is highly recommended to dive with a local guide or dive shop.

Marine life & sighting chances

Grey Reef Shark

Year-round, peak June-July · common

Blacktip Reef Shark

Year-round · common

Lemon Shark

Year-round · occasional

Silvertip Shark

Year-round · occasional

Marbled Grouper

June-July (spawning) · common

Eagle Ray

Year-round · occasional

Napoleon Wrasse

Year-round · occasional

Green Sea Turtle

Year-round · occasional

Humpback Whale

August-October · rare

Dive profile & how the dive runs

Dives in the South Pass typically begin with a boat drop directly over the "ski slope" at the pass entrance, timing the entry with an incoming tide. Divers descend and drift along the sandy slope, often encountering resting white-tip sharks before reaching the main observation points. The dive progresses through various sections of the pass, where divers can position themselves to observe the "Wall of Sharks" and other pelagic species. Instructors brief divers on safe positions to anchor themselves with a single finger on stable rock, ensuring no damage to corals. The maximum depth usually ranges from 20 to 24 meters, allowing for ample bottom time. The drift continues until the current begins to subside, after which divers make their ascent and conduct their safety stop in calmer waters, often collected by the boat further inside the lagoon.

Underwater photography

Fakarava's South Pass, with its renowned "Wall of Sharks," offers exceptional wide-angle photography opportunities. A wide-angle lens is essential to capture the vast schools of grey reef sharks and the expansive coral formations. Natural light is abundant due to the excellent visibility, but strobes are recommended to bring out the vibrant colors of corals and marine life, especially in deeper sections or when shooting against the sun. Prioritize good buoyancy control to avoid disturbing the sandy bottom or fragile corals, particularly when observing sharks from a fixed position. Patience is key; wait for the sharks to approach naturally and avoid sudden movements. For macro enthusiasts, there are fewer dedicated subjects compared to the pelagic action, but opportunities for close-ups on reef fish or smaller invertebrates may arise in calmer sections or during safety stops.

Combine with nearby dive sites

• North Pass - Fakarava

  Known for biodiversity and strong currents, often includes manta rays and whale sharks

• Tetamanu - Grouper Wall

  A specific site within the South Pass renowned for the grouper spawning event

• Fakarava - Ohotu Reef

  Offers sheltered, shallower dives ideal for beginners and photography

• Rangiroa - The Aquarium

  A calmer, shallower site contrasting with Fakarava's strong currents

Getting there & logistics

Access to Fakarava typically begins with an international flight to Faa'a International Airport (PPT) in Papeete, Tahiti. From Papeete, travelers take a domestic connecting flight to Fakarava (FAV). The South Pass area, home to Tumakohua Pass, has limited accommodation, with Tetamanu Diving Village being a prominent option right next to the pass. Dive trips to Fakarava often last several days, allowing for multiple dives in both the South and North Passes, and can be combined with other Tuamotu atolls like Rangiroa or Tikehau via liveaboard or inter-island flights. Park fees may be included in dive packages, but it's advisable to confirm this with your dive operator.

Safety & environment

Diving in Fakarava's South Pass requires careful attention to safety protocols due to strong currents. All divers should be comfortable with drift diving techniques and possess good buoyancy control. Dive operators typically provide thorough briefings on current conditions, entry/exit procedures, and observation points. French Polynesia has a strict ban on shark feeding, promoting natural shark encounters. While specific recompression chamber locations are limited in the remote Tuamotus, Papeete, Tahiti, hosts the nearest significant medical facilities. Divers should ensure they have comprehensive dive insurance that covers emergency medical evacuation and treatment. Always dive with reputable local operators who are experienced with the specific conditions of the passes.

Who it suits — and who it doesn't

FAQ

South Pass - Fakarava FAQ

Liveaboards diving South Pass - Fakarava

These liveaboards may visit South Pass - Fakarava on selected itineraries — the exact dive sites depend on departure, weather and conditions.

Aqua Tiki II

French Polynesia

8 guests

$575/day

Aqua Tiki III

French Polynesia

10 guests20 m

$501/day