Join Unique Ocean Expeditions in the remote beauty of Fakarava Atoll, French Polynesia,
The Tuamotu Archipelago or the Tuamotu Islands are a French Polynesian chain of just under 80 islands and atolls in the southern Pacific Ocean.
They constitute the largest chain of atolls in the world, extending (from northwest to southeast) over an area roughly the size of Western Europe.,their combined land area is 850 square kilometres. Divers come here to dive the famous WALL OF SHARKS where Laurent Ballesta and his Gombessa team documented the spawning and shark predation at night.
Join Unique Ocean Expeditions team as we continue to document the annual spawning of the camouflage grouper.
Fakarava, Havaiki-te-araro, Havai'i or Farea is an atoll in the west of the Tuamotu group in French Polynesia. It is the second largest of the Tuamotu atolls. The nearest land is Toau, a coral atoll which lies 14 kilometres to the northwest.
The atoll is rectangular and its length is 60 kilometres, its width 21 kilometres. Fakarava has a wide and deep lagoon with a surface of 1,112 square kilometres with two passes. The main pass to enter the lagoon, located in its north-western end, is known as Passe Garuae and it is the largest pass in French Polynesia; the southern pass is called Tumakohua.
Fakarava has 837 inhabitants, mainly living in the main village called Rotoava, in the north.
The Garuae Pass is the widest channel in French Polynesia and is located in the north of the atoll. Currents can be particularly strong, and the channel itself is usually only dived on a slack or incoming tide. Plenty of grey reef sharks patrol the giant entrance while thousands of fish are hiding in the channel dug outs.
Possible manta ray encounters can be seen further up the channel wall, as well as a healthy reef of beautiful hard corals and a number of pelagics - including huge numbers of grey reef sharks and plenty of dog tooth tuna.
Tumakohua Pass located in the far south of the atoll, is an hour’s boat ride from Rotoava and is very different from Passe Garuae in the north.
Only 200-metres wide, this pass is far narrower with currents surprisingly calmer. On any given day, this site can provide some truly spectacular dives, particularly if you’re interested in sharks. The pass has several spots where divers can find shelter and watch as numerous sharks patrol through the pass. A cave cut into the side of the channel, known as Shark’s Hole or Shark Wall, is also home to tons of grey reef sharks.
Other than the WALL OF SHARKS, Tumakohua Pass is most famous for its annual camouflage grouper spawning event.
The Aquatiki III is an Alegria-type catamaran, from the Fountaine Pajot range. built in La Rochelle.
The comfort on board is worthy of a hotel : a vast square very comfortable, with video corner, lounge library and cocktail bar. An American kitchen, a vast cockpit sheltered from the sun by a canopy where are served meals, a large sundeck, a front salon and 2 trampolines generally very coveted, a plancha for the grills. Wireless.
It measures 20 meters long by 9.8 meters wide and has 5 spacious guest cabins :
2 modular cabins (double/twin) - 4 DIVERS
1 bunk cabin - 2 DIVERS
2 double cabin - 4 DIVERS
TOTAL - 10 DIVERS
ALL VIP equipped TV Hifi DVD, plus a possible front tip. Each cabin has a private bathroom (with cold water and hot water) and automatic WC with fresh water.
The propulsion is ensured by 230 m2 of sail and by 2 motors of 150 HP, with more than 1000 liters of tank of gas-oil.
A powerful generator and inverter ensure the electrical production of the edge, delivering 220V continuously, with individual 220V outlets in each cabin 24/7.
The aquatiki with sails out The Aquatiki is autonomous in fresh water : more than 800 liters of reserve, with 2 desalinator of 190 liters / hour. (There is no distribution of fresh water in the Tuamotu).
Of course, for maximum safety, this ship is equipped with the most complete modern navigation equipment and the latest technical evolutions: autopilot, GPS, BLU, VHF, computer navigation center, radar, standard C weather, beacon Of distress Sarsat.
Our catamaran is also equipped with all comforts : a hi-fi system with independent sound system in each cabin and CD-library, television and video recorder, DVD with video library … A library where you will find among other documentation concerning the underwater fauna, Polynesia, Navigation, etc … many games to animate your evenings …
A telephone, a wirless internet spot and a fax by satellite make it possible to stay contactable in all circumstances and even on the other side of the world!
Tucked away on a pristine private motu in the heart of the Fakarava lagoon, Motu Aito Paradise offers one of the most authentic and untouched experiences in all of French Polynesia. This is not about polished luxury or crowded resorts—it’s about raw beauty, simplicity, and being completely immersed in one of the most spectacular marine environments on the planet. Think white sand under your feet, turquoise water in every direction, and the kind of silence you forgot even existed.
The accommodation is intentionally simple yet full of character, with traditional Polynesian-style beachfront bungalows just steps from the lagoon. Everything here is designed to keep you connected to nature—no distractions, no noise, just the rhythm of the ocean. Meals are freshly prepared using local ingredients, often shared communally, creating that old-school expedition feel where stories are told, friendships are built, and every day ends with a sunset that looks like it was staged just for you.
From a diving perspective, you simply cannot be better positioned. Located close to the legendary South Pass of Fakarava, this is your gateway to one of the greatest shark diving experiences on Earth. Massive schools of grey reef sharks patrol the channel, and during spawning periods, the action becomes something few places on Earth can rival. You’re not commuting long distances here—you’re right in the middle of it, maximizing your time in the water and your chances of witnessing truly unforgettable moments.
