Kaina Plongee

Located on the Fakarava atoll, the second largest in the Tuamotu Archipelago, Kaina Plongée provides access to some of the most significant diving in French Polynesia. The atoll is defined by its two massive openings: the Garuae Pass in the North, which spans 1600m, and the smaller Tumakohua Pass in the South.

Established in 2011, the centre operates year-round, serving divers who want to experience the unique drift dives and high-energy environments characteristic of these channels. Whether you are looking for a guided exploration of the reef or a technical dive, the centre is positioned to facilitate access to the atoll's most famous underwater features.

The centre is led by Vincent, an instructor who has been resident on the island since 2001. The team consists of three experienced instructors with a deep range of qualifications, including CMAS ***, FFESSM E3, and Nitrox Instructor status. Their technical expertise extends to CCR Submatix diving and gas blending.

With a maximum capacity of 10 divers per day, the structure remains intimate and professional. The instructors hold various certifications across CMAS, PADI, SSI, and TDI, ensuring they can support a wide spectrum of training requirements and diving styles.

Kaina Plongée offers a comprehensive range of training through multiple certifying bodies, including PADI, SSI, CMAS, NAUI, TDI, and IANTD. Beginners can start with Discover Scuba Diving (DSD) or progress through Open Water certifications for PADI, NAUI, and SSI.

For those moving into advanced and technical diving, the centre provides courses such as PADI Advanced Open Water, SSI Extended Range, and TDI Deco Procedures. Technical divers can train for PADI TEC 40, PADI TEC 50, SSI Technical Extended Range, and IANTD Technical Diver levels. The centre also offers Nitrox certification and various CMAS levels, from the 20m Supervised Diver (CMAS 1*) up to Level 3 (CMAS ***).

The primary vessel is the AQUAPRO, an 8m RIB equipped with a 225hp Suzuki motor. This setup provides the necessary power and agility for navigating the currents often found in the Fakarava passes. The boat is designed to carry up to 10 divers comfortably.

To ensure comfort during trips, sea raincoats are provided on board for use during inclement weather. The boat serves as the platform for exploring the North channel, the South channel, and the sites at Toau.

The shore-based facilities are equipped to handle both recreational and technical requirements. A BAUER Mariner compressor with a 19-metre capacity is used on-site. For divers using mixed gases, Nitrox is available, and the centre is equipped to support rebreather divers.

Full kit hire is included, featuring Scubapro DIN regulators and Hydros, Lighthawk, or T One BCDs in sizes ranging from XXS to XL. Divers can also access 3mm full wetsuits, 3mm shortys, and 5.5mm shortys. Cylinders are provided in both 12L and 15L aluminium and steel options, supplied to 230 bars with both DIN and International valves. For younger divers, the centre stocks 7L cylinders and adapted mouthpieces.

The waters around Fakarava are home to a vast array of pelagics. You can expect to see various sharks, including Grey reef shark (Carcharhinus amblyrhynchos), Whitetip reef shark (Triaenodon obesus), and blacktip sharks. Large schools of fish are common, including tuna (Thunnus), jack (Carangidae), barracudas, and red snappers.

During your dives, you will encounter various rays, such as the eagle ray (Aetobatus), and larger species like the manta ray (Mobula alfredi). Schools of batfish, surgeonfish, and perch often move through the water column, alongside Napoleon wrasse (Cheilinus undulatus) and various groupers or marbled groupers.

The reef itself is a vibrant ecosystem populated by parrotfish (Calotomus), colorful tropical fish, and bigeyes. You will also see dolphins (Delphinidae) and various species of reef fish throughout the atoll's channels.

Diving in Fakarava often involves drift diving, which frequently requires mandatory decompression stops. Divers should be prepared for the specific current profiles found in the North and South passes.

Local regulations require divers to carry a dive card or a digital copy on their phone. While a medical certificate is not mandatory, it is strongly recommended due to the lack of medical facilities on the island.