Motu Aito Diving

Motu Aito Paradise - Lodge & Diving is situated on the Fakarava atoll, one of the most significant jewels of the Tuamotu archipelago. The centre is positioned to provide direct access to the atoll's famous passes, which are renowned for their immense biodiversity and unique marine ecosystems.

As part of a UNESCO biosphere reserve, the area offers a protected environment that is rare to find elsewhere. The centre provides a way to experience this wilderness through a combination of traditional accommodation and dedicated diving operations.

Established in the 1980s by Manihi and Tila Salmon, the lodge and diving operation is now managed by their son, Aroma Salmon. This family-run history provides a sense of continuity and local knowledge that is central to the guest experience.

Significant renovations have been undertaken to prepare for the 2025 season, including updates to the bungalows and the main house. The centre focuses on providing an immersive stay where the connection to the atoll and its marine life is the primary focus.

The centre offers a range of diving opportunities, from introductory experiences like Discover Scuba Diving for those new to the water, to more structured dive programmes. They provide various packages for divers looking to complete multiple dives over several days.

For those looking to progress their skills, the centre facilitates dive planning through various multi-dive packs, allowing you to explore the atoll's diverse habitats more thoroughly.

The centre operates boats for excursions to the various passes and local points of interest, such as Bird Island and the pink sands. These trips are organised according to the prevailing weather conditions to ensure safe and productive diving.

Nitrox is available for use during these boat trips, allowing for extended bottom times on many of the local sites.

The dive centre provides Nitrox for all divers at no additional cost. This is a significant advantage for those looking to maximise their no-decompression limits while exploring the reef and pass systems.

Accommodation is provided in eight traditional bungalows, which have undergone recent renovations to improve comfort. Please note that hot water is currently unavailable in the accommodation facilities.

The marine life at the South Pass is dominated by large pelagics and massive schools of fish. You can expect to see grey sharks (Carcharhinus amblyrhynchos) patrolling the area, alongside various other sharks and large schools of colourful fish.

In the coral gardens and along the reef, you will find a high density of reef fish, including parrotfish (Calotomus), surgeonfish, and various species of jacks (Carangidae). Schools of bigeyes and red snappers are also common residents of these protected waters.

Larger visitors include turtles and various rays (Batoidea), such as eagle rays (Aetobatus). You may also encounter tuna (Thunnus), barracudas, and groupers moving through the water column or stationed near the reef structure.

Diving in Fakarava is heavily influenced by the currents within the passes. These currents are what bring the abundance of life, but they require careful planning and experience to navigate safely.

Boat excursions are scheduled based on the weather and sea conditions to ensure the best possible environment for both diving and surface intervals.