Staying at Motu Aito Paradise is not for everyone—and that’s exactly the point. It’s for those who understand that the best experiences aren’t always the most luxurious, but the most real. If you’re looking for connection—to the ocean, to nature, and to the kind of diving that reminds you why you started in the first place—this is exactly where you want to be.
French Polynesia offers year-round warm water, excellent visibility, and world-class diving, but June is particularly special in Fakarava. This is the heart of the Camouflage Grouper Spawning season, when tens of thousands of groupers gather in the South Pass, attracting large numbers of grey reef sharks and other predators — a phenomenon recognized worldwide as one of the greatest underwater shows on Earth.
Water & Conditions
In June, water temperatures hover around 27°C (81°F) — comfortable in a 3mm wetsuit. Visibility is often excellent, averaging 20–30 meters (65–100 feet), though it can drop slightly during spawning events due to the sheer density of fish and activity in the water. Currents in the passes can be strong and fast-moving, especially during incoming or outgoing tides, making it an adrenaline-filled experience best suited for confident divers with drift-diving experience.
Weather
June falls during the dry season in French Polynesia, meaning sunnier days, cooler evenings, and generally calmer seas. Air temperatures average 25–28°C (77–82°F), with low humidity and light trade winds — ideal for both diving and exploring topside.
The Fakarava South Pass Experience
Fakarava is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, home to thriving coral reefs, abundant sharks, and rich biodiversity. During June, the South Pass transforms into a bustling marine arena — an unforgettable, high-energy dive environment that combines the beauty of pristine reefs with the raw power of predator-prey interactions.
Our Spawning Expeditions are designed for experienced divers who are comfortable in strong currents and changing conditions.
To join these trips, you must be at least an Advanced Open Water Diver (or equivalent) with a minimum of 50 logged dives.
Many of the sites involve drift diving, negative entries, and time spent at depth. You should be confident with your buoyancy, able to manage your gear independently, and comfortable using a reef hook in current.
For photographers, please ensure you have experience handling your camera setup in similar conditions, as these dives can be action-packed and fast-paced.
If you’re unsure whether your experience is suitable, contact us — we’re happy to help assess your readiness or recommend a refresher or upgrade before your trip.
Your journey begins with an international flight to Tahiti’s Faa’a International Airport (PPT), located on the island of Tahiti in French Polynesia.
This airport is served by major carriers such as Air Tahiti Nui, Air France, Hawaiian Airlines, and several others, with direct flights from Los Angeles, San Francisco, Auckland, Tokyo, and Paris.
From Tahiti, you’ll take a domestic Air Tahiti flight to Fakarava Airport (FAV).
Fakarava is part of the Tuamotu Archipelago and is accessible by daily or near-daily flights, though schedules are limited, so early booking is essential.
We recommend arriving in Tahiti at least 24–48 hours before your domestic connection to allow for international flight delays, baggage issues, and a chance to rest before the expedition.
For EU, US, Canadian, Australian, and New Zealand passport holders: No visa is required for stays under 90 days.
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months after your planned departure.
Proof of onward or return travel is required upon entry.
The local currency is the CFP Franc (XPF), but credit cards are widely accepted in Papeete and most guesthouses in Fakarava.
Most flights into Tahiti arrive in the evening. If your international arrival time does not connect smoothly to a same-day flight to Fakarava, you will need to overnight in Papeete or a nearby hotel before your domestic departure.
Air Tahiti operates small turboprop aircraft to the Tuamotus, so baggage allowances are stricter than international flights.
Plan ahead for weight limits, especially if traveling with dive gear and camera equipment.
Excess baggage fees can be high, so consider packing smart or pre-purchasing extra weight.
Upon arrival in Fakarava, you’ll be met by our team and transferred to your accommodation or directly to the vessel, depending on your itinerary.
Arrive Early: Two days before the start date is ideal, giving you time to adjust, rest, and ensure all gear arrives with you.
Book Flights Early: Domestic flights to the Tuamotus fill up fast, especially during spawning season.
Bring Cash: While cards are accepted in some locations, smaller shops and remote operators often prefer cash (CFP Francs).
Travel Insurance: Strongly recommended, including dive coverage.
Payment Schedule
Booking deposit (non-refundable) 25%
Payment 2 - 12 months prior to departure 25%
Balance payment - 6 months prior to departure 50%
Terms & Conditions
All bookings are subject to the provisions in our "Terms and Conditions" and "Payment and Cancellation Terms" found on our website:
Terms & Conditions
Payment & Cancellation Terms
When it comes to dive travel, anyone can take you somewhere beautiful — but we take you somewhere unforgettable.
At Unique Ocean Expeditions, we don’t just sell trips; we create front-row seats to nature’s greatest marine spectacles. From the explosive energy of Palau’s Full Moon Red Snapper Spawning to shark-filled channels, manta encounters, and pristine reefs, our expeditions put you in the right place, at the right time — every time.
Here’s why seasoned divers choose us:
Unmatched Expertise – Led by expert guides and award-winning underwater photographers.
Exclusive Encounters – We specialize in timing trips with rare natural events you can’t just stumble upon — spawning aggregations, predator hunts, and big-animal action.
Small Groups, Big Experiences – We keep numbers low so you get maximum time in the water, personal guidance, and the freedom to enjoy the moment without the crowds.
World-Class Partnerships – We team up with the best liveaboards and dive operators in the Pacific to give you luxury, safety, and adventure in one seamless package.
Ocean First – We’re committed to sustainable practices and marine conservation, ensuring these incredible experiences remain for generations to come.
Papeete to Fakarava
