Dive Site: Tumakohua Pass

About Tumakohua Pass

Tumakohua Pass, located in the southern part of Fakarava Atoll in French Polynesia, is a world-renowned dive site celebrated for its exceptional biodiversity and high-octane pelagic encounters. As one of Fakarava's two major passes connecting the ocean and its vast lagoon, it functions as a crucial natural corridor, channeling immense volumes of water daily and concentrating marine life. This pass is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, safeguarding an extraordinary ecosystem characterized by pristine, hard coral formations and a rich abundance of fish. The topography features a notable "ski slope" – a long, white sandy incline leading into the pass, serving as an initial observation point before the main drift. Depths within the main diving areas are typically accessible, with significant activity occurring shallower than 20 meters, though the pass itself extends deeper. The site is most famous for its incredible aggregation of grey reef sharks, often appearing in such numbers they create a "wall of sharks." Beyond these dominant predators, the pass teems with schools of various fish, including snappers, trevallies, and surgeonfish, alongside occasional sightings of other shark species and rays. The dynamic currents here are central to the unique diving experience, offering thrilling drift dives. Diving Tumakohua Pass offers an immersive experience into the raw power of the ocean, where divers become observers in a thriving marine kingdom. It's a site that appeals to those seeking dramatic big animal action within a remarkably healthy and protected environment, demanding respect for its strong tidal movements.

Dive site facts: Tumakohua Pass

Depth

15–24 m (typical dive)

Typical dive

20–24 m, 60–65 min

Current

Strong (drift dives)

Visibility

30+ m

Water temperature

26–29 °C

Entry

Boat / drift entry

Level

Advanced, current experience essential

Dive type

Drift, pelagic, shark encounters

Night dive

Possible (sharks)

Region / port

Fakarava, Tuamotu Archipelago, French Polynesia

Coordinates

16.2942° S, 145.4528° W

Conditions & Currents

Diving Tumakohua Pass involves significant currents due to its function as a channel between the ocean and lagoon. The most iconic dives are drift dives timed with incoming currents, which funnel nutrient-rich water and marine life into the pass. These currents can be strong, requiring divers to be comfortable with active water movement and precise buoyancy control. Operators carefully time entries and exits around tide changes to optimize the experience and manage drift speed; even modest currents can intensify within the narrow pass. Divers should expect to utilize observation points where they may need to hook onto rocks to maintain position and observe marine spectacles. While the currents can be exhilarating, they necessitate good gas planning and awareness of your dive team. Visibility is often excellent, typically exceeding 30 meters, but strong currents can sometimes stir up sed

Marine life & sighting chances

Grey reef shark

common

Whitetip reef shark

occasional

Blacktip reef shark

occasional

Camouflage grouper

June, July (spawning) · occasional

Snapper

common

Trevallies

common

Surgeonfish

common

Napoleon wrasse

occasional

Eagle ray

occasional

Hard corals

common

Dive profile & how the dive runs

Dives in Tumakohua Pass typically begin with a boat drop-off over the "ski slope," a distinctive sandy slope at the entrance of the pass, just as an incoming current begins. Divers descend quickly to avoid being swept past the primary observation areas. The initial phase involves drifting gently over the sandy bottom while watching for marine life, especially sharks. As the current strengthens, divers typically find sheltered spots along the reef wall to observe the renowned "wall of sharks" and other pelagic species being funneled into the pass. This can involve using a reef hook or carefully placing a finger on a stable rock to avoid coral damage. The dive progresses as a controlled drift through the pass, varying in depth but often staying above 20-25 meters to maximize bottom time. Turnaround is determined by current strength and air consumption. Safety stops are often performed in calmer areas towards the end of the drift or in the more protected lagoon side, depending on the current's behavior.

Underwater photography

Capturing the famous "wall of sharks" in Tumakohua Pass requires a wide-angle lens, ideally a fisheye, to encompass the sheer number of animals. Due to strong currents, stability is key; a reef hook can be invaluable for maintaining position during observation periods, allowing for more composed shots. Natural light is often sufficient given the excellent visibility, but strobes can enhance color and detail on closer subjects, particularly the corals and individual fish. For sharks, shoot against the blue or with a slight upward angle to emphasize their presence. Be prepared for fast-moving action and use a rapid autofocus system. While capturing the big picture is a priority, don't overlook macro opportunities in calmer reef sections or for smaller reef inhabitants, although the pass itself is primarily a wide-angle domain. Always practice exemplary buoyancy and situational awareness to avoid disturbing marine life or your fellow divers in the strong current.

Combine with nearby dive sites

• Garuae Pass

  Northern pass of Fakarava, known for exceptional drift diving and pelagic encounters, considered the largest pass in the Tuamotu Islands.

• Alibaba

  A canyon system located within Garuae Pass, famed for its density of fish and sharks.

• Ohotu

  Another dive site associated with Fakarava's northern pass, offering various reef and current diving experiences.

Getting there & logistics

Access to Tumakohua Pass typically begins with flights into Fakarava (FAV) airport, often via Tahiti (PPT). From the main village of Rotoava in the north of Fakarava, reaching the southern pass requires a day trip, usually involving a boat journey across the lagoon. These full-day excursions often include two dives at Tumakohua Pass, along with lunch breaks at locations like the 'Sables Roses' (Pink Sands). Accommodation options in Fakarava range from pensions in Rotoava to specific dive resorts near the southern pass, like Tetamanu Diving Village, which offers immediate access. Permits are not typically required for recreational diving, but dive operations adhere to strict environmental regulations given Fakarava's UNESCO Biosphere Reserve status. Liveaboards operating in the Tuamotus also frequently include Fakarava in their itineraries, providing multi-atoll dive experiences.

Safety & environment

Diving Tumakohua Pass demands a high level of diver proficiency due to its strong and unpredictable currents. Excellent buoyancy control and experience in drift diving are essential. Divers must always follow the lead of their local dive guides, who are experienced in timing dives with tidal movements. The nearest recompression chamber is located in Tahiti, emphasizing the critical importance of careful dive planning, adherence to depth and time limits, and sufficient safety stops. Evacuation from Fakarava can be complex and time-consuming, necessitating comprehensive dive accident insurance that covers medical emergencies and air evacuation. Site-specific hazards include the potential for rapid current changes, which can separate divers if not vigilant, and avoiding contact with corals when using reef hooks. Divers should remain alert to their surroundings, maintain good communication with their group, and carry appropriate safety equipment for drift diving.

Who it suits — and who it doesn't

FAQ

Tumakohua Pass FAQ

Liveaboards diving Tumakohua Pass

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

Aqua Tiki II

French Polynesia

8 guests

$579/day

Aqua Tiki III

French Polynesia

10 guests20 m

$504/day