Join Unique Ocean Expeditions in the remote beauty of Fakarava Atoll, French Polynesia, for one of the most spectacular marine life events on Earth — the Camouflage Grouper Spawning. Once a year, during a narrow window timed to the lunar cycle, tens of thousands of camouflage grouper gather in the pass in a synchronized spawning frenzy. The aggregation is so dense it transforms the seafloor into a living, pulsing mosaic of fish.

This mass gathering draws in a full cast of predators — from grey reef sharks to jacks — turning the South Pass into a stage for high-energy, big-animal action. Our expert guides have years of experience in the Tuamotu Archipelago and will time each dive for the peak of the spectacle, ensuring you have the best chance to witness and photograph the event at its most intense.

Between spawning dives, you’ll explore the breathtaking reefs and drift through the famed passes of Fakarava, known for their vibrant coral gardens, abundant shark populations, and UNESCO Biosphere Reserve status. The combination of pristine scenery, world-class diving, and one of the ocean’s greatest natural phenomena makes this an expedition unlike any other.

This is a once-a-year bucket-list event with very limited availability due to strict local regulations and the seasonal nature of the aggregation. Book early to secure your place at the heart of one of French Polynesia’s most extraordinary underwater shows.

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.

PASSE GARUAE PASS (North Pass)

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 (South Pass)

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.

Leading up to the full moon tens of thousands of Camouflage Groupers (Epinephelus polyphekadion) are gathering around French Polynesia’s channels preparing to spawn, especially that of Fakarava South Pass. This channel holds the record number of groupers documented at over 18,000 individuals.

We begin our expedition before the full moon diving some of the big name sites with currents in preparation for the main event. These dives are very early morning dives, as the sun rises, we will begin the dive to watch the spectacle that is about to unfold.

A huge aggregation of groupers will rise from their hiding places, to ensure the continuation of their species. Witnessing this natural behaviour--which only can be described as an underwater firework display of energy and excitement--also attracts the biggest predators in Fakarava south pass such as hundreds of grey reef sharks, silver tips, oceanic blacktips, lemon sharks and more.

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.

THE CABINS

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.

BOAT SPECIFICATIONS

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!

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.

Visa & Entry Requirements

• 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.

Arrival in Tahiti & Connection to 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.

Pre-Trip Recommendations

• 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.