Fakarava - Dive Spirit

Fakarava is a cornerstone of global diving, home to two of the most significant passes in the Tuamotu Archipelago. As a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, the atoll protects a vast marine ecosystem that remains one of the most biodiverse environments on the planet. Whether you are looking for the high-energy drift dives of the North or the slightly calmer, shark-heavy walls of the South, the atoll offers a spectrum of experiences.

Te Ava Nui, formerly known as Dive Spirit, is positioned at PK4 on the northern part of the atoll. This location serves as a practical hub for divers staying in the various pensions and hotels around the North Pass. The centre is open seven days a week, year-round, providing a consistent base for both local exploration and international travellers looking to tick Fakarava off their bucket list.

The team is composed of professional divers dedicated to the local environment and the technical demands of atoll diving. They manage a variety of certification standards, ensuring that instruction is tailored to the specific needs of the diver, whether they are following international paths or local French qualifications.

The centre operates with a focus on safety and logistical ease, offering free transfers for those staying in accommodations around the North Pass. For those looking to integrate into the local diving community, the centre also accepts the eDivingPass.com, a multi-island pass designed for divers navigating Polynesia.

A wide range of training is available through multiple certifying bodies, including SSI, PADI, and the French FFESSM, ANMP, and CMAS systems. Beginners can start with an SSI or PADI Open Water course, while more experienced divers can progress through Advanced, Deep, and Drift specialties.

For those looking to refine their skills or specialise, the centre offers Shark Ecology and Coral Identification courses. They also provide the Rescue Diver certification and various French-standard Niveau 1 qualifications.

The centre is well-equipped for shore-based preparation, featuring 70 m² of dedicated space for gear storage and technical needs, including a compressor room. For those who prefer not to travel with a full rig, a complete range of Scubapro equipment is available for hire.

Nitrox is available on-site for divers looking to extend their bottom times or manage nitrogen loading during multi-day trips. The facilities also include a dedicated area for rinsing kit, showers, and a relaxation garden by the lagoon with hammocks for post-dive downtime.

The marine life in the passes is dominated by large pelagics and massive schools of fish. You can expect to encounter Grey reef sharks (Carcharhinus amblyrhynchos), whitetip reef sharks (Triaenodon obesus), and various other sharks (Selachimorpha) patrolling the currents. Large Tuna (Thunnus), barracudas (Sphyraena barracuda), and schools of Jack (Carangidae) are also common sights in the channel flows.

The reef structure itself is a riot of colour, populated by Napoleon wrasse (Cheilinus undulatus), parrotfish (Calotomus), and various surgeonfish. You will frequently see large groups of red snappers, bigeyes, and various species of groupers. Manta rays (Mobula alfredi) and sea turtles add to the spectacle of the larger reef walls.

In the shallower lagoon areas and coral gardens, the focus shifts to smaller, more intricate life. Angelfish, butterflyfish, and damselfish move amongst the corals, while moray eels hide in the crevices. You will also find various species of tropical fish and colourful reef fish inhabiting the complex structures of the reef flat.

Diving in Fakarava is heavily dictated by the tides and the strength of the currents. The North Pass is known for its technical drift dives, which are typically conducted during slack water or on the incoming tide for safety. The South Pass tends to offer calmer conditions compared to the North, but both require an understanding of tidal movements.

The atoll is accessible year-round, with water temperatures remaining between 26°C and 29°C. While the passes can be high-energy environments, the lagoon areas offer much calmer, more sheltered options for those less comfortable with strong currents.