Destination: Fakarava, French Polynesia
Introduction
Fakarava is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in the Tuamotu Archipelago, recognized for the extraordinary biodiversity of its two navigable passes and pristine lagoon. The northern Garuae Pass is the largest navigable pass in French Polynesia. The southern Tumakohua (Tetamanu) Pass hosts one of the most spectacular grouper aggregations in the ocean world. The atoll feels wild, remote, and pristine compared to more visited Tuamotu destinations.
GPS Coordinates
16° 1' 59.880"S 145° 37' 59.880"W
16 1 59.880S 145 37 59.880W
Protected Anchorages
The main anchorage is inside Garuae Pass near Rotoava village on the northeastern corner, in 8–15 m over sand. Entry through Garuae Pass is deep and relatively wide — time it for slack water or a gentle incoming tide. The southern pass at Tetamanu is very narrow and should only be attempted by small boats with shallow draft and local knowledge. Anchorage off Tetamanu village inside the south pass is in 5–10 m in superb conditions.
Customs Protocols for Visiting Yachts
No international customs. Clear in Papeete. The gendarmerie can issue logbook stamps.
Yacht Clubs and Marinas in the Vicinity
- No yacht club
- Basic provisions and fuel at Rotoava
- Tetamanu Village (southern pass) is a tiny community with a small guesthouse and very basic supplies
- The atoll is remote — carry sufficient provisions
Renowned Attractions
- Tetamanu Pass diving — the annual grouper aggregation (June-July) where hundreds of marbled grouper congregate and are hunted by hundreds of sharks
- Garuae Pass — drift diving and snorkelling with grey and whitetip reef sharks, napoleonfish, and sea turtles
- Fakarava lagoon sailing — days of sailing through the enormous turquoise lagoon to reach the southern pass
- Pink sand motu beaches on the outer reef — complete solitude on pristine beaches
- Historic Tetamanu church — the oldest Catholic church in the Tuamotus, built in 1874
Currency and Exchange Rate
Currency: CFP Franc
Exchange Rate to USD
Nearby Yachting Destinations
Summary
Fakarava is the Tuamotus at their most spectacular and pristine — a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve with world-class pass diving, a vast lagoon, and a remote atoll atmosphere that represents the essence of what draws sailors to the remote coral islands of the Pacific.