潜点: South Pass - Fakarava

关于 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.