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Fakarava (often misspelled “Fakatava”) is best planned as a split stay between the North Pass (Garuae/Rotoava area) and the South Pass (Tetamanu area) so you can experience both world-class drift dives/snorkels and the atoll’s quieter motu-and-lagoon rhythm. Tahiti Tourisme emphasizes that Fakarava is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and that the main activity is scuba diving, with snorkeling close behind, plus pink-sand motu trips, pearl farms, craft workshops, and exploring by bike/scooter/quad.
Split stay (recommended)
Split stay (recommended)
Nights 1–4: North Fakarava (Rotoava / near Garuae Pass) for easier logistics (airport access), more services, and frequent operator departures.
Nights 5–7: South Fakarava (Tetamanu / near Tumakohua Pass) for the iconic “wall of sharks” area and a more remote, nature-immersion feel.
7-day Itinerary - Fakarava
7-day Itinerary - Fakarava
Day 1 — Arrival + lagoon acclimation (North)
Day 1 — Arrival + lagoon acclimation (North)
Check in, then do a light beach walk and a calm snorkel close to shore to get comfortable with visibility and current.
Early night—tomorrow is your first “big water” day.
Day 2 — North Pass dive/snorkel day (Garuae Pass)
Day 2 — North Pass dive/snorkel day (Garuae Pass)
Dive day (or guided snorkel if not diving): Tahiti Tourisme highlights multicolored coral gardens and giant coral formations in the Garuae Pass.
Afternoon: recover with a slow bike ride around the flat atoll roads (Tahiti Tourisme notes bike/scooter rentals as a great way to visit beaches).
Day 3 — Pink sand motu + picnic day
Day 3 — Pink sand motu + picnic day
Take a day trip to a motu with a pink sandy beach, which Tahiti Tourisme lists as a classic Fakarava day.
Add easy snorkeling and beach time; keep the schedule spacious because heat and sun intensity build up fast on atolls.
Day 4 — “Choose your adventure” + reef-flats night walk
Day 4 — “Choose your adventure” + reef-flats night walk
Morning option: pearl farm visit (Tahiti Tourisme highlights pearl farms and the “fascinating world of pearls” as a key Fakarava theme).
Afternoon option: jet-ski/quad/bike excursion (all listed as things to do).
Evening: explore the reef flats at night with a guide (Tahiti Tourisme highlights this as a distinctive experience).
Day 5 — Transfer to South Pass (Tetamanu) + slow lagoon afternoon
Day 5 — Transfer to South Pass (Tetamanu) + slow lagoon afternoon
Move to your south-base accommodation (often by boat transfer) and spend the afternoon snorkeling right off your motu/pension if conditions allow.
Sunset: simple dinner included with your stay is common on atolls, and Tahiti Tourisme notes meals are often bundled with accommodations.
Day 6 — South Pass dive day (Tumakohua / “wall of sharks”)
Day 6 — South Pass dive day (Tumakohua / “wall of sharks”)
Signature drift dive day at the South Pass area; Tahiti Tourisme calls out the “wall of sharks” at Tumakohua.
Non-divers can still book a lagoon excursion day and keep the swim plan conservative (currents can be strong around passes).
Day 7 — Craft + farewell beach time (South or back North)
Day 7 — Craft + farewell beach time (South or back North)
Morning: craft workshop (example: learn to weave a straw hat), which Tahiti Tourisme lists among cultural activities.
Midday: final swim/snorkel (conditions permitting), then pack and plan transfer timing for flights.
Top 10 activities (Fakarava)
Top 10 activities (Fakarava)
Scuba diving (primary activity per Tahiti Tourisme).
Snorkeling (close second to diving).
Garuae Pass (North Pass) coral gardens and big coral structures (dive/snorkel).
Tumakohua Pass “wall of sharks” experience (typically as a dive).
Pink-sand motu day trip.
Night exploration of reef flats (guided).
Visit a pearl farm.
Craft workshop (e.g., straw hat weaving).
Explore by bike or scooter (beach hopping).
Jet-ski or quad excursion around lagoon/islets.
Top 10 attractions (Fakarava)
Top 10 attractions (Fakarava)
UNESCO Biosphere Reserve lagoon ecosystem (the “why” of visiting).
Garuae Pass (North Pass; widest navigable pass in French Polynesia is widely noted in official guides).
Tumakohua Pass / South Pass (shark concentration zone).
Pink sand beach motu (“les sables roses” type experience).
Coral gardens and giant coral outcrops (North Pass area).
Rotoava village (main village atmosphere).
Coral-stone churches and atoll village lanes (aesthetic/heritage vibe mentioned by Tahiti Tourisme).
Pearl farms (local industry attraction).
Reef flats (especially as a guided night experience).
Quiet atoll beaches and shoreline picnic spots (core “do nothing” attraction).
Top 10 shopping (Fakarava)
Top 10 shopping (Fakarava)
Shopping here is experiential and small-scale—pearls and handcrafted items are the two standout categories in official guidance. Tahiti Tourisme highlights visiting a pearl farm and attending craft workshops (like weaving) that can double as “buy local” moments.
Pearl farm jewelry purchases (buy direct).
Handwoven hat (workshop-made or purchased).
Locally made crafts from workshops (woven items).
Pareo/sarong finds from local stands (availability varies).
Monoi/oil products (when available at small shops).
Dive/snorkel essentials (reef-safe sunscreen, rash guard, straps) from local providers if stocked.
Postcards/small gifts (limited but sometimes available near lodgings).
Photo prints/art from local artisans (when present).
Pearl-care items (pouches/cleaning cloth) if offered at farms.
Souvenir stickers/patches from dive centers (varies by operator).
Official links (starter set; “Top 40 official sites” needs your definition)
Official links (starter set; “Top 40 official sites” needs your definition)
Tahiti Tourisme: Things to do in Fakarava.
Tahiti Tourisme (PF): What to do in Fakarava.
Tahiti Tourisme: Activities in Fakarava.
Tahiti Tourisme: Eating out in Fakarava.
Tahiti.com: Fakarava island guide (planning overview).
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