Did you know that the world’s largest concentration of grey reef and black tip sharks (roughly 250-700 at once) is found at the southern pass of Fakarava Atoll? As a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, Fakarava Atoll not only has pristine clear waters and abundant marine life perfect for any scuba diver, but it’s also a haven for hundreds of rare and sometimes unique marine species and coral reefs, demonstrating the diversity and beauty of our planet’s oceans.
While certain locations like the Galapagos and Indonesia’s Komodo Islands are popular among scuba divers, French Polynesia, including the Fakarava Atoll, remains relatively unknown and less visited in comparison. However, with the availability of liveaboards (where divers can spend whole days on a boat allowing them ease of diving), they can visit many remote dive sites, including the famous Wall of Sharks, along with other reefs and marine life.
Fakarava Wall of Sharks: A Diving Icon
What is the Fakarava Wall of Sharks?
Besides its status as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, what’s best known about Fakarava is its unique dive site, the Wall of Sharks, located along the south pass of the atoll.
During strong currents, hundreds of gray reef and black tips sharks congregate here for food, forming a “wall” of sharks that is as awe-aspiring as rare.
Thanks to its protected status (making it illegal to feed or fish for sharks), the Wall of Sharks is one of the few places in the world that contains a vast abundance of sharks and other marine life in such pristine waters, making it a must-see for any adventurous diver.
Experiencing the Wall of Sharks
Divers can expect to witness many of the sharks up close and observe their hunting strategies and other interactions. At any time of day and night, divers can see numerous scores of sharks swimming gracefully along the coral reefs seeking prey, with the latter being the perfect backdrop for aspiring underwater photographers.
However, diving near sharks can be intimidating, making it all the more important to dive with experienced dive guides, who will also teach you to dive in an environmentally friendly way to ensure the protection of the site. Rest assured, there’s never been an incident of sharks biting diving there, making this location not only a thrilling diving experience but also a great spot for swimming with friendly sharks.
Other Marine Biodiversity at the Site
The Wall of Sharks also contains a plethora of other unique marine life, including schools of tropical fish, Napoleon Wrasses, groupers, octopuses, and other species.
Both the North and South Passes of Fakarava offer bountiful ecosystems and crystal-clear waters, making both major attractions for underwater photographers.
Best Fakarava Liveaboard Options
There are several liveaboard options you can choose depending on what you’re seeking. A higher-end option might be more suitable for those looking for a more private, exclusive, and personalized diving experience. A lower-end option, on the other hand, might be more fitting for those on a budget but still looking to make the most of their trip and see the beauties the atoll has to offer.
The following table summarizes the liveaboard options in and around Fakarava, followed by a more in-depth discussion of each option.
| Liveaboard | Daily Cost | Max Guest Capacity | Itinerary Length | Destinations | Check Best Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Panorama II | USD 348 | 49 | 8 days/7 nights | Papeete, Moorea, Huahine, Bora Bora, Taha’a, Raiatea | VIEW LATEST PRICE |
| Aqua Tiki II | USD 491 | 8 | (9 days/8 nights) or (10 days/9 nights) or (11 days/10 nights) | Fakarava, Tahanea, Kauehi, Toau, | VIEW LATEST PRICE |
| Aqua Tiki III | USD 595 | 10 | (9 days/8 nights) or (11 days/10 nights) | Fakarava, Tahanea, Kauehi, Toau | VIEW LATEST PRICE |
Panorama II
Amenities
The Panorama II is a motor sailer that acts as a small cruise/yacht. On board are 25 ensuite cabins separated into 4 categories.
The main deck includes a large lounge for guests to relax in, while the lower deck has a bar and restaurant, where buffets are provided. The upper deck contains an outdoor bar and a lounge area.
If you’re seeking to take in the views outside, you can relax at the large sundeck by the rear of the top deck, which has semi-covered/exposed loungers and chairs.
Note the Panorama II is exclusively for cruising or snorkelers.
Cruising/Snorkeling Sites
The Panorama II brings guests around the Polynesian islands, including Tahiti, Bora Bora, Moorea, Huahine, and Raiatea, each with its unique landscapes that rise above the turquoise waters.
Depending on the season, you may also find a separate itinerary that takes you to the Tuamotu Islands, where you can visit Rangiroa, Tikehau, and Makatea.
Aqua Tiki II
Amenities
The Aqua Tiki II is a catamaran with 4 en-suite cabins, allowing a total of 8 guests onboard. The cabins include a twin cabin, 2 doubles, and a double VIP cabin with TV, DVD, and music player.
Social areas include an indoor lounge, an outdoor covered lounge, a library, and 2 trampolines. Dining and refreshments can be found at the cocktail bar, grill, and indoor and outdoor dining areas. Internet access is available for a fee.
Equipment rental is free aboard, while Nitrox costs extra.
Dive Sites
Aqua Tiki II offers diving safaris within the Fakarava and Taumotu Atolls, where you can experience dives, beach walks, various watersport activities, and local meets.
Aqua Tiki III
Amenities
The Aqua Tiki III is a catamaran with 5 spacious cabins, each with its bathroom, allowing a total of 10 guests onboard. As the costliest option, this catamaran also features the most premium features, such as high-quality sound systems, 4K TV, CD, DVD, and Blu-ray players present in each room.
A library with books on local habitats and fauna, along with a dining room and cocktail bar, are available for social gatherings. Fresh meals and desserts are prepared by onboard chefs.
Rental gear, snorkeling gear, and nitrox are provided onboard.
Dive Sites
Fakarava, Tahanea, Toau, and Kauehi are common dive sites visited by the Aqua Tiki III. A variety of water sports, along with diving and snorkeling, are available at each site. On days when the ship is idle, there’s the option to visit local beaches and a local pearl farm.
Shark Diving in Fakarava
Fakarava, especially the Wall of Sharks, is a popular sought-after spot due to its sheer number of gray reef sharks and numerous other rare marine fauna and flora. This is made all the more exciting due to the abundance of coral reefs, which can all be seen through its pristine waters.
Though gray reef sharks are most commonly found in Fakarava, other sharks, such as blacktip reef sharks and hammerhead sharks, also call the atoll home.
Although the number of sharks may seem intimidating, gray reefs and black tips sharks are typically not aggressive unless provoked or cornered. This is another reason why it’s important to dive with experienced operators who follow local safety protocols.
Final Thoughts
From the Wall of Sharks to the plethora of other rare and unique marine life inhabiting the atoll, Fakarava is no doubt a must-see for any enthusiastic diver. And with a variety of liveaboard options to choose from, visiting remote dive sites has never been easier.
Just remember to book the liveaboard option best suited for your needs, and you’re well on your way to your next great adventure in Fakarava